Which reef industry companies are still family owned?

[Ernie Mccracken]

Everyone is aware that private equity has taken over and already consolidated a huge chunk of the reef keeping industry. I have a finance background, so I definitely have my own experience/views about what happens (to the consumer experience, innovation, wages, outsourcing practices, pricing strategies, service, QA, etc.) once these guys get involved. I'll spare you the rant.

Is Tunze still family owned? What other companies can I put on my list?

 

[Ironwill723]

I believe Sicce and Reef Octopus (Honya Co.) aren't affiliated with the big A group. Not really family run though.

 

[CBonito]

Everyone is aware that private equity has taken over and already consolidated a huge chunk of the reef keeping industry. I have a finance background, so I definitely have my own experience/views about what happens (to the consumer experience, innovation, wages, outsourcing practices, pricing strategies, service, QA, etc.) once these guys get involved. I'll spare you the rant.

Is Tunze still family owned? What other companies can I put on my list?

We think a lot alike...does it get you into a lot of trouble too?

 

[Ernie Mccracken]

We think a lot alike...does it get you into a lot of trouble too?

 

[TehBrainz]

What other companies can I put on my list?

Would you mind sharing said list?

 

[CBonito]

torches and pitchforks.

 

[AydenLincoln]

LifeReef is owned a one man show by Jeff who is awesome.

 

[drolmaeye]

I believe CoralVue (and HYDROS), although they do distribute some products that may not be family owned.

 

[Ernie Mccracken]

Would you mind sharing said list?

I don't even know anymore, hence why I'm asking. Used to be there were only a few big corporate brands and then everyone else was a smaller niche company. Like you could call the customer service number and the owner would often pick up.

 

[Ironwill723]

How about Geos Reef, Avaste Marine, Sea Swirl

 

[Big E]

I believe ESV is family owned

 

[GlassMunky]

I don’t believe any of the BIG names like you said are still family owned in the small company sense like you were saying (having the owner or their spouse answer the phone)
Everything now is corporate in some form or another even of they aren’t owned by a big conglomerate

 

[GlassMunky]

Tunze is still owned by members of the Tunze family but id say it’s far from a family company at this point.

No corperate entity is a family business in my mind. Those 2 things are diametrically opposed to me.

Others may view it differently since someone with the name Tunze is still around but that’s left to each person.

 

[Boehmtown]

Indio Pacific Sea farms. Love them

 

[d2mini]

Reef Frenzy and Rods Food and probably the majority of our sponsors.

 

[Gill the 3rd]

While sicce is a big company, I'm pretty sure its still owned by the same family that started it. I saw a livestream with Jay Wilson and he discussed how the family is still heavily involved in the company and how all the kids work at the company.

 

[Reefing102]

I believe many coral vendors are still family owned.

As for dry goods, for our purposes, I classify small corporate as good enough for family owned. Such as SaltwaterAquarium.com, Tunze, Geissman, Hamilton, etc. I’d rather support small corporate than mega corporate though sometimes there’s no other choice

 

[rhitee93]

They are a retailer, not a manufacturer, but I try to support Premium Aquatics https://premiumaquatics.com/ whenever I can. They feel smaller to me, but I guess I can't actually vouch for the size. The brick and mortar store is only about an hour away from me, and they have fantastic customer service.

 

[KStatefan]

Danner Manufacturing

 

[Ernie Mccracken]

I believe CoralVue (and HYDROS), although they do distribute some products that may not be family owned.

Yes that's correct.