Getting to Know Clint!
Clint has been passionate about reptiles his entire life. While he always dreamed of working with reptiles full time, who would have thought it would one day become a reality!?
At the age of 6, Clint caught his first eastern black kingsnake and that sparked a love that never died. As the years went by, life obviously changed, but reptiles (especially snakes) were always a part of Clint's life. Eventually in the early 2000s, Bartley Reptiles was formed and was still just a hobby and passion project for Clint in his spare time. However, each year, that project grew bigger and bigger. It started with a corner, then it became a room, eventually the entire lower floor of the family's home as well as a 1 car garage was taken over with Clint's hobby. The family was tolerant if nothing else!
As the years went by, Bartley Reptiles developed a stellar reputation of service and quality. The passion for Asian rat snakes and black rat snake mutations exploded and Clint became known as a leader in these arenas, black rat mutations specifically (along with several partnerships with his good friend Matt Most!) The collection certainly wasn't limited to these alone as more and more species continued to be added and enjoyed.
As the years went by, Clint became the Vice President of the Tri-State Herptological Society, vended 100s of reptile shows, and produced 1000s of snakes. His 20 year career in multi unit management allowed him to travel the country where he made many friends, both in the reptile community and in various other industries. Clint developed a love for business and a real knack at being successful in it. It wasn't the money that drove him. Instead, he loved the puzzle of it all. Reading trends, understanding the market, the people, and how to best deliver what they wanted in a way they wanted it. In addition to this... he loved teaching and coaching others how to do the same.
In 2022, it was time. Clint had worked for the same company for 20 years (a great company), but it was time to make a change that would allow him to spend more time at home with his young children. It was more than that though.... Since he was six years old, Clint had dreamed of not a pet store, but a reptile specialty shop that created an experience for those that love the hobby. It was time for THAT.
Clint had the opportunity to combine his two loves... reptiles and business. A 9,000 sq ft facility was purchased and a 3,000 sq ft showroom was created with LOTS of help from family and friends. Metazotics was born!
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Today, Metazotics approaches the love for this hobby in three ways. Nationally, regionally, and locally.
Nationally, Metazotics ships reptiles and reptile supplies, providing top quality, captive bred animals to their customers that are able to select the very animal they want with the simple click of a mouse or push of their thumb.
Regionally, Clint and the team attends and vends many more reptile shows than Bartley Reptiles ever could. This gives them the opportunity to interact face to face with many more of those in the hobby and help spread the passion and knowledge on some of the less common species they work with.
Locally, now that is where it really gets fun! Metazotics has created a reptile shop that will change, grow, and adapt with the hobby. This is a place where all are welcome, even if they just want to sit and simply "be" in an environment surrounded by reptiles and people who love them. How many pet stores do you know with a sitting area in the middle of it, just to hang out?? Clint always wanted to foster a community feel and this is a piece that was absolutely necessary for that vibe. As time goes on, more and more animals are added on display, not just for purchase, but some just so the community can see things many only ever see in pictures.
