Drew Chavez
Hookers Text Story
GE: Saeed Dabbour
Hookers Story
Collecting cards has been a staple of American sports tradition for over an entire century. Trading Cards have taken a recent jump in popularity, which stems from the sudden surge of online card breaking. Dennis Hooker’s Staple card shop in Eugene, Hookers Sports Cards, has also seen a massive increase in customers.
Dennis Hooker was early to the hobby, finding a passion for sports cards in the late 70s. In 1985 Dennis decided to buckle down in Eugene, starting a business to support his lifestyle. Hooker didn’t have many aspirations for the shop when opening. He wasn’t fully ready to devote himself to the idea of Hookers Sports Cards. “I work harder now than I did then,” Hooker said. “When you’re a younger man you don’t have those big adult responsibilities.” He finishes.
Dennis has found a long-lasting love for his business while being open for the prior 39 years. He has made friends, family, and quickly had work feeling like home. “A lot of young collectors come in and get really excited about it, so I don’t really look at this as a job all that much.” said Hooker. Dennis has made lifelong friends, and many warm memories to flood his temporal lobe; however, Hooker feels his most positive change stems from Dove, his girlfriend of 25 years. “I’ve had to kind of tow that line, her being a judge and all” Said Hooker. “It teaches you things.” Hooker expanded, making it clear that he feels balancing work and life outside the shop is where his growth has shown.
Hooker has ambitious plans for his Eugene retirement, and has already begun putting them in motion. He has purchased loads of land in Texas for him and Dove. “It’s sad to see him go.” Fellow business partner John praises Hooker. “Being welcomed with fair prices, and an honest store owner is rare today” Hooker seems more than excited about his Texas plans, but is rather hesitant to let go of the shop. John, whom Hooker sees as an “extension of himself”, is planning to keep the doors open.