Today we’d like to introduce you to Roger DeGregori.
Roger, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Tropical Fish and Aquariums have been my hobby and passion since I was 8 years old… Being born a Pisces I guess fish were born into me. In the late 1970’s at the age of 10 years old, I expanded my interest in the aquarium hobby by going w/ my dad to a liquidation sale of the aquarium dept. at Pier One Imports. We filled up my dad’s old hatchback Toyota with 8-10 aquariums for $100…
My foray into fish keeping had just quadrupled. Around that same time, a new store called Village Tropical Fish had opened near my house in the Rice Village. I couldn’t wait to see it. Upon entering the store I befriended the owner, Mike. That was the beginning of a friendship work relationship and mentorship about the aquarium business. While working at VTF every spare minute I had after school and weekends I developed a passion for Aquarium design installation and service.
Mike was not interested in this piece of the business. With his support and blessing, I embarked on my lifelong aquarium journey while in High School starting my own business.. My journey has taken me from one 18 year kid and an old beat up Datsun truck to a regional retail brick and mortar aquarium business with installation and services worldwide.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I deal with people and live fish… Fish are way easier… My challenges are the same for every business — Staffing – Cash flow — Rising Costs and Customer Acquisition… Modern day (2017) struggles are keeping the industry-relevant with the challenges of most people have limited time and money coupled with limited attention span while everyone stares at their phone.. We understand those challenges plus the changing retail landscape and believe we are solidly positioned to weather the storm known as online aka Amazon…
Fish Gallery – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are everything aquarium and tropical fish… We have something for everyone… While our retail storefront business is where you will be introduced to Fish Gallery its the behind the scenes aquarium installation and services that drive the bus. W/out this we wouldn’t be in business… I am most proud of the resiliency of myself and my staff.. The daily challenges and at times massive roadblocks we have overcome would have been insurmountable for most. This has only made us stronger
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success is not bench marked by one single thing although every morning I am motivated by my ability to understand my daily challenges and how we as a team need to drive business. The fruits of my labor and financial reward that comes with hard work is only realized when I pull into my driveway and get to see my beautiful family…
Pricing:
- $10-$100,000 – Its the something for everyone and broad price range that makes Fish Gallery unique
Contact Info:
- Address: 2909 Fountainview
Houston Texas 77057 - Website: www.thefishgallery.com
- Phone: 800-303-9615
- Email: rdegregori@thefishgallery.com
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
