Meet The Team!
Get to know the talented team behind Stage Nine! Our dedicated staff brings expertise, creativity, and passion to deliver an unforgettable shopping and entertainment experience. Learn more about the people who make Stage Nine special.
CEO & Founder
Troy Carlson
Troy Carlson is the visionary behind Stage Nine Entertainment, a retail empire that began as a small, 500-square-foot gift shop in the early ‘90s and has since grown into a dynamic, 8,000-square-foot retail destination in the heart of Old Sacramento. His journey began in 1991 as a freshman at California State University, Sacramento, when he opened Old Sacramento Giftique, a shop specializing in model railroad products, souvenirs, and unique gifts. What started as a college dream has since evolved into one of the most renowned specialty retail experiences in Northern California.
Known for his quiet yet sharp business acumen, Troy has built a reputation as a savvy entrepreneur with an unmatched attention to detail. His ability to innovate and elevate the retail and entertainment experience has earned him the admiration of industry professionals, from world-renowned artists to high-profile entertainers. Through Stage Nine, he has not only cultivated an immersive shopping experience but also established a hub for exclusive events featuring celebrated artists, celebrities, and pop culture icons.
Beyond retail, Troy’s leadership extends to the very foundation of the business, as he now co-owns and manages the historic What Cheer House, the same building where his entrepreneurial journey began. His dedication to creating memorable, high-quality experiences—whether through merchandising, events, or collaborations—continues to set Stage Nine apart as a premier destination for collectors, fans, and families alike.
General Manager
Matt Kemp
As the General Manager of Stage Nine, Matt is the captain of the ship—steering the crew, managing the treasure trove of merchandise, and ensuring every guest leaves with a smile and maybe a new favorite find. Since joining the team in 2009, his days have been a whirlwind of coaching employees, analyzing sales, handling payroll, fixing registers, and even making sure the breakroom is stocked with paper towels. Every day is a new adventure, and Matt wouldn’t have it any other way.
One of his favorite parts of the job is researching and ordering new products, especially when it means attending trade shows to discover the coolest, most in-demand items. Seeing those products arrive in-store and watching customers gift them to loved ones is one of the most rewarding aspects of his role.
Outside of work, Matt and his wife—partners for 20 years—keep busy with their two kids and three playful cats. He’s a master vacation planner, with Disney vacations always on the horizon (usually booked years in advance). Whether at work or planning the next family adventure, Matt brings a sense of fun, creativity, and care to everything he does.
Assistant Store Manager
Kim Grein
As the Assistant Store Manager at Stage Nine, Kim’s days are filled with ordering merchandise, restocking shelves, assisting in the Art Gallery, and ensuring every customer feels welcomed. Since joining the team in 2024, she’s discovered a passion for learning more about Disney art and helping bring Stage Nine’s special events to life.
For Kim, the family-friendly atmosphere at Stage Nine makes coming to work each day a joy. She loves being part of a team that creates magical experiences for guests of all ages.
At home, Kim and her husband stay busy with their three children and their spoiled cat, who undoubtedly rules the household. In their free time, the family enjoys ocean getaways, park visits with their youngest daughter, movie nights, and gaming sessions that bring out everyone’s competitive spirit.
G. Willikers Store Manager
Alexa Gutierrez
As the manager of G. Willikers, Alexa’s days are a dynamic mix of restocking shelves, receiving new merchandise, and keeping the store looking fresh and inviting. Since joining Stage Nine in November 2022, she’s found joy in seeing new products arrive and watching customers light up when they discover the latest and greatest items on the shelves.
For Alexa, Stage Nine is more than just a workplace—it’s a community. The strong connections she’s built with her coworkers and the growth she’s witnessed in the store make every day rewarding.
Outside of work, Alexa shares her life with her partner and their energetic pup, Buttercup—a playful Pit and Staffordshire mix who loves outdoor adventures and car rides. When she's not running the store, you can find Alexa immersed in her favorite anime, One Piece, diving into a good book, cooking delicious meals for friends, or enjoying a laid-back gaming session.
Confectionary Manager
Chloe Jones
As the Confectionary Manager at Stage Nine, Chloe's days are a sweet blend of restocking candy bins, organizing merchandise across the store, and ensuring every display looks as tempting as the treats themselves. Since joining the team in 2023, she’s loved creating a space where customers can indulge in their favorite sweets or take a nostalgic walk down memory lane.
For Chloe, Stage Nine is more than just a job—it’s a place where she’s grown professionally, taken on new responsibilities, and built meaningful connections with her supportive coworkers. The joy of seeing customers' faces light up when they discover a long-lost childhood candy makes every day rewarding.
Outside of work, Chloe's life is just as vibrant. She shares her home with four lovable pit bulls—Kat, Blackjack, Captain, and Emma—who keep her entertained with their unique personalities. A passionate artist, Chloe spends her free time cosplaying, painting, drawing, and crafting costumes, with wig styling as one of her creative specialties. Whether she’s immersed in a creative project or relaxing with family and pets, Chloe finds joy in every moment.
Merchandise Manager
John Paul Moralez
John Paul, or JP as he’s known around the store, has been an integral part of Stage Nine since 1996. As Merchandise Manager, his days are a whirlwind of counting registers, managing inventory, remerchandising displays, restocking shelves, and ordering exciting new products to delight customers.
JP’s favorite part of his job is the creative challenge of merchandising and the thrill of introducing fresh items to the store’s collection. He appreciates Stage Nine’s open, collaborative environment, where ideas flow easily, and teamwork is second nature.
Outside of work, JP is an avid Disney collector with a keen eye for unique finds. He also loves shopping, whether he's hunting for the next great collectible or just browsing for inspiration. At home, he enjoys the company of his beloved cat, who undoubtedly approves of JP’s knack for curating magical, whimsical spaces.
Gallery Director
Nicole Hansen
As the Gallery Director at Stage Nine, Nicole’s days are a creative mix of engaging with customers, curating new collections, placing artwork orders, and maintaining the gallery’s online presence. She also collaborates closely with artists and ensures everything is in place for the gallery’s next exciting event. Since joining the team in March 2021, Nicole has found immense joy in watching collections come to life and interacting with guests who share a passion for art.
For Nicole, Stage Nine is more than just a workplace—it’s a family. She values the close-knit relationships she’s built with her coworkers and takes pride in contributing to a small business that has been a cornerstone of the Sacramento waterfront community for over 30 years.
Outside the gallery, Nicole is an avid reader with a love for live music in any form. Whether she’s traveling to new destinations or spending time with her children, she finds inspiration and creativity in every adventure.
Assistant Vendor Buyer
Diana Neizaka
Diana's days at Stage Nine are filled with ensuring the store is welcoming and presentable, engaging with customers, placing vendor orders, and entering exciting new products into inventory. Since joining the team in 2019, she’s enjoyed the thrill of receiving fresh items from her favorite vendors and being part of the vibrant, action-packed atmosphere of the store’s beautiful location.
Originally from Latvia, Diana moved to the United States in 2017. Before starting a family, art was her primary way of connecting with the world. Today, she’s happily married with two sweet baby boys and three adorable chinchillas. She credits Stage Nine with helping her acclimate to her new life in the U.S., as it was her first job here—an experience she cherishes to this day.