Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric and Tasha Hardy.
Eric and Tasha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been a fish enthusiast my entire life while having a career as a manager, but I also always wanted to run my own business. I wanted to bring a quality brick and mortar store to the South Side of Chicago, where my wife, Tasha, and I grew up. As a fish enthusiast, I felt that there was a need for an aquarium business that satisfied the needs of other hobbyists and gave them a place to find quality products, advice and a welcoming environment. After over 20 years as a manager, I left my job and after some time, my wife and I decided to invest in my life-long passion and began the exciting journey of starting our own business dedicated predominantly to the sale of freshwater fish, saltwater fish, and corals, as well as aquarium chemicals and dry and frozen fish foods. We also perform tank setups as well as providing ongoing cleaning/maintenance of clients’ tanks. We opened our doors in February 2015 and we continue to grow!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Although my managerial skills and my wife’s financial background has greatly alleviated some struggles, there have been many challenges for us in opening the store from initially building the aquarium system with my father’s help all the way to learning the ropes of running an aquarium store. My wife and I had to determine what vendors to use as well as obtain product information and pricing. I think another significant challenge included our ability to determine the best products to hold in inventory while still maintaining competitive prices.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hardy’s Aquatics & Pets – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Hardy’s Aquatics and Pets is a family owned and operated store that sells corals, tropical fish, saltwater fish and other small reptiles as well as other great pet supplies!
Hardy’s Aquatics’ & Pets is known for providing genuine care to its customers and we have a mission to provide an inviting environment for all pet enthusiasts (especially fish) to obtain quality products with exceptional service. I am most proud of opening the company with my wife, as well as the dedicated support of my mother and my father. I am proud that we have built a great reputation for great products and services.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We have recently become a platinum dealer selling Seachem chemical products for aquarium use. Our plans for the future would include continuing to expand the store, increasing store inventory and expanding our tank maintenance line of business.
Pricing:
- Tank Maintenance – $50 and up
Contact Info:
- Address: 11834 S. Western Avenue
Chicago, IL 60643 - Website: www.hardyaquatics.com
- Phone: 1 (773)840-3420
- Email: hardyaquatics@gmail.com
- Instagram: @hardyaquatics
- Facebook: @hardyaquatics
- Twitter: @hardysaquatics
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hardys-aquatics-and-pets-chicago
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