I don't post in here much, but am always lurking :lol: and figured I'd add my bio. I don't see too many people from the manufacturing side of the industry in here, so perhaps I can contribute something.
My name is Tony Nista. Born, raised, and still residing in the Cleveland, OH area. I have been in the industry, and the hobby, for the past 22 years, starting with a part time job at an LFS in high school. I managed two of the largest LFS in the market in the early and mid 90's, both well known stores that specialized in marine fish and the blossoming mini reef hobby. I still remember vividly the people lined up each week to see the latest shipments arriving, as not many stores were carrying corals, let alone SPS corals, in those days. We would get 15 to 20 boxes of coral a week from SDC, which was when I got to know Eric.
Following a brief stint with PetsMart (not a happy time in my life), I was hired by Tetra as a sales rep/ detailer in October of 1996, where I have worked ever since. Three years ago, Tetra was acquired by Spectrum Brands and we became part of United Pet Group. I now sell not only Tetra, but also Marineland, Perfecto, Instant Ocean, Jungle Labs, plus several dog/cat/small animal/ bird lines to distributors in the northeast US and Canada. I have been to hundreds, if not thousands, of LFS around the US and Canada in the course of my job, which enables me to offer some insight on the state of the retail business from a somewhat different perspective.
I am currently maintaining 4 reef tanks ranging from 60 to 125 gallons. I have served as Vice President of the Cleveland Saltwater Enthusiasts club, have attended most of the major hobbyist conferences for the past 17 years, have had one of my old aquariums featured in Mike Paletta's Ultimate Marine Aquariums, and had several articles published. I have also had the pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with several of the regular contributors here in this forum (you know who you are :lol: )
Anyhow, I hope that I can contribute something to this forum. Unlike most of the regular contributors, I don't own, or officially speak for my company, but perhaps there is something I can add.
Cheers!
My name is Tony Nista. Born, raised, and still residing in the Cleveland, OH area. I have been in the industry, and the hobby, for the past 22 years, starting with a part time job at an LFS in high school. I managed two of the largest LFS in the market in the early and mid 90's, both well known stores that specialized in marine fish and the blossoming mini reef hobby. I still remember vividly the people lined up each week to see the latest shipments arriving, as not many stores were carrying corals, let alone SPS corals, in those days. We would get 15 to 20 boxes of coral a week from SDC, which was when I got to know Eric.
Following a brief stint with PetsMart (not a happy time in my life), I was hired by Tetra as a sales rep/ detailer in October of 1996, where I have worked ever since. Three years ago, Tetra was acquired by Spectrum Brands and we became part of United Pet Group. I now sell not only Tetra, but also Marineland, Perfecto, Instant Ocean, Jungle Labs, plus several dog/cat/small animal/ bird lines to distributors in the northeast US and Canada. I have been to hundreds, if not thousands, of LFS around the US and Canada in the course of my job, which enables me to offer some insight on the state of the retail business from a somewhat different perspective.
I am currently maintaining 4 reef tanks ranging from 60 to 125 gallons. I have served as Vice President of the Cleveland Saltwater Enthusiasts club, have attended most of the major hobbyist conferences for the past 17 years, have had one of my old aquariums featured in Mike Paletta's Ultimate Marine Aquariums, and had several articles published. I have also had the pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with several of the regular contributors here in this forum (you know who you are :lol: )
Anyhow, I hope that I can contribute something to this forum. Unlike most of the regular contributors, I don't own, or officially speak for my company, but perhaps there is something I can add.
Cheers!
. I frequently propagate SPS and zoas mostly since those tend to be the faster growers in my system and the easiest sellers in my community. I do have a website in the works for coral sales (hopefully not too far off) and I have a good relationship with many wholesalers and a few good inside contacts. 
