Cy-Fair resident Mike Truong was always fascinated by fish and other aquatic creatures. In April 2015, he turned his hobby into a job by opening Aqua Aquarium in Jersey Village, and he has been growing his business ever since.
“The first year has had its ups and downs, but at the end of the day I get to work every day doing a hobby that I love,” Truong said. “Overall, things have gone well for us in the first year of business.”
Aqua Aquarium offers a wide variety of saltwater and freshwater fish as well as lobsters, tanks and tank decorations, Operations Supervisor Steve Gibson said.
Aqua Aquarium Operations Supervisor Steve Gibson has been with the business since it opened.[/caption]
The shop restocks its inventory of fish on a regular basis. Gibson said every time he and Truong put in an order for more fish, they make sure to pick at least one species they have never seen before.
“If we don’t have what customers are looking for, we can also get it for them,” he said. “It might take us a few weeks in some cases, but if you can give us a scientific name for the fish, we can get that fish for you.”
Business was very good through Aqua Aquarium’s first year, leading to multiple inventory and display expansions over that time, Gibson said. The store also expanded into new services, including tank installation, maintenance and design. These services are also available to patrons who maintain ponds and water gardens.
Customer service has been a huge part of Aqua Aquarium’s success, Gibson said.
“When we go to your house, we clean every glass surface, clean the filtration system and will even check up on the health of your fish,” he said. “We have never lost a customer due to missed communication or inadequate service.”
Patrons of Aqua Aquarium can also browse different decorations and plant life for their tanks.[/caption]
Future plans could entail opening up a new location in the Katy area. Gibson said there has been some talk about expanding at the existing Jones Road location if the suite opens up next door, but nothing concrete is underway at this point.
Truong said he is happy to take things slow, continuing to build up a strong reputation through word-of-mouth.
“Our customers are passionate about this hobby, and I think they see the passion we have for what we do,” he said. “I love having a job that allows me to help other people with the thing they’re passionate about.”
8805 Jones Road, Ste. A101, Houston 832-768-7330 www.facebook.com/aquaaquariumjv Hours: Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m., closed Mondays
