My Story: Turning A Childhood Hobby Into A Business (no matter how strange it is)

As a child I enjoyed collecting reptiles of many kinds.  You name it I had it hidden under my bed including snakes, lizards and even an alligator at one point.  My mom never knew what she was going to find.

As I got older she completely avoided my room.  This allowed me to collect even more.  She didn’t realize how many animals I had until I was leaving for college.  I couldn’t leave my collection behind so you could only imagine the look on my mother’s face when she saw the amount and types of reptiles I was carrying down the stairs, into my car.

So now I’m at college and realized that I spent more time sneaking reptiles into the dorm room rather than studying.  I knew how important college was but I took a gamble and decided to put it on pause to open my own reptile shop.  That lasted for a couple of years before I decided I wanted more.  I thought about my desires for a while and decided to relocate to an area that could open new doors for me.  So I closed my reptile store and moved to Florida where the weather would satisfy my reptiles needs and where I felt I could expand my business. 

It was difficult to get started in a new state where I didn’t know anyone.  I decided I needed a business name and website.  That’s when ExoticJungle was born.  I was getting very little business through internet sales and decided to take advantage of my free time and worked my hours to get my permit to work with venomous animals.  After that, I needed a job to get by.  I worked for a few of the mom and pop reptile stores then landed a job in one of the pet store chains across the US.  As much as I disliked working for other people I needed to do it and it gave me the ability to keep my own business running.  

Two years later I became the store manager at the pet store and I was becoming exhausted.  I became a reptile breeder and my garage was filled with hundreds of mostly venomous snakes that required weekly cleaning and feeding.  During this time Exotic Jungle’s name was getting out there and my internet sales were increasing.  As a result, I received a phone call from a producer located in CA.  They needed to rent a black mamba for Kill Bill Vol II and I just happened to have the animal they were looking for.  So off to CA I went for two weeks to film in the movie.  That opened doors to an entirely new world for me.  It was great but it was becoming too much for one person.

Another year went by and I was hanging in there.  I was still working at the pet store and everyone knew of my reptile passions.  Oddly enough reptile cages were getting placed in each of the stores one by one.  This was my time to shine and I began supplying the reptiles to them.  Within a short amount of time, many of the stores were selling reptiles and I was given an option of either staying store manager or giving it up to become their supplier.  I could not do both so I decided to take another gamble to pursue my business.

It was time to prove myself.  I kept my head held high and did whatever I could to provide support to my family.  This included moving the animals out of the garage into a wharehouse and attending as many reptile shows I could.    

Five years later I am still the primary reptile supplier for the pet stores and get called for random reptile handler and reptile rental jobs for movies and photo shoots.  I’ve had the opportunity to meet lots of celebrities and LOVE my job.  The repitle shows have played a huge role the last couple of years and am finally pursing yet another passion and am putting on my own reptile show this summer called the Myrtle Beach Reptile Expo.  I can’t wait to see how it turns out. 

Who says you can’t turn your childhood hobby into a job of your dreams?  I’ve accomplished a lot and will teach my children to pursue their own passions.  It does require lots of dedication and work but you truly can do anything you put your mind to.

About the Author

Family Pet Expo Part 1- PPTV EP 08

Expo Expo $44.59 Expo Expo

Skinneeez Exotic Series – Pink Flamingo – 13 in. $5.99 Exotic creatures bring out the best in Skinneeez stuffing-free dog toys. No stuffing, no mess design feels like dead prey in your dog’s mouth: just the way they love it! Dual squeaker design keeps your pet interested even more. Realistic animal shapes appeal to your dog’s natural instincts.

Manual of Exotic Pet Practice $89 This book is in New – Excellent condition

Exotic Pet Behaviour $127.94 This book is in Used condition

Exotic $6 Exotic

Campanile Rouen Parc Expo $106.78 Campanile Rouen Parc Expo is located in Saint Etienne du Rouvray and local attractions include University of Rouen, Rouen Cathedral, and Gros Horloge. Additional area points of interest include Jeanne d’Arc Church and Place du Vieux Marche. Hotel Features. Campanile Rouen Parc Expo features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Guest parking is complimentary. Guestrooms. There are 52 guestrooms at Campanile Rouen Parc Expo. Guestrooms are all accessible via exterior corridors. Beds come with premium bedding. At the 2.0 star property, accommodations include kitchenettes with coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations with deep soaking tubs. They also offer makeup/shaving mirrors, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. Guestrooms offer desks and complimentary newspapers. High definition televisions are available in guestrooms. Rooms also include electronic/magnetic keys. Guests may request irons/ironing boards and wake up calls. A nightly turndown service is offered and housekeeping is available daily. Guestrooms are all non smoking. Notifications and Fees:The following mandatory hotel imposed fees are charged and collected by the hotel either at check in or check out. A city/local tax will be charged The above list may not be comprehensive. Mandatory hotel imposed fees may not include tax and are subject to change. The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Pet fee: EUR 5 per pet, per night The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

Novotel Bern Expo $296.1 Novotel Bern Expo is located in Bern, close to Stade de Suisse Wankdorf, Paul Klee Museum, and Berner Munster. Nearby points of interest also include Clock Tower and Bundeshaus. Hotel Features. Novotel Bern Expo features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. The hotel serves Buffet breakfasts (surcharges apply). Recreational amenities include a fitness facility. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) is available in public areas. Additional property amenities include currency exchange. Guestrooms. There are 112 guestrooms at Novotel Bern Expo. Coffee/tea makers and minibars are offered. Bathrooms feature separate bathtubs and showers and hair dryers. Wired high speed and wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. In addition to desks and in room safes, guestrooms offer direct dial phones. Televisions have satellite channels and pay movies. Rooms also include blackout drapes/curtains. Guests may request irons/ironing boards and wake up calls. Notifications and Fees:The following mandatory hotel imposed fees are charged and collected by the hotel either at check in or check out. City/local tax: CHF 2.80 per person, per night The above list may not be comprehensive. Mandatory hotel imposed fees may not include tax and are subject to change. The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Self parking: CHF 12 per night (in/out privileges)Pet fee: CHF 30 per nightPet deposit: CHF 30 per nightFee for high speed Internet (wired) in business center: CHF 38 (rates may vary)Fee for in room high speed Internet (wired): CHF 18 (for 24 hours, rates may vary)Fee for in room wireless Internet: CHF 10 per hour (rates may vary)Buffet breakfast: CHF 26.00 per person (approximate amount) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

Expo Congress Hotel $91.22 Expo Congress Hotel is a business friendly Budapest hotel in the suburbs and close to Hungexpo Budapest Fair Center, Vajdahunyad Castle, and Heroe’s Square. Additional points of interest include Szechenyi Medicinal Bath and Hungarian National Museum. Hotel Features. Expo Congress Hotel’s restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Recreational amenities include a spa tub, a sauna, a fitness facility, and a steam room. This 3.5 star property has a 24 hour business center and offers small meeting rooms. Complimentary wireless and wired high speed Internet access is available in public areas. This Budapest property has 325 square feet of event space consisting of conference/meeting rooms. Additional property amenities include multilingual staff and laundry facilities. This is a smoke free property. Guestrooms. There are 160 guestrooms at Expo Congress Hotel. Beds come with premium bedding. Bathrooms feature makeup/shaving mirrors and hair dryers. Wired high speed and wireless Internet access is complimentary. In addition to desks and in room safes (accommodate laptops), guestrooms offer direct dial phones. 17 cm LCD televisions have cable channels. Air conditioned rooms also include separate sitting areas, minibars, and electronic/magnetic keys. Housekeeping is available daily. Cribs (infant beds) and rollaway beds are available on request. Guestrooms are all non smoking. Notifications and Fees:There are no room charges for children 12 years old and younger who occupy the same room as their parents or guardians, using existing bedding. The following mandatory hotel imposed fees are charged and collected by the hotel either at check in or check out. City/local tax: EUR 1.1 per person, per night The above list may not be comprehensive. Mandatory hotel imposed fees may not include tax and are subject to change. The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Pet fee: EUR 10 per night The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

Treat Stick for Parakeets – Exotic Nut Stick – 3.5 oz. $2.29 Kaytee Exotic Nut Treat Sticks are a fun-to-eat way to add variety and activity to your bird’s diet. The fresh-tasting flavors to provide a special treat made from fortified, nutritious ingredients.

Hotel Domus Expo $183.74 Hotel Domus Expo is located in Parabiago’s Fiera Milano Rho neighborhood and connected to the airport. Hotel Features. Hotel Domus Expo features a coffee shop/caf? and a bar/lounge. Room service is available during limited hours. The hotel serves a complimentary hot and cold buffet breakfast. This 3.0 star property offers secretarial services, limo/town car service, and business services. Complimentary wireless and wired high speed Internet access is available in public areas. The property has a complimentary area shuttle which runs to destinations within 4 km. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include a concierge desk, multilingual staff, and tour/ticket assistance. Extended parking privileges may be offered to guests after check out (surcharge). A total renovation of this property was completed in 2005. Guestrooms. There are 26 guestrooms at Hotel Domus Expo. Guestrooms have city views. Beds come with Select Comfort mattresses, Frette Italian sheets, triple sheeting, and down comforters. Furnishings include desks and sofa beds. Refrigerators, coffee/tea makers, and blenders are offered. Bathrooms feature showers, phones, bidets, and bathrobes. Wired high speed and wireless Internet access is complimentary. In addition to complimentary newspapers and in room safes (accommodate laptops), guestrooms offer phones. Televisions have satellite channels. Air conditioned rooms also include minibars, complimentary bottled water, remote lighting/drapery/curtain control, and blackout drapes/curtains. Guests may request a turndown service, irons/ironing boards, and hypo allergenic bedding. Housekeeping is available daily. Cribs (infant beds) and rollaway beds are available on request. Notifications and Fees:This property provides transfers from the airport. Guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. There are no room charges for children 12 years old and younger who occupy the same room as their parents or guardians, using existing bedding. The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Airport shuttle fee per adult: EUR 50 (one way)Pet fee: EUR 15 per stay The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

Small Animal Exotic Pet Medicine $87.7 No Synopsis Available

50 Really Exotic Pets $12.65 Think cats and dogs are for the birds? It’s time for something more exotic . . . Whether you’re already an exotic pet owner or you’re thinking about becoming one, here is your one-stop guide to owning such unusual household pets as lizards, snakes, f

Exotic Pet Behavior: Birds, Reptiles, and Small Mammals $83.63 In addition to coverage of all normal behavior patterns — sensory, communication, social and antisocial, reproductive, eating, and elimination — this resource helps you identify medical implications of abnormal behavior, pain-associated behaviors, and effects of captivity. Client education handouts provide important information about caring for a variety of avian and exotic pets.

TownePlace Suites Marriott Cal Expo $174 TownePlace Suites Marriott Cal Expo is located in Sacramento, close to Cal Expo, Fort Sutter State Historical Park, and Historic Governor’s Mansion. Nearby points of interest also include California State Capitol and Arden Fair Mall. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness facility. This 2.5 star property has a business center and offers small meeting rooms. Wireless Internet access is available in public areas. The hotel serves a complimentary breakfast. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include barbecue grills and laundry facilities. This is a smoke free property. Guestrooms. There are 118 guestrooms at TownePlace Suites Marriott Cal Expo. At the 2.5 star property, accommodations include kitchens with coffee/tea makers and cookware/dishes/utensils. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Complimentary Internet access is provided. In addition to desks and complimentary newspapers, guestrooms offer direct dial phones with voice mail. Televisions have cable channels and pay movies. Air conditioned rooms also include welcome amenities and clock radios. Housekeeping is offered daily and guests may request wake up calls. Cribs (infant beds) are available on request. Guestrooms are all non smoking. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Pet fee: US$ 100 per stay The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

Ramada Limited Louisville Airport/Expo $199.99 Located in Louisville, Ramada Limited Louisville Airport/Expo is near the airport and close to Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, Kentucky Exposition Center, and Churchill Downs. Other points of interest near this hotel include University of Louisville and Kentucky Derby Museum. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities include an indoor pool. This 2.5 star property has a business center and offers audio visual equipment and business services. The hotel serves a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include laundry facilities. Guestrooms. Complimentary Internet access is provided. Televisions have cable channels. Rooms also include air conditioning. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Pet fee: US$ 25 per stay The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

Expo $14.39 Marbles is Robert Schneider of Apples in Stereo’s solo project, and Expo marks the first full-length album since Schneider mothballed the name with the formation of the Apples in 1993. The m.o. is very Apples-like, with loads of their trademark catchy melodies, slightly trippy lyrics, swirling guitars, and sonic textures. But instead of the usual ’60s psych-pop influences and song structures, ELO seems to be the major influence at work, with tracks like “When You Open” and the pulsating “Magic” sounding like an unlikely lo-fi Jeff Lynne project. The record is filled with vocoders, electronically treated vocals, cheap drum machines, tinny synths, and robotic beats. At its best on songs like “Move On” (wait for the moving guitar/synth duet at the song’s climax) and the dreamy “Out of the Zone,” the electronics are added somewhat organically and give Schneider’s sometimes reedy vocals and simple songs a much-needed boost. A few of the songs don’t work quite as well; “Circuit”‘s vocoder and the song’s nagging melody give the song an overly gimmicky sound, and the record’s instrumentals (“Jewel of India,” “Hello Sun,” and “Blossoms”) aren’t of much interest. These are small flaws, and the strength of the rest of the record makes up for them. The record was mixed by Mark Linnett of Beach Boys and SMiLE revisited fame, and he shows his versatility by creating a sound almost directly opposite to the lush SMiLE sound, instead making Expo sound like it was recorded in Schneider’s sock drawer. In a good way, though. Like Guided By Voices, Marbles (and the Apples) work better when they sound small and full to bursting, and Expo is no exception to that rule. Apples in Stereo fans will dig this record. ~ Tim Sendra, Rovi Performers: Hudson Berry – Vibraphone; Robert Schneider – Toy Piano, Vocoder, Mellotron, Synthesizer Bass, Vocals (Background), Bass (Electric), Organ, Vocals, Synthesizer, Piano, Guitar (Electric); Derek Banach – Trumpet; Hilarie Sidney – Drums; Jim Lindsay – Drums; Merisa Bissinger – Flute, Sax (Alto); Rick Benjamin – Trombone