Best Marine Hobbyists/Scientists in the Industry

[Ret_Talbot]

If anyone is leading the industry it must certainly be Race Foster.

Correct me if I'm wrong (and I'm sure Race will...lol), but he's not a hobbyist insofar as I remember reading in an interview that he doesn't personally keep fish--he's a cats and dogs kinda guy if I recall correctly.

 

[Race]

I am not a leader. I just plug along and do my own thing. Others are far more qualified. No need to consider me.

 

[dizzy]

But you are a hobbyist:

Dr. Mac,
Fish and coral are not used as a marketing tool. The aquaculture facility and the industry is my hobby just as my cattle ranch in Montana. I have the absolute best calving barn and facility near Winnett, Montana and that precludes me from selling Vermilion steers at a profit. Is that a marketing tool or a choice that I have made with my money? I also have a World Class Dressage Horse Arena in Hazelhurst, Wisconsin. Opened tonight. Is that a marketing tool for selling equine products? No, I just completed all three of the facilities and have been in the industry for years--- all three of these ventures ( all livestock, be it fish , coral, calf or foal ) are what I have chosen to do in my next life. I enjoy nice healthcare facilities and have chosen to spend my money in this way. All animals are professionally cared for, a model approach--- the best that I can do with my animal health degree, available financing and help. I may not have been in the hobby for 25 years but I was not exactly picking sh-t with the chickens.

Guys and girls I think that is my right----so get over it!!!

 

[Race]

Kevin Kohen taught me all I know about the aquatics industry and he still knows way more than me. I owe everything to him, he is the leader of our operation as far as aquaculture care and selection. I am his follower, not leader.
From that perspective, I am a dog, cat and cow kind of guy. I will not live long enough to catch up to Kevin and others in the aquatics area. Not my goal either.

 

[dizzy]

Race you're to modest. Well let's at least put Kevin on the list.

 

[Race]

Kevin Kohen deserves to be on the agenda. Once you meet Kevin, you realize that nice guys do not always finish last.

 

[dizzy]

Race I was serious, I do believe Kevin belongs on the list. And I met Kevin at a MACNA and agree he is a nice guy.
Mitch

 

[Ret_Talbot]

I had a discussion with a retailer today who was pointing out/lamenting the fact that so many of the leaders in the industry with a scientific background eventually end up leaving the industry.

So here are my two questions:

First, is that the case, and are their specific examples you can share with me here or via PM, and second, if that is the case, why (in your opinion) is it the case?

Thanks again for your help.

 

[dizzy]

As such, I am looking for the top people in the industry representing the scientists and representing the hobbyist. I am interested in collectors, exporters, importers, and retailers, but for the scope of this article, I'm only interested in those people insofar as they are either scientists or hobbyists helping to lead the industry.

Ret,
Most collectors, exporters, importers, and retailers are no more hobbyists than Race is. Some of them probably were at one time, but the longer you stay in the business the less of a hobbyist many become. I think the fact that you are doing something for the fun of it and not for profit defines what a hobbyist is. Sure there will always be the exceptions, but IMO most people who work in the industry no longer keep tanks at home for the fun of it.
Mitch

PS
As for your last question, do a search on John Tullock.

 

[Ret_Talbot]

Most collectors, exporters, importers, and retailers are no more hobbyists than Race is. Some of them probably were at one time, but the longer you stay in the business the less of a hobbyist many become. I think the fact that you are doing something for the fun of it and not for profit defines what a hobbyist is. Sure there will always be the exceptions, but IMO most people who work in the industry no longer keep tanks at home for the fun of it.

I understand what you are saying, and what I think I'm trying to say is for this article, I'm only interested in hobbyists and scientists--not collectors, exporters, importers, and retailers unless those folks are also either hobbyists or scientists. I agree with your point that many of these people are not hobbyists. The article is making a parallel to the 19th century relationship between hobbyists and scientists insofar as they were interested in marine aquaria. I am interested in doing a later piece about more traditional industry folks--the ones you mention--but when I use the term "industry" here, I am painting with a very broad brush.

As for your last question, do a search on John Tullock.

Thanks. Tullock is my main example at present. I have two others as well, but I'm looking for more, especially those who are willing to speak freely about why they left the industry.

Thanks again for the help.