About SAGE

Company History

LAKE ELSINORE, CA -

In the same manner of small, independent breweries and wineries where making quality and unique product are the company’s mission, SA•GE Collectibles, Inc., a small independent card company was formed. Not since Upper Deck opened its doors over a decade ago has a new card company with such enthusiasm and creativity been developed. This is not surprising since the company’s co-founder, Tom Geideman was also one of the primary reasons behind the early success of Upper Deck, and its first employee.

That same year, while also attending college, Geideman met and befriended SA•GE's other co-founder, Robert Sadlak. One year later, after earning his Master's degree, Sadlak, unexpectedly found himself working alongside his friend Geideman. While there, the two card fanatics produced some of the Hobby's finest products, capturing countless Card-Set-of-the-Year awards and introducing numerous industry innovations along the way.

A few years later, both Geideman and Sadlak traveled east to accept broader positions at the ScoreBoard, Inc. serving as Director of Marketing and Director of Operations respectively. The two continued to work well together and formed a strong partnership despite the chaotic situation.

Then in 1998 fed up with the overproduction and over-proliferation of products in their beloved Hobby Sadlak and Geideman decided to put their money where their mouths were. Backed by creative determination, a patent pending process, and nearly every penny they had to their names the two formed their own card company. Borrowing the first two letters of their last names they incorporated SA•GE in June of that year.

"Making quality collectible product is the main goal of our company," stated Geideman, President of SA•GE Collectibles, Inc. "Because we are a Micro-Printer™, we don’t have to worry about large overhead and costs. That, quite simply, allows us to pass tremendous value through to collectors, and offer a great product that no other company is able to put together."

Sadlak, the company's Chief Operating Officer, took it one step further, "as collectors and not faceless corporate suits forced to constantly watch the bottom line, our goal is to make products that are not only fun to collect, but able to maintain long term collectibility. That is why we have focused our products on autographs and rookies. Along with limited production runs, our products have all the elements that collectors have been asking the manufacturers to make and in one product. Being a Micro-Printer allows SA•GE the luxury of dropping lines if they are not accepted instead of forcing them upon the Hobby to hit a target financial number."

In November 1999 with three products and three sell-outs behind them, SA•GE Collectibles, moved west to California. Until that time, Geideman had been working in Sewell, New Jersey with Sadlak over 3000 miles away in CA. The two friends met face-to-face only three times in that span. "Each time we met was during a product’s packaging to ensure the quality in every pack." stated Sadlak. "The move enables us to better concentrate our efforts and to put out even better products going forward."

Tom Geideman, President

During his tenure at the ScoreBoard, Inc., as Director of Marketing, and Upper Deck, Tom brought about many innovations that are now industry norms. Two of his better known creations are Autographs (1990) and Die-Cuts (1993).

Tom has been involved with cards since he learned how to read, literally. In fact his parents state that is how he learned how to read. "I started collecting cards when I was four and have enjoyed them ever since," stated Tom. "I played with my cards until the they nearly split in half. Unlike conventional collections I find that I treasure those beat up cards the most. This is such a great Hobby, and I consider myself lucky to be a part of it."

I welcome your thoughts on how we are doing. - Tom

Robert Sadlak, C.O.O

Robert started collecting cards as a child and is fortunate enough to still have many of the cards that he collected. His favorite card from his childhood is the 1976 Topps Walter Payton Card #148. "I loved Walter Payton’s ethics both as a player and a person," stated Robert. "He was a very versatile player who was able to do so many things well. His unfortunate health problems and how he handled them shows the type of class act that he was."

Have a question? I would like to hear from you. - Robert

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