GoPinPro® History

The Story of GoPinPro®:

In 2017, with years of pin trading experience behind us and at just 8, 11, and 13 years old, we founded GoPinPro®. What started as a hobby fueled by our love for pin trading and the desire to keep our pins safe quickly blossomed into an incredible business. Today, GoPinPro® is a thriving family-run company dedicated to creating innovative solutions and celebrating the vibrant community of pin collectors worldwide.

How It All Began

Our journey started with family trips from New York to Walt Disney World, where our grandmother, lovingly known as Baba, introduced us to the magic of pin trading. Each trip, we eagerly selected lanyards and a few cherished pins, creating a tradition that turned into a lifelong passion. For us, every pin was more than just a collectible—it was a memory, a token of our special moments with Baba and the magic of Disney.

Like most pin traders, we displayed our pins on lanyards, proudly showcasing our growing collection. However, after long days in the parks, we often faced the heartbreak of discovering a treasured pin had gone missing. Little did we know, this was a common frustration shared by pin traders everywhere.

In 2010, our family relocated to Florida, and Walt Disney World became part of our everyday life. Weekends were spent at the parks, trading pins with cast members and guests, and our collection grew along with our love for the hobby. But with growth came challenges: lanyards were uncomfortable, pin books were difficult to use, and the risk of losing pins remained constant.

 

Finding the Solution

Determined to solve these problems, we began experimenting with ways to safely display and store our pins. After testing various pin books and storage methods, we realized none met our needs. Pins were valuable—many were limited editions—and pin backs were awkward and time-consuming to manage. After countless “PINjuries,” we decided there had to be a better way.

This inspired the creation of PinFolio®, a solution that made pin trading fun, easy, and safe. After testing different materials and designs, we crafted our first PinFolios at home. These innovative storage solutions eliminated the need for pin backs, allowing us to trade pins effortlessly while keeping them secure.

 

From Hobby to Business

When we began using PinFolios at the parks, they quickly caught the attention of fellow pin traders. People stopped us to ask where they could buy one, and we were surprised by how many collectors shared our frustrations. Though we had no intention of starting a business, the overwhelming interest inspired us to list a few PinFolios online. They sold out almost immediately, and the demand only grew.

Recognizing the potential of what we had created, we worked with our parents to develop a brand identity. Together, we came up with the names PinFolio® and GoPinPro®, trademarks that would set our products apart in the marketplace. What began as a simple solution to a common problem quickly grew into a thriving business that has helped tens of thousands of collectors worldwide.

 

Growing as a Brand

As young entrepreneurs, we attended trade shows, partnered with manufacturers, and worked closely with the pin trading community to refine and grow our product line. Since 2017, GoPinPro® has sold over 150,000 PinFolios worldwide and proudly holds a patent for our revolutionary Stick’N’Go™ technology, which has become the gold standard in pin storage and trading.

Through hard work and dedication, we’ve built partnerships with some of the most recognizable brands in the world. These include Hard Rock International, Knott’s Berry Farm, Whatnot, Loungefly, Artland, and the XFL, among others. PinFolios are now sold at multiple Hard Rock Cafe locations worldwide, expanding our reach to collectors and enthusiasts across the globe.

Our journey has also brought us incredible opportunities, from speaking alongside Disney executives and presenting to classrooms of aspiring entrepreneurs to being featured on Fox Business with Kevin Harrington, the Original Shark from Shark Tank. We’ve attended major events like MegaCon Orlando and D23 Anaheim as vendors and have hosted GoPinPro® trading nights near Disneyland and Walt Disney World, connecting directly with our passionate community of collectors.

 

Pin HQ: A Hub for Pin Enthusiasts

Pin HQ, located in Winter Garden, Florida, is more than just a storefront—it's a community gathering space for pin enthusiasts from all walks of life. With over a quarter of a million pins in stock, Pin HQ is a true haven for collectors, traders, and fans alike. It's where people can connect, share their collections, and discover new pins that add to their passion. Visitors can explore a wide range of pins, from classic Disney pins to limited-edition releases, rare collectibles, and exclusive collaborations with various brands.

The space is designed not only for trading and selling but also for creating memorable experiences. Pin HQ hosts regular trading events where people from all over the country come together to swap pins, share stories, and forge new friendships. These events have become a tradition for many collectors, as they provide a rare opportunity to interact in person, show off their prized collections, and engage with the GoPinPro® team. For many, Pin HQ is not just a place to buy or trade pins—it’s a place to celebrate their love of pin collecting and be part of a larger, supportive community.

 

Partnerships: Expanding the GoPinPro® Reach

The growth of GoPinPro® has been fueled by the strong partnerships we've built over the years, enabling us to bring our products and innovations to pin collectors around the world. Our collaborations with some of the most renowned brands in entertainment, hospitality, and retail have allowed us to expand our reach and create unique products that celebrate pin trading in new and exciting ways.

Hard Rock International®: One of our most significant partnerships has been with Hard Rock International, where GoPinPro® PinFolios are now sold in multiple Hard Rock Cafe locations worldwide. This partnership has given us the chance to connect with a global audience of pin collectors and music enthusiasts who appreciate the art of trading and displaying pins.

- Knott’s Berry Farm®: Our relationship with Knott’s Berry Farm has allowed us to offer exclusive pin storage solutions for the park's dedicated pin trading community. This collaboration highlights our commitment to creating solutions that meet the unique needs of collectors from various theme parks.

- Whatnot: Working with Whatnot, an online platform for collectors, has been an exciting opportunity for GoPinPro® to reach a broader digital audience. The platform’s live auction format allows collectors to interact in real-time while bidding on pins and trading supplies, including our innovative PinFolios. It’s a perfect marriage of online convenience and our love for in-person trading events.

- Loungefly®: GoPinPro®’s partnership with Loungefly has allowed us to design exclusive pins. Loungefly’s fans appreciate the combination of style and functionality. As 

- Artland: Our partnership with Artland has given us the opportunity to collaborate on limited-edition pins and exclusive designs. Artland’s commitment to high-quality, artist-driven designs aligns perfectly with our dedication to offering collectors the best in pin storage and display solutions. Together, we’ve been able to offer fans a one-stop shop for high-end pins and storage solutions.

- XFL: As a part of our ongoing growth and expansion, we’ve teamed up with the XFL to bring exclusive pins to the sports and entertainment community. This partnership has allowed us to create a new realm of pin trading for fans of the XFL, creating a unique crossover between sports and the pin collecting world.

These partnerships represent just a few examples of the many incredible collaborations GoPinPro® has fostered over the years. Each one is a testament to the strength of the pin collecting community and the shared passion for celebrating what makes each pin unique. Through these partnerships, GoPinPro® continues to innovate, bringing new products and experiences to fans, collectors, and traders worldwide.

 

Looking Ahead: Exciting Developments

The future for GoPinPro® looks brighter than ever as we continue to grow, expand our product lines, and deepen our connections with both the pin trading community and our partners. We’re constantly looking for ways to innovate, whether through new product designs, limited-edition collaborations, or events that allow us to engage directly with our customers.

We’re excited about what’s to come, and we’re incredibly grateful to our customers, partners, and supporters for being a part of this journey. From the heart of GoPinPro® to the world of pin trading, we’ll keep creating products that help you celebrate your passions, one pin at a time. Stay tuned for more collaborations, exclusive releases, and exciting events as we continue to push the boundaries of pin trading!