Dear Razorback Reef Members: I really wanted to attend today's family event, but my youngest, Alex 5, and my wife Sarah, both came down with a very nasty case of Strep. I have been involved in the hobby and industry going on 20+ years. I have reached a point in my career where I am ready to, once again, to dive back in. I am in the midst of creating a 100% aqua cultured facility. I loathe the idea of reopening a store front, but am interested in creating a wholesale distribution network. I have found a 3000 square foot warehouse, complete with water supply and AC, not to mention a bathroom. I would like to get as many members involved as possible, in which case, corals, fish, and live rock would be sold be at cost or free. Please feel free to PM, txt, or call me anytime. I am planning a meeting of the minds, sometime at the end of August or the first of September. I am looking for individuals with at least a good understanding of the hobby, and hopefully, some individuals with a VERY adept understanding of the the industry with advanced husbandry skills. My contact number is 501-812-8141, email: ubermensch300@gmail.com. Feel free to contact me anytime! I would like to thank all of you for your participation in the forum, which serves to educate the newbie and old-reefer alike. Thank you, Paul
Update Hello All: I wanted to let all know that are interested in the program I am starting that all is going well. My fish room is full of aquariums, lights, chemicals, protein skimmers and about everything else you can think of to start my facility. I am waiting for my lease to go through and I Have a few lawyers working out what was once a literal nightmare of paperwork. My partner and I have been working on a mission statement showing our commitment to conservation and a strict policy of carrying nothing but aquacultured and maricultured marine organisms. I spoke very briefly with Norman several weeks ago, he was curious if we were going to go into captive breed fish. I have done this before with some success. I have come to the decision that we will have a captive breed program and I am currently working with GARF, who will be supplying all of my mated pairs. I am Now in the process of designing my green water cultures for my rotifers, pods, etc. I would love to meet anyone who might be interested in helping us succeed. If anyone has a an idea of a good, centrally located place to meet please let me know! Otherwise updates will keep coming, and I cannot stress e enough that I need people who know the hobby or who just beginning and would like to get there hands wet! Happy Reefing Paul Willis, CEO of Ocean Environments LLC. 501-812-8141 PS. Please forgive any mis-spelling or grammatical errors on my part, I'm writing this on my phone.
I think club meetings would be a great place to meet people interested in your ideas. The next one is at my house in Conway on Aug 17th. Would like to see you there.
501scionxb, I don't know you, but congratulations on having a child. I have three, and kids are just....awesome. Is this you first? I have three, 6, 13, and 16, and I'm only 40. They say kids slow you done, but that is bullshit, I have gotten my M.A in Philosophy, maintained a very successful reef store(which is re-opening under a VERY different auspice) and now have a great career at Blue Cross., which will end next year if my venture pans out. Good luck! and best wishes for your family.
