Categories: Articles
      Date: Dec 22, 2009
     Title: All Clear Aquarium

Alan Perry, owner of All Clear Aquarium Services, has his mother-in-law to thank for the start of his business.

An aquarium hobbyist for over 30 years, Alan was persuaded to clean and maintain the fish tank in his mother-in-law's daycare with promises of beer and food. Eventually, Alan became overwhelmed with maintenance requests from other aquarium owners and decided to take the leap and create a full-time business with support from Community Futures.

All Clear Aquarium is a one-stop-shop for "wet pets." Services include fresh and salt water aquarium design, installation and maintenance. Additionally, customers can purchase gift cards or choose from one of several aquarium leasing packages which include bi-weekly maintenance. Aquarium maintenance packages have proven popular with both home owners and businesses because as Alan says: everyone likes aquariums, but no one wants the job of cleaning them.

Looking back on his first year in business, Alan feels his success has come in part from providing exceptional service and attention to detail as well as remaining flexible.

To would-be entrepreneurs Alan offers this advice "no matter how hard it gets, no matter how bleak things look, determination, sticking to your plan and faith in yourself will get you through."