Conversations with “Stormy”

Today we’d like to introduce you to “Stormy.”

Hi “Stormy”; we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
In 2013, my grandfather passed away, and as part of an inheritance, I received a small batch of silver rounds. I stuffed them in my closet and had forgotten about them. About 5 years later, I was cleaning out my closet and came across them and decided to open them and see what they were. I didn’t know what they were, so I decided to do some research. Once I started researching precious metals, I got sucked into it. I began stacking (slang for “hoarding precious metals like silver and gold”), yet I didn’t have anyone in my personal life who was interested in coins and precious metals. Yet on YouTube, a robust community of people was involved with stacking, numismatics, and collectibles. At the same time, my involvement with the 501st Legion was another interest. This international costuming organization does charitable work with Make A Wish Foundation, Toys 4 Tots, holiday events, hospital visits, PR work for Disney and LucasFilms, etc. I wanted a YouTube channel focused on precious metals, but the problem was keeping my anonymity. So, if I were to appear on camera, I would wear my Stormtrooper helmet to disguise myself. I took two passions of mine: stacking and Star Wars and married them together. This started as a hobby. But when I saw my YouTube channel (Empire Precious Metals) grow, I became fixated on monetization. To keep viewers on longer, I began to make silver and gold bullion sales via live stream, which was quite lucrative. Fast forward to today, and in the tiny niche of precious metals on YouTube, my channel is one of the “bigger” ones, with over 23,000 subscribers and 4 million views.

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
Mostly, it was and continues to be a grind. You need to be consistent to grow on YouTube in the precious metals niche. I have posted at least 2 videos and have had 1 livestream per week for the last 4 years. Some of the struggles with precious metals are the markets. Sometimes when you buy the inventory to sell, spot prices dive, and your profit margins shrink when that happens. In addition to the metals being volatile, YouTube can be quite finicky. One day you’re crushing it with views and think, “Ok, here we go! The algorithm has picked me up!” Yet the next day, you can post a video that flops entirely. Staying on the course is key.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Aside from being a middle school history teacher, my true passion is my business of being a precious metals dealer and YouTube content creator. I specialize in edutainment (educational and entertainment) videos. There is only so much one can say about silver and gold. Additionally, the subject could be more interesting. I bring a fresh and fun approach to the niche. I’m also known for highly entertaining live auctions on my channel. I’m proud of having zero knowledge of metals, production, audio, and visual equipment, registering a business, buying and selling precious metals, and finding wholesalers. Nobody taught me any of this. I did it myself.

Do you have any advice for those just starting?
BE CONSISTENT. Many new people entering the precious metals space see me and others selling metals and making a good living off it and think, “That’s easy. I can do that!” It takes time to build trust within the precious metals community. Furthermore, there are no shortcuts. It would be best to make time and consistently create content so people know and trust you. You need to improve your craft and video production continually. You must pay your dues if you are serious about getting into this business. I changed my business name about two years ago; it was a pain! I wish I knew some of the laws of registering a business and addresses and name changes.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.empirepreciousmetals.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empirepreciousmetals/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@empirepreciousmetals
• Other: https://direct.me/empirepreciousmetals