Exclusive Interview with Patrick Kwan, President of Max Protection Gaming Supplies

As any Magic: the Gathering or other collectible card game player knows, it is imperative to protect their cards from the wear and tear of play. All DCI sanctioned Magic: the Gathering tournaments require players to use unmarked decks, and using protective card sleeves is a universal solution. I recently had the chance to speak with Patrick Kwan, president of Max Protection, about their card sleeves and gaming supplies.

Max Protection is a company that specializes in providing protective gaming supplies such as card sleeves, deck boxes, and portfolios. They also have specialized bags for storing you decks and other gaming supplies. Compared to other companies, Max Protection also offers a vast variety of gaming supplies.

Unlike other companies that produce solid color card sleeves, Max Protection is better known for having colorful images on their card sleeves and gaming supplies. This gives players many options for customizing their card sleeves, rather than playing with boring solid color card sleeves offered by other companies (although they do offer solid card sleeves as well).

One can view Max Protection's card sleeves and other gaming supplies at MaxProtection.net.

Here's the interview:

Please tell me a little about the history Max Protection. Is it true that your company has had many industry firsts when it comes to gaming accessories?

"Max Protection originally started by Patrick Kwan Jr and Sr in 1988. As father and son they were avid card collectors and thought it would be fun to start manufacturing storage solutions for trading cards. The company was called PKK Products, aka Patrick Kwan and Kid. Trading cards then led to collectibles such as memorabilia, comic books, toys, all things both Patrick's enjoyed.

In terms of gaming accessories in 1996, PKK developed the Game Keeper the world's first deck box. In 2003, the name was changed from PKK to Max Protection for legal purposes. The Patrick's wanted a name that reflected the mission of the company."

What sets Max Protection apart from its competitors?

"Being the first at a lot of products certainly sets us apart. Rather than being reactive, we are proactive in our research and development. We will never copy a product, improving, definitely, but we feel that it cheapens the product and ourselves if we blatantly copy products as so many people do.

We're also gamers and collectors ourselves. I don't think too many can say that in this world. Too many people hate what they do for a living. We live the dream, we love what we do."

Why should Magic: the Gathering (and other CCG) players use your products?

"Having lots of choice is a great thing, it's better for everyone involved. It pushes Max Protection to continuously innovate and create and it gives gamers the wonder opportunity to have freedom of choice.

We are gamers, we love games, we play games, we are fans and collectors too. We are always looking to take accessories and storage to the next level of innovation and creativity."

Who draws all the amazing art for your card sleeves and other gaming supplies?

"We have a great stable of artists from around the world. My favorite is Anne Stokes. Often times I will sketch the art out and have an artist finish it or redo it for me, I'm not that skilled, but I start the ideas."

Could you tell me about any exciting new product releases lined up 2010? Any new artists?

"We are always looking for new artists, we get lots of submissions, but I find the best ideas come when I'm not actively looking. We have a few new items that we are going to release this year, but it's still under wraps, but keep an eye out; it's going to be a fun year!"

For players whose local game store doesn't carry Max Protection, where can they purchase your product online?

"There are lots of great websites. Ideal808.com is great, they have a great selection. Toywiz.com too!"

Is there anything else you would like to say to my readers?

"I'd like to thank the readers and all gamers worldwide for allowing us to do what we love and to have the opportunity to be in the best industry. Where else can you game, read comics, go to Comic Con, draw pictures, and love life? Thank you also for all of the support, critiques, and suggestions, it pushes us further and makes gaming more fun."