Print Page | Close Window

Looking for Work?

Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Main
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Description: Posts that don't fit in any of the other categories.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2537
Printed Date: December 31 2025 at 12:32pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Looking for Work?
Posted By: jfinch
Subject: Looking for Work?
Date Posted: May 11 2004 at 1:12pm

There's an interesting article in the Salt Lake Tribune today about the aquarium maintenance business.  They interviewed Bob Smith of Wet Pets (Layton, home based business) and Randy Olsen (MSM, large scale).  Here's the article:  http://www.sltrib.com/2004/May/05112004/business/165343.asp - http://www.sltrib.com/2004/May/05112004/business/165343.asp

How much does it cost to start a business?

Minimum initial investment: Varies. Bob Smith, who owns and operates his one-person business Wet Pets out of his east Layton home, estimates it takes at least $5,000 to get started, but Randy Olsen of Mountain Shadow Marine in Centerville says at least $10,000 is needed. Budget for a business license and registering the business name; liability insurance; marketing, such as Yellow Pages advertising; a vehicle and mileage for meeting with clients; and various supplies. Larger enterprises that use a separate facility and hire employees will need to budget for such things as utilities and leasing or renting the business site.

How much will you make?

 Estimated income: Varies. Smith bolsters his maintenance business with sales of tanks, fish and other supplies. In 2003, he estimates he grossed between $70,000 and $90,000. Olsen's business, which includes six maintenance vehicles, an 8,000-square-foot facility with an on-site lab, a retail outlet and employs 12 full-time workers, grossed about $1 million last year.



-------------
Jon

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6y_EzjI_ljbIwf2n5uNzTw" rel="nofollow - What I've been doing...




Replies:
Posted By: jfinch
Date Posted: May 11 2004 at 1:14pm
What kind of on-site lab does MSM have?

-------------
Jon

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6y_EzjI_ljbIwf2n5uNzTw" rel="nofollow - What I've been doing...



Posted By: clismi
Date Posted: May 11 2004 at 1:50pm

I think I know what they mean by on-site lab.   Here is what I remember.  It is a room about 10 X 8? (I usually overestimate on room size) with a wrap around work bench on at least two sides.

Some of the equipment I remember (recognized) includes:  analytical scale, microscope,  electronic test equipment (maybe it was for pH, and other water quality stuff), test kits, a small tank that looked like an experimental setup containing jellyfiesh?  (remember I'm the novice).  Lots of other stuff I didn't recognize.  They were also experimenting with a calcium reactor with a controller?  Sorry for the lack of details, but it is a start until someone else that knows more can respond.

Reminded me of a biology/chemistry lab.  I want a microscope.   I can't think of a better term, but on-site lab might sound like more than it was.  It wasn't NIH or Sandia or anything like that.



Posted By: Connie
Date Posted: May 11 2004 at 1:54pm

Well Im in the wrong business..... Anyone know if either one is married  

Oh wait... just kidding, I already am  with kids......



Posted By: clismi
Date Posted: May 11 2004 at 2:04pm

I get the impression that most of you "salty fish people" already have equal amounts invested in your hobbies.

Maybe you should fill out the paperwork and start getting the business tax advantage (or is that disadvantage)?



Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: May 11 2004 at 4:40pm
Wow that's fast. She called me just yesterday asking if I knew an industry organization that supported maintenance co's. I told her that Randy knew of it and sure enough, that link at the bottom is the group I remember Randy telling me about.

(Watch for an upcoming news story regarding TLP. It won't be flattering.)

-------------
Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks:
www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244
Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member


Posted By: Weimers
Date Posted: May 11 2004 at 5:49pm
Clismi, that's a very perceptive thought!  I've been thinking along those lines.  I need a tax break, and I think we've spent almost $15,000 now.  Geez, I should have paid off my car.  But this makes me way happier!  Most of the time.

-------------
Renee and Damon Weimer
Tankless in Hawaii


Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: May 13 2004 at 5:04pm

I too was contacted for this arctilce but didn't comment.  I'll wait for the next article to be printed, which Mark already mentioned.

Adam



-------------
Come to a meeting, they�re fun!


Posted By: Weimers
Date Posted: May 13 2004 at 6:29pm
I'm only mentioning this so that you can have a laugh at me.  I printed the article and took it to Ryan at Aquatic Dreams.  I was thinking he would laugh.  He didn't laugh at first.  I am much too silly sometimes! 

-------------
Renee and Damon Weimer
Tankless in Hawaii


Posted By: PeteVetrano
Date Posted: May 13 2004 at 6:53pm
What did he say? I like Ryan and their store is, OK. I picked up a few nice things there but their info is a little...Anyway he is up north does he know the guy from Layton that the Trib mentions? Does this guy get cool pieces and does he sell to retail?

Pete


Posted By: Weimers
Date Posted: May 13 2004 at 9:04pm
I just love Ryan.  Bonus for me is that Aquatic Dreams is close to my house.  He didn't really say much, just looked a little stunned.  Like, "A million?"  I don't know anyone who knows the guy in Layton, sorry.

-------------
Renee and Damon Weimer
Tankless in Hawaii



Print Page | Close Window

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd. - https://www.webwiz.net