The Card Collab – Issue #23
In Jacksonville, Pokémon has a way of bringing people together who might not otherwise cross paths. A card can spark a conversation between longtime collectors, introduce a kid to the excitement of opening their first pack, or give two strangers something to bond over. For Josh, the person behind Duval Squirtle Squad, those moments are a big part of what makes the hobby worth being involved in.
What started with a love of Pokémon has grown into something that reaches well beyond the cards. Through pop-ups at local businesses, appearances at shows, and collaborations with other vendors, Josh has been finding ways to bring Pokémon into different corners of Jacksonville. He wants people to discover new places, meet others who share their interests, and feel comfortable being part of the hobby, no matter how long they’ve been collecting.
That approach is reflected in the name itself. Duval Squirtle Squad is playful, unmistakably Pokémon, and rooted in Jacksonville. But for Josh, the word “Squad” has come to mean much more than a name for his business.
It represents the friendships he’s made, the people he wants to support, and the kind of experience he hopes to create whenever he sets up a table.
A Name That Became a Community
Before there was Duval Squirtle Squad, Josh was operating under a different name: Duval Card Cartel. The change came after a friend suggested Duval Squirtle Squad, a name that connected two things Josh already loved. He’s a longtime fan of Squirtle, especially the original anime’s Squirtle Squad, so the idea felt right.
The name had a fun, familiar ring to it, but “Squad” took on a deeper meaning as Josh spent more time in the hobby. Vending at shows, traveling, and meeting other collectors introduced him to people who gradually became friends. What began as a way to identify his table turned into something that represented the relationships he was building along the way.
Josh estimates he’s made hundreds of friends through Pokémon. That’s a lot of people to meet over cards, but it speaks to how much can happen when you keep showing up, striking up conversations, and getting to know the people around you.
That same spirit shapes how he wants people to feel when they visit Duval Squirtle Squad. A table isn’t just a place to display cards and make sales. It can be somewhere to ask questions, talk about a favorite Pokémon, show off a collection, or meet someone who shares the same interests. For kids especially, a first visit to a vendor table can be an introduction to a hobby they’ll enjoy for years.