FAOIS did it again

gambitcobra

gambitcobra

New member
So im not much of a poster on the forum and I tend to sit back and watch things and see what people say. I really dont think that many people have been on here as long as me to know how smart, passionate, and honest John is towards this industry-hobby.

First time I met John I was told by other shops that he is a a@@hole and dont ask him stupid questions. Well it was 2001, I had a 46 gallon bow tank and was tired of buying things weekly from other local shops that would just say yes that will work in your tank, no issues. The stores knew I had more money and knew nothing about anything with saltwater tanks. I would buy corals or fish and days later dead for no reason. Finally I drove out to FAOIS surprised how clean and nice it was compared to the other dumpy stores back then. Jennifer was then working also with John and they were extremely nice. I told John my issues and he has continued to help to through all these years.

So the reason for this review would be to explain to people on this forum if you want real answers and want to know how to do something the best way just approach John or Cornnut (Chrissy) or Roberta (Rob), as they will help any way they can.

I asked John a week ago about special Zoas and he said I will look into it. Monday i get a call he is looking at them and asks what do I want. Tuesday I went to the shop picked out some awesome Zoas and also large LPS colonies which thank god were not fragged.

long story short, John has been in this business since 1992, he has seen it all and dealt with tons of BS. If you want the truth and honest answers you will get them from him and thats why I have always gone to FAIOS for almost everything since 2001.

now on to the pictures from my purchases from tuesday
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sorry I also picked up Zoas but the pictures give them no justice
from what alot of places call them LA lakers, emeralds on fire, sunburts, and a really bright yellow and green that I have never seen before.
 
“Because I'm hard you will not like me, but the more you hate me the more you will learn!” – Gunnery Sgt. Hartman

Describes it exactly!
 
I'd assume most of the people stating john is a &;;@/& probably didn't like his answer since it's not what they wanted to hear... the man isn't going to candy coat the truth lol
 
Themonsterisme said:
I'd assume most of the people stating john is a &;;@/& probably didn't like his answer since it's not what they wanted to hear... the man isn't going to candy coat the truth lol
Click to expand...

Yup that's what I have always said when someone told me they don't like him.

Johns is the most knowledgable man in our hobby by a long ways. At least in our area. Spent some time there today I always like getting to chat with him. By the way he got a lot of very nice zoa/paly in the shop now!!!

Roger
 
I have driven from Daytona Beach to spend $ at FAOIS. That means I drove I-4, passing many LFS's in Orlando, one "big time" one near Kissimmee, and of course the others on the way out to John's shop. I drove for one thing and one thing only, TOP NOTCH! Not only could I have long convos with John about Zeovit, but could purchase High-end dry, live, and additives. I would have to drive all the way to Tampa, dropping by various stores, to accomplish my "grocery list". I was able to do 95% of my list in one location. John has shipped to me, has custom built for me, and has been a great listener over the years. I have been around here for awhile too, I miss the old days and some of the best guys ever on the Tampa forum, hope everyone is doing well!!!
Best,
 
I agree 100% with this post. I recently got a stand and a sump from John and Chris and they don't sell you stuff just to sell stuff. They make sure you get what you need and they give it to you straight.

Thank you guys!
 
Yep that's why I drive all the way down there from SpringHill.....Just don't act like a moron when you are in there.....
 
Over 10 years, 98% of my shopping has been with FAOIS.
I couldn't begin to count the time, aggravation and money team FAOIS has saved me through out the years.

Thank you FAOIS Family
 
One of the many things I have learned from the FAOIS family. They will do almost anything for their customers best interest and not his own.
Let me explain. I recently had a fire at my house that started from a leak from my fish tank (I believe it was the HOB protein skimmer but I will never know the really source). I was devastated about what had happened; click the link to see the damage that happened

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.823629624332876.1073741877.244132878949223&type=3

I was one very lucky person that I did not lose my house to this the fire as it was isolated to just the power strip I had all my equipment plugged in to. I walked in to FAIOS around 4:30pm with pictures of the damage prepared to repurchase all of my equipment to keep my fish tank going. John looks at the pictures and the first thing he asks me is did I bring the equipment with me. I said no, He told me to go get it.

By the time I went home got the damaged equipment and got back to the store it was 15 min to the close of the store (6pm). I walked in and the first thing John did was ask Chris and Rob if they could stay late and help him sort through the mess. They both said yes without even blinking an eye. The FAOIS team was able to salvage all of my equipment. Since we felt the HOB protein skimmer was the issue we also upgraded to a in-sump skimmer (just upgraded to a sump 2 weeks early). By the time they finished repairing my equipment around 7:30pm I was checking out with the new upgrades and I asked John to charge me for his labor costs for repairing my equipment and he looked at me and stated no charge. I thanked him for the repairs and he told me he was glad he could salvage my equipment as there is a lot of other things I could spend my money on in this hobby then re purchasing equipment that could be repaired.

John could have easily just sold me new equipment and sent me on my way but he was more concerned in saving me money and getting me back on my feet then turning a buck on my miss fortune. For this reason (and many others) I am a customer of FAOIS for life.

Thank you again the FAOIS for all that you do for us.

~Mike
 
At times, a lot of BS from both the hobby and industry sides gets dumped on FAOIS/me. My team, family and I appreciate the kind words. Thank you for getting it.
 
It's my opinion that John, with his wealth of first hand experience is also one of the better educated of the LFS owners in our area. I'm not sure if he has a college degree or not, but his biology education has suited him well in this hobby and as a store owner.

He's also got the common sense to take a step back and look at a problem and design a simple solution - both biologically and mechanically.

Kudos as well to his honesty and ethics and that of his staff. Too many LFS in the area just want to move product. While John caters to the desires of his customers by including products he disagrees with - if you ask him honestly he'll recommend a better product that might be less expensive.

And kudos as well on his staff. Very knowledgeable, they don't repeat the marketing mantra that you hear in other LFS.

All of these qualities are important to me which is why I'll continue to send business to FAOIS. Its really the only store I can trust in regards to the health of the livestock and as a place where I know I can get excellent advice and help if I need it.
 
Stopped by this week while in the area for business. They have some nice corals in stock, including some great looking chalices. I couldn't buy any as I had other business meetings before heading back to Sarasota, but I picked up some dry goods.
 
I love these guys too. I've even baked John and Rob a birthday cake. John offered to take care of my tank once when I had to leave for a funeral if I couldn't find anyone. He saw my post on here. His offer was extremely thoughtful. I appreciate this crew. They are the bomb.
 
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