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Hobbyist new owner of Tropical Fish Shoppe
By Tiffany Achermann / West Fargo Pioneer
WEST FARGO– Scott Eaves has always had a passion for aquariums and fish. When he found out Nancy Maag, owner of West Fargo’s Tropical Fish Shoppe, was retiring, he took his chance at turning his hobby into a living.
Eaves and his girlfriend, Alexa Stoller, were wellknown customers of the store, and they were both ready for a career change.
“I always talked to her and told her, ‘You know I’d be interested in purchasing your store when you’re looking to retire,’ so about a year ago she goes, ‘Well, I think I’m going to retire in the next six months,’ and we kind of went from there,” Eaves said.
The store sells freshwater fish, aquariums, supplies, and freshwater plants. They have around 40 types of plants and usually 200 kinds of fish available.
Eaves said they will often take in fish that have outgrown their tanks or that their owners can no longer care for. In some cases they’ll take in fish that are “disabled” and will attempt to keep them comfortable and help them “live their best life.”
Their goal is to offer a wide and changing variety of fish and plants.
“What we strive to do is anytime we sell out of a specific fish, we always try to switch it to something new. We try not to have the same fish in,” Eaves said. “Trying to change it up and get in different fish every week.”
Eaves was first introduced to fish by his mother, Bonnie Eaves, and her best friend, Judy Johnson. As a child his mother had a tank and would bring him to the fish store and let him pick out his own fish. He’s enjoyed having fish ever since.
“It was always just kind of a side thing. We never really planned on making any money on it,” Eaves said.
Eaves is originally from Saginaw, Michigan. He earned a culinary arts degree from Grand Rapids Community College and worked as an executive chef for 23 years.
Eaves moved to North Dakota six years ago to work at the University of
Jamestown. He worked in food service there for four years before joining Johnny B’s Brickhouse.
“When I first got into culinary arts that was really my passion,” Eaves said. “My side passion was keeping aquariums and being a fish hobbyist.”
Eaves said he and Stoller were able to get two months of training before taking over the store.
“I was delighted, and the rest is history,” Eaves said.
BUSINESS PROFILE
What: Tropical Fish Shoppe Inc.
Where: 2220 Main Ave. E. Suite F, West Fargo
Contact: 701-277-8727
Online: Follow “Tropical Fish Shoppe Inc.” on Facebook.
Achermann is a Minnesota State University Minnesota student interning at The Forum.