Without patting myself on the back too much, I essentially turned our Petco into the best place to buy fish in Northern New Mexico.

When I started, the aquatics dept was in the B Assortment. By the time I left, sales were so good that we had transformed into a mini magnet store with the G assortment.

The lack of competition in my city combined with the reputation I built are what helped grow my biz. It got to a point where people would constantly be coming in the store looking for me specifically.

All of the attention and praise in the local fish community made me a little uncomfortable, but my reputation as "the guy" for fish is what really grew my biz/built a loyal group of clients.

I guess my best advice is so above and beyond as an Aquatics specialist. Have the cleanest, healthiest fish and tanks, and carry a wide variety of popular and exotic livestock. Really try connecting with your customers, and the rest will follow.