Today was a big day here at CBE, and as such, I’m looking back in self-reflection over the events that came together to make it happen. Like many of you, I had a passion for reptiles from an early age. This passion was – thankfully – fostered by my parents and provided me the opportunity to build a varied collection at a younger age. Once I acquired my first Blood Python I was hooked and eventually this incredible species became my sole focus.
During that time, I also took a job at a zoo here in South Carolina where I met my (then-future) wife, Kendra. I spent 8 years working with some amazing animals, but ultimately knew in my heart of hearts that I wanted to strike out on my own someday. With the support of my wife, as well as some steadfast mentors in this industry, I took the plunge into breeding Blood and Short-Tailed Pythons full time.
Nearly four years after that fateful decision, I look back with gratitude over taking the chance to go my own way. It should go without saying that writing my own ticket has not been all sunshine and rainbows. I’ve learned a lot about myself and continue to do so: as a businessman and strategist, but most importantly, as a snake keeper. It is nearly a paradox: living a lean, simple life that is extremely rewarding at the same time. There have been many ups and downs. Things do not always go as planned working with animals, as many of you know all too well. Clutches don’t pan out, animals can die, numerous unexpected factors can impact each moment and as such, I’ve learned not to take a single one for granted. All the same, at the end of the day the risk of striking out on my own has been ultimately rewarding.
This brings me to the next chapter here at Cold-Blooded Earth. We were recently presented with the opportunity to acquire a female Pied Red Blood Python. As with any animal there is a risk, and one of this magnitude was a decision I needed to seriously ponder and consider. I leaned on my wife and the support of those same people I have relied on in the past…and finally took the plunge. Today she arrived and opening the shipping bag was a surreal experience, one that instantly transported me back to my childhood fascination with reptiles, all the while illuminating those possibilities that lay ahead.
We want to share this with you all as we raise this girl up…the experience of starting from humble beginnings and grasping what feels like a once-in-a-lifetime chance. We plan to do regular updates and take lots of pictures as she grows. Without the support from our community this moment would have remained a dream instead of becoming a reality.
With gratitude, wonder, and great anticipation, we invite you on this Cold-blooded journey with us. We are thrilled to have this opportunity and very much looking forward to what the future holds. This life may not be easy as pie, but hey, at least there’s pie(d)!
