About Us

For as long as I can remember I’ve loved nature. From plants to fish and everything in between, learning how to keep things alive has grown from a hobby into a passion, and now a career. Over the past decade my brother and I have combined our passions, experimenting with different aquarium styles and learning how to aquascape together, all culminating into Underwater Tropics. Getting the opportunity to build Underwater Tropics from the ground up has been an amazing experience to share with my family. Prior to opening the store I spent four years studying, and three years practicing Architecture and Design in Tallahassee. After three years in the industry I found that even though it was incredible to be a part of the process, it wasn’t quite what I was meant to do. Now, having the chance to grow within the store we designed and built, I can truly say I love what I do. 

Coming Soon?

I’ve loved fishkeeping for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my brother and I spent countless hours exploring local creeks, catching fish and salamanders by hand—it’s where my lifelong passion for aquatic life first began.

Before opening Underwater Tropics, I spent nearly a decade working in restaurants, advancing from cook to executive chef across several local establishments. Along the way, I earned a Level II WSET Certificate in Wine and developed a strong foundation in operations, inventory management, and cost analysis—skills that became invaluable when starting our own aquarium business.

Today, I’m grateful to combine that background in management with a lifelong love of fishkeeping to bring something special to our local community. When I’m not at the shop, you’ll find me spending time with my wife and baby girl, or out fishing with friends—still chasing that same sense of wonder I had as a kid by the creek.