Louie Gregory has always been a collector. From baseball cards to autographs to pop culture items, he’s had an eye for unique items.
It’s no surprise he is writing the latest chapter of his journey with his entrepreneurial spirit in the collectibles market. His shift from a 20-year career in law enforcement and government to a start-up collectible coin and pin company was a gamble, but in just 18 months he has created a multi-million-dollar firm with global appeal.
The Sachem alum, who was inducted to the Sachem Hall of Honor in 2019, worked as a chief for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which operates as part of Homeland Security.
“I’m really hitting my stride,” said Gregory, who credits Michael Strahan as a mentor and sounding board during the business launch and growth process.
“He has given me the most valuable asset I never knew I needed so much, confidence,” he said. “It’s a difficult choice to make when you decide to leave a guaranteed salary to chase a dream, but I’m so glad that I did and beyond grateful for the lessons learned and experiences earned while serving our homeland. I wouldn’t change a thing. Life is a process; trust it and hustle like you are broke.”
What started as coins and pins related to America’s front line workers in military, police and fire, has morphed into entertainment collectibles. He landed a licensing deal with Topps to print Garbage Pail Kids collectibles, and has recently added Ghostbusters thanks to a deal with Capital Pictures.
“It’s fun to see each challenge coin and pin creation sell out in mere seconds,” he said.
He has a growing partnership with entertainment powerhouse Adam F. Goldberg, the writer and mind behind ABC’s “The Goldbergs, who is also a major collector himself.
What’s next?
“Cobra Kai licensing,” said Gregory.
When asked what his challenge coin secret recipe is, he said, “no mercy.”
