Episode 146

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Published on:

15th May 2024

MVP146: Millennium Games - Building the Biggest Game Store in the USA

Welcome to another episode of the Manaverse Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Travis Severance, the co-owner of Millennium Games in Rochester, New York. Join us as we dive into Travis's incredible journey in the gaming industry, exploring the challenges he's faced and the strategies that have made Millennium Games the largest game store in the USA.

In this interview, we cover:

  • Travis's early passion for gaming and how his family's gaming habits influenced him.
  • His unique career path, from professional poker and mortgages to owning a game store.
  • The origin story and growth of Millennium Games, expanding from a small store to a 28,000 square foot gaming haven.
  • The importance of diversity within product categories to handle market fluctuations.
  • Strategies for creating a successful game store, including the significance of customer feedback and community building.
  • The role of game stores in fostering a welcoming environment and adapting communication for new customers.
  • Insights into balancing a strong online presence with the success of a brick-and-mortar store.
  • Personal lessons and the importance of learning from mistakes in the business.

Links Mentioned:

Millennium Games TV on YouTube

Millennium Games and Travis on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/MillenniumGames

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009368408612

Millennium Games on Instagram

Millennium Games on Twitter/X

Millennium Games on Twitch

Travis also shares his experiences from industry events like the ACD open house and GenCon trade day, offering invaluable insights for aspiring game store owners and gaming enthusiasts alike.

Don't miss this episode if you're looking to learn from one of the best in the business! Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews and insights from the gaming industry. Enjoy the interview!

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About the Podcast

The Manaverse Podcast: Magic: the Gathering Business / Game Store Entrepreneurship / LGS Professionals
Grow your business, sell more games.
The Manaverse Podcast is a podcast created for you, the gamer with aspirations of building your own local game store (LGS), the entrepreneur running an LGS who wants to grow their business, and the player who wants a behind the scenes look into their favourite hobby. If you’re looking for inspiration, new ideas, and interesting perspectives then Tom Traplin has you covered. Learn the business of selling some of the best games in the world including Mtg, Warhammer, Warmachine, Dungeons and Dragons, board games and Euro games from some of the best retailers in the industry. Once a week, Tom talks with some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the game industry and pulls out the strategies, tactics, and systems that make their businesses so effective. With a special focus on Magic: the Gathering, you will learn how to level up your LGS and build a better community with Tom Traplin and the Manaverse Podcast.
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About your host

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Thomas Traplin

Tom Traplin has been involved in the Magic community for the past 18 years in a variety of roles. As a player he played competitively in cities all over North America. As a tournament organizer he's managed hundreds of events and given away thousands of dollars in prizes. As the owner of an LGS he built up a local community and made a living selling Magic cards.

Tom is also the host of the Manaverse Podcast where he interviews some of the best game store entrepreneurs in North America including Pete Hoefling, John Coviello, Lynn Potyen, and many more. He is also a husband, father, business strategist, digital marketer, Dragonball Z fan, and philosopher. Not necessarily in that order.

His mission is to encourage more people to become game store entrepreneurs by giving them the tools and skills they need to succeed.