Actual FAQS

In this episode of Shop Talk, Jax (Crazy Squirrel Game Store) and Calvin (NextGen Escape) move past the surface-level questions to discuss the real-world experiences of owning "nerd-adjacent" businesses in Fresno. From "Busman’s Holidays" to the financial terror of card game releases, this is an unfiltered look at the entrepreneur's life.

1. Do You Play at Other Shops? (The "Busman's Holiday")

Both Jax and Calvin admit that while time is finite, visiting other businesses is essential for growth.

• The Busman’s Holiday: Jax explains the old adage of taking a vacation only to do work. For shop owners, this means checking out lighting, shelf fixtures, and "butt-brush effects" in every store they visit.

• Inspiration, Not Theft: Calvin discusses how experiences—like a pirate ship escape room in Reno or a submarine room in Honolulu—inspire new mechanics and themes at NextGen, even if the execution is uniquely his own.

2. The Death of the Hobby?

A common irony of business ownership: the more you work in a field you love, the less time you have to actually enjoy the hobby.

• Jax: Notes that opening a game store is the easiest way to stop playing games. She now views games through an analytical lens—"Will this sell?"—rather than just for fun.

• Calvin: Shares the sentiment, noting that while he wish he could master every strategy of every game sold, the sheer variety of inventory makes it impossible.

3. The Financial "Owner Stress"

The duo gets candid about the high-stakes world of small business finances.

• The "New Car" Order: Jax reveals the stress of "Magic: The Gathering" release weeks, where she might spend $30,000 to $40,000 on product before even knowing if the set is "good" or if customers will want it.

• Skin in the Game: They discuss the difference between "Manager Stress" and "Owner Stress"—when it’s your personal credit line and your rent on the line, the weight is entirely different.

4. Why Become an Entrepreneur?

Despite the 18-hour days and the stress of malfunctioning props, neither Jax nor Calvin can imagine going back to a "normal" job.

• Control & Accountability: For Jax, it was about being the one to make the decisions (and the mistakes) after years in the newspaper industry.

• Building the Dream: For Calvin, it was about using his technical skills to build something unique rather than answering to a boss who might not understand the vision.

"The question shouldn't be 'Would you open another store?' It should be 'Can you ever work for someone else again?'"

Key Takeaways for Budding Entrepreneurs:

• Read First: Jax recommends the book Friendly Local Game Store by Gary Ray as a "reality check" for anyone wanting to enter the industry.

• Employee Relations: A golden rule from the duo: Never ask an employee to do something you wouldn't do yourself.

• The "Perfectly Broken" Philosophy: Calvin shares that no game is ever perfect; the flaws and iterations are what make them interesting and personal.

💬 We want to hear from you!

Do you have a "Nuanced FAQ" for Jax or Calvin? Whether it's about set design, retail logistics, or customer horror stories, leave a comment on our YouTube or Spotify!