Poggers is a small family owned online-only retail store which sells toys, games and collectibles for all ages. Poggers only sells officially licensed products and merchandise such as: anime figures, video game merch and nerdy gifts. Check out the shop daily for any sales, deals, discounts and promotions.
Shop from a variety of different collectible and licensed brands such as: LEGO, Magic: The Gathering, Nintendo, Dragon Ball, Pokémon, Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Naruto, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, Disney, One Piece, Super Mario, Zelda & more!
Company: Poggers
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Ray Lauzums : Hi, I am Ray Lauzums owner of poggers.
Poggers is a small family owned online-only retail store which sells toys, games and collectibles for all ages. Poggers only sells officially licensed products and merchandise such as: anime figures, video game merch and nerdy gifts. Check out the shop daily for any sales, deals, discounts and promotions.
Shop from a variety of different collectible and licensed brands such as: LEGO, Magic: The Gathering, Nintendo, Dragon Ball, Pokémon, Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Naruto, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, Disney, One Piece, Super Mario, Zelda & more!
What does success mean to you beyond financial growth, and how has your definition evolved over time?
Ray Lauzums : As the owner of Poggers, success for me now goes beyond financial growth—it’s about creating a lasting impact on both our customers and community. While profitability is essential, I’ve come to realize that true fulfillment comes from making a difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s helping a parent find the perfect toy or creating a space where gaming enthusiasts can connect, I want to foster joy, imagination, and shared experiences. Building a loyal community around these interests has become my focus. Additionally, empowering my team to grow and innovate has redefined success for me—it’s about purpose, connection, and leaving a positive legacy that extends beyond just selling products.
Can you share a specific failure or major setback that unexpectedly led to a significant breakthrough in your career?
Ray Lauzums : One of the biggest challenges we faced at Poggers was during the early days of integrating AI into our operations. We were excited about the potential of AI to enhance customer experiences through personalized recommendations and predictive inventory management, but the initial rollout was a disaster. Our data was fragmented, the team struggled to adapt, and we ended up with inaccurate predictions that caused stock shortages on our best-selling items, frustrating our customers. That failure was a major wake-up call. It pushed us to reassess our approach, prioritize proper data consolidation, and provide more hands-on training for the team. In the end, the setback taught us resilience and the value of adaptability. We not only overcame the hurdles but saw a 15% increase in average order value and a 20% improvement in customer satisfaction. What initially felt like a failure ultimately became a turning point in Poggers’ growth.
How do you measure personal fulfillment and impact in your role as an entrepreneur or CEO?
Ray Lauzums : As the owner of Poggers, I’ve come to measure fulfillment and impact by how I can positively affect both my customers and my team. While success was initially defined by financial growth, it’s now about the joy, connection, and creativity our products bring to people’s lives—whether it’s families bonding over a game or children discovering new ways to be imaginative. I also find meaning in creating an environment where my team can grow, innovate, and take ownership of their work, fostering a strong, thriving community around shared interests. Ultimately, it’s about making a positive difference and leaving a legacy built on purpose, creativity, and connection.
What unconventional advice or practice has helped you overcome challenges and redefine your approach to business?
Ray Lauzums : One unconventional piece of advice that has really shaped how I run Poggers is embracing failure as a tool for innovation rather than something to avoid. Early on, I was so focused on optimizing everything and avoiding mistakes that it actually slowed us down. We missed opportunities to experiment and take risks. Now, I encourage my team to take calculated risks, try new things, and not be afraid of failure—it’s become part of our learning process. For example, when we first introduced AI-driven analytics for customer demand, there were a lot of initial bumps, but those “failures” helped us refine the system and led to improvements in both sales and customer experience. I’ve also shifted from a purely financial focus to one that emphasizes our impact on customers, the community, and our team. Success is no longer just about growth, but about creating a positive legacy, fostering creativity, and building a sense of community around what we do. This mindset has made us more resilient and adaptable, even in the face of tough challenges.
How have your setbacks shaped the culture and values of your organization? Can you give an example of how these values are reflected in daily operations?
Ray Lauzums : As the owner of Poggers, I’ve learned that our setbacks have been instrumental in shaping our company culture and values. Initially, I was all about optimizing our business and avoiding mistakes at all costs, but I quickly realized this approach stifled creativity and slowed our progress. Embracing failure as a tool for innovation has transformed our mindset. For instance, when product launches didn’t meet expectations, we didn’t dwell on the failures; instead, we analyzed what went wrong and used those insights to guide our future strategies. This shift has empowered our team to take calculated risks and experiment without fear. One way we reflect these values is through our weekly brainstorming sessions, where everyone—from marketing to customer service—is encouraged to share their ideas, including lessons learned from setbacks. This open dialogue sparks creativity and reinforces the belief that every experience, good or bad, contributes to our growth. We’ve seen fantastic innovations emerge from these sessions, like our AI-driven analytics that help us understand customer demand and personalize shopping experiences. By nurturing an environment where learning from setbacks is celebrated, we’ve built a more agile and innovative team, enhancing our ability to serve customers and adapt to market changes, all while cultivating a sense of ownership and community that aligns perfectly with our values of creativity, connection, and making a positive impact.
