Reptile and Grow store Small Businesses

Reptile and Grow Store holds the unique claim of being Western Australia's only exclusive reptile and hydroponic shop. Owners Ken Thompson and Karen Purt-Thompson talk about the connection between raising reptiles and growing plants. At first glance, many people might not think growing plants hydroponically and keeping reptiles have much in common, but for Ken, they are two of his favorite things. That's why years ago he combined his two hobbies into one store. But the business didn't start out that way. Ken, who worked as a sales rep and manager in the electrical wholesales and mining industries before becoming his own boss, decided to take a chance 15 years ago and open a reptile exclusive store. When the global financial crisis hit a few years in for the new business, Ken and Karen decided to diversify and bring a second hobby into the mix – gardening. The two industries share one major thing in common: the equipment used to create the environment to grow plants and care for reptiles. At Reptile and grow we have many products that cross over from hydroponics to reptiles, invertebrates, and amphibians: water pumps, air stones, thermostats, thermometers, coco peat, heat mats, and although different – UV lighting is very important in both hydro and reptiles.