Our Story

TCG Machines started as an idle comment made by an ex-roommate. Company founder, Graeme Gordon, had just completed an exhaustive multi-day sort of his Magic cards, and his good buddy (we'll call him Schmundy) casually remarked, "Why not design a machine to do that?" Instead of having a laugh and moving on, Graeme took this request seriously and began researching whether there was a need for such a machine. It turned out there was.

Graeme, a professional mechanical engineer, and Schmundy, a professional electrical engineer, then began producing a series of proof-of-concept prototypes. As the project looked more and more promising, Graeme founded TCG Machines and offered to partner with his friend on the venture. Foolishly, his buddy decided to take a job at some company called "Google" because it could “actually pay him money” – biggest mistake of your life, Schmundy!

Now composed of an all-star team of engineers and software developers, TCG Machines stands firmly atop a growing mountain of experience: tens of thousands of hours of product development, years of field testing, millions of cards sorted, and many happy shop owners and staff finally in control of their card business. Looking ahead, we will continue working tirelessly with local games stores to ensure our machines and software are providing them with the means they need to succeed.

TCG Machines professional company photo with machine and staff

Our Mission

We will provide relief and support to local game stores by supplying tools to increase the speed and efficiency with which they can manage their card inventories. Our technology will eliminate the headaches associated with buying and selling trading cards and allow LGS staff to focus on what they do best: serving their local community.

Our Vision

Running a successful LGS is difficult and watching as establishments – both community staples and new ventures – permanently close their doors is a gut-wrenching experience for their patrons. We would like to reverse this trend and work alongside LGS owners and staff worldwide to help their businesses thrive. We see a future in which card players and collectors always have a local game store open to them, and the tabletop trading card community remains strong.

Our Team

Graeme Gordon, P.Eng.

President & CEO

Graeme is an avid Magic player with a background in mechanical engineering and machine automation. In 2015, after taking several days to manually sort through his personal card collection, he said to himself, "Never again!", and TCG Machines was born.

Dan Kusler, P.Eng.

CPO

Dan Kusler has over 17 years of experience in Alberta’s manufacturing sector. He has built and lead diverse teams for SME firms specializing in manufacturing and automation. As TCG Machines' CPO, Dan directs development of hardware improvements and new product offerings.

Stephen Baker

CTO & Lead Developer

Stephen has been working as a developer for over 14 years and is responsible for all things technical at TCG Machines. He is passionate about UI performance and creating the best user experiences possible. He also enjoys playing Lorcana in tournaments, as well as with his 2 children.

John Webster

Operations Manager

If there’s a job out there John has probably done it at some point. Bringing over 20 year of sales and IT experience, at TCG he wears a towering pillar of hats. Of late, he's pursuing a coding career, and is here to make your customer experience as smooth as possible!

Roshni McCartney

Business Administrator

Roshni commands a rare set of skills, being both a card-carrying nerd and a financial wizard. She has worked in a game store, volunteered at the Calgary Expo for 12 years, and brings six years of entrepreneurial and accounting experience to the team. Roshni enjoys reading and sewing.

Colton Paquette

Lead Data Scientist

Colton is a recent computer science graduate who is interested in computer vision, deep learning, and software architecture and design. When he's not staring at a computer screen you'll find him playing MTG's Commander format, board games, or disc golf (when it's not freezing cold).

Ramin Asadpour

Mechanical Engineer

Ramin has joined the team as Mechanical Engineer, where he spends his days sketching, performing quality control, and acquiring new SolidWorks skills and techniques from working alongside the TCG design team. During his free time, he takes trips, flies drones outside, and photographs parties in the woods.

Denis Clarke

Production Coordinator

Denis is a Mechanical Engineering Technologist that loves to tinker, design, and troubleshoot problems whenever they may arise. When he’s not concerning himself with the PhyzBatch-9000, you can find him watching Star Wars, building Lego, or taking his dog on hikes.

Craig Carswell

Production Foreman

Craig is the production foreman at TCG, bringing to the team 20 years experience as a Heavy Duty Mechanic, Partsman and Sound Engineer. When Craig isn’t building the PhyzBatch he can be found hanging out with his son, recording bands in his studio or singing for one of his 4 bands.

Matt French

Public Relations Strategist

Matt French is an experienced Social Media Strategist and PR Practitioner with years of experience in the card and board game industry. When not assisting with operations, he's often creating marketing collateral, managing our social media channels, or chatting with the media.

Jaidyn Jensen

Production Crew

Jaidyn’s positive attitude and strong work ethic help to keep the TCG Team motivated. In addition to crushin’ it in production, Jaidyn often wields her considerable social media acumen to assist with PR and media creation. Outside of work, Jaidyn enjoys dancing and spending time with friends.

Joseph Shaheen

Big Boss

Passionate about the intersection of technology and creativity, Joseph is a versatile problem solver with a keen eye for innovation. A true collaborator, Joseph thrives in team environments, fostering open communication and driving collective success.

Derek Whyte

Senior Production Assembler

Derek is a labourer on the production side building machines and testing out new advancements. In his spare time, he pumps iron and plays FPS games.

Charles Ireland

Master PhyzBatch Assembler

Chuck is proud to bring 20 years of technical experience to the TCG team as a small engine/powersports technician. Since age 14, he's been passionate about riding and repairing motocross bikes. He spends free time biking and hiking with his family of four, racing moto and finding a way to fix or build almost anything.

Jacob Lansang

Intern Python Developer

Jacob is a current software/mechatronics engineering student and a lifelong learner. He loves to tackle any and all unique software problems (within reason)! He finds passion in the art of video games, music, and Magic cards.