Thank You

[reelheel]

I just noticed that you were online and I wanted to thank you for your email reply confirming my order for your new book. I was excited to get a personal response, and I can't wait to read it. While you're here...

I'm sure that you get this a lot, but I'm really interested in finding a career in this hobby that doesn't have to make me rich, but has a decent chance of paying the bills. Like many I suppose, my first inclinations were to open "my very own fish store," and after reading your book (of course) I was ready to start my own coral farm. Over the past week or so, though, I have slowly descended back down to reality ...

Of course, I would love to do either of these things, but I thought that you may have a little more insight into some careers that may get overlooked by (serious) everyday hobbyists. If not, maybe you can give me some advice on the realistic possibilities of the above mentioned career paths.

Just killing time (and dreaming) ... and like you said in your email, you are truly inspiring to me as well. Thank you for your time.

 

[Anthony Calfo]

Cheers, James

My pleasure too.

Regarding a livelihood in the industry... there are plenty of opportunities. Really much to say/talk about... and dependent on many variables... your age, willingness to move or no... financial needs/ambitions.

In many places in the industry you can make $30-60 K annually. Many places higher... and many more lower

Decide on what segment of the trade interests you most?

Education: article-writing, presentations, public aquarium service

Salemanship: regional sales rep/LFS worker/owner

Husbandry: farming/wholesaling

One of my concerns for you at present is location. The Carolinas are not known in the industry as a strong hobby sector (as you have noticed no doubt from the lack of stores, perhaps). Nothing like LA, Ohio, New York, Chicago.

Not a big concern... just know that you may need to allow a little more time to forge your place locally if you do retail/LFS.

If you are young or just like hard work ... one of the best places to make a good living is aquarium servicing/maint.

There are books and websites and many products to help get you started. As an aquarist... you know most of what you need to know already... you just need to polish your business savvy/sence.

Most folks that do it can easily make enough to support themselves (plenty of aquaria in doctors offices, hospitals, homes, etc). And I know several companies that make over 100K doing aquarium service in medium to big cities.

Much to consider... do enjoy the journey

kind regards,

Anthony

 

[reelheel]

Thank you SO much for the advice. I am young (under 30) and I am very well acquainted with hard work. Like many, I would probably be happier working for myself, so I'll take your advice to heart. I also have extensive retail and customer service experience, so maybe there's hope for me yet... Good luck to you as well. I truly hope that our paths might cross someday...