04/10/2025
Over the last several years, I've been ridiculously lucky to pursue my passions with very little compromise. I turned my 1200 square foot basement into a bastion of my hobby. My species list grew to well over 100, and progeny output climbed to heights I could never have imagined. New rack systems and shelves were introduced to maximize space and efficiency, and eventually, I was able to make my passion my job. We continued to see growth, I increased the number of breeder expos and shows we attended to four a month, I ramped up educational presentations at schools and local nature centers and museums, worked with film and TV productions to highlight these fascinating animals, and I felt like this, this was definitely what I was supposed to be doing.
But life doesn't hold our desires or aspirations in consideration. Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, and our community, Swannanoa, was ravaged by floodwaters and downed trees. We had already experienced a decline in revenue with a tightening economy, but the difficulties from that storm proved to be too much. With a power outage that lasted 28 days, my business was effectively closed. I lost clutches that were incubating, an entire freezer full of frozen rodents, crayfish, and other aquatic invertebrates I had raised from naupili to adults. We couldn't ship, couldn't attend shows, it was a daily effort just to prepare food for the grill, and secure enough water to keep flushing the toilets.
During this time, I was forced to return to my state job. We simply needed the income. This meant I could no longer attend nearly as many shows, and my life would be balanced between a full time job, my family, and staying up late nights to feed hundreds, sometimes thousands of animals. But, I was making it work.
Then fate gave me another shake-up. In the stretch of a month, I lost two close family members. My grandfather and my mom. I don't have much to say about that on a business page, but it was a trying time.
Now, another whirlwind. My lovely wife, Christie, was offered an incredible job. A life changing opportunity with amazing pay and benefits. One of those offers you can't refuse, and I'm so happy for her. The caveat, it's in California. So, now we find ourselves in the chaotic situation of beginning a huge life changing move. We will be relocating to Southern California this year, which means Asheville Wildside will be suspending operations as we prepare for and execute said move.
Animals will be re-homed, and that process has already begun. There are a few species I'm particularly attached too, and they will be making the cross country trek with me, but the majority of my culture list will be sold to other breeders and keepers I've met, become friends with, and respected during this journey.
I stand here amid the sounds of pumps, chirping crickets, in the warm glow produced by rows of lights and heating systems. I see animals that I've had for decades, their progeny, produced here and guided by my hand to adulthood, themselves now adults and producing. Generations of living things that have come to be in my humble basement. Hundreds of species and thousands of specimens have passed from my care to your collections. It is intimidating and inspiring in the same breath. It has brought me profound meaning and satisfaction to have lived this experience, and I'm glad I'm typing this so you don't have to hear me holding back tears.
I have no idea what the future holds, I've learned to stop anticipating or laying expectations across that pyre. I do know that none of what I've done would have been possible without you. Everyone who has supported me, my family, and my business by making a purchase, leaving a review, or even just recommending us to another hobbyist. So for that I can't say thank you enough. The word itself is inadequate to encapsulate how I feel, I am truly appreciative of everyone of you guys.
This weekend, I'll be vending the Atlanta Repticon. It is Asheville Wildsides' last show. I'll have a lot of inventory, including some surplus adults and juvenile grow outs that will be looking for new homes. So if you're in the area, please stop by and say 'hi'.
I will miss talking shop with everyone, I absolutely love meeting people and introducing them to this hobby. I like to think that I've had a positive impact, I hope that I have managed to spread my love for these often misunderstood animals to keepers of all levels. I hope that my enthusiasm and passion have helped others find joy and validation in their own practice.
I've been a part of this hobby, industry, business, whatever you want to call it, for 25 years. This is what I know. It's in my DNA. It might take me a while to get settled and rebuild, but you'll see me again. I might end up on the other side of the country, but I'm never more than a message away. Love you guys, you've made this all worth it.
This isn't a 'goodbye', its simply a 'see you next time'. Happy keeping everyone.
