Barrier Reef has been part of Boca Raton for more than fifty years.
It was brought back by people who had spent their whole careers in this industry, most of them working together.
Gary spent more than 25 years as an executive at Royal Pet Supplies. Bob spent 21 there as CFO and President. Melissa built her career in animal care and wholesale distribution. They did not arrive as outside investors. They arrived as people who had been doing this their entire working lives, and they kept the staff who had been here for decades.
Robin has been behind this counter since 1998.
The owners
Three people who spent their careers building this industry, now running one store in the town they live in.
Gary
Owner
Favorite fish: Queen Triggerfish
Gary's passion for fishkeeping began at just five years old and grew into a lifelong career in the aquarium industry, spanning retail, distribution, manufacturing, product development, and executive leadership.
He owned and operated a retail aquarium store in Queens, New York for eight years before becoming Executive Vice President of Royal Pet Supplies. During more than 25 years with the company he helped oversee the distribution and manufacturing of aquarium products, including the development of the Deep Blue line.
Melissa
Owner
Favorite fish: Porcupine Pufferfish
Melissa has dedicated her entire professional career to the pet industry, building decades of experience in animal care, operations, retail, and wholesale distribution.
She began as a veterinary technician and large kennel manager, then became a Wholesale Pet Supply Account Manager, where she built industry relationships and developed expertise in product sourcing and distribution.
Bob
Owner
Bob spent 21 years as CFO and President of Royal Pet Supplies, helping transform the wholesale distributor from a regional operation into a nationally recognized industry leader.
After retiring in 2012 he returned to the industry to help restore the 50+ year old Barrier Reef. A longtime Boca Raton resident, he believes a community is only as strong as its independent retailers.
On the floor
The people you will actually talk to when you come in, and what each of them knows best.
Joey
Store Manager + Fish Expert
Favorite fish: Wartskin Frogfish
More than 10 years as a professional aquarist, certified in aquatic animal healthcare and aquaculture practices.
Six years of marine biology research into fish and elasmobranch biomechanics, a three time published scientific author, with a B.S. in Neuroscience and an M.S.T. in Integrative Biology from Florida Atlantic University. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D.
Robin
Fish Expert
Favorite fish: Adult Emperor Angelfish
Robin began his career at Fish Paradise in 1983 and joined Barrier Reef in 1998. With more than 40 years in the industry he remains one of the most experienced and trusted experts on the floor.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, he settled in Florida after Rochester and New Jersey. Outside the store it is snorkeling, fishing, and cars.
Terri
Fish Expert
Favorite fish: Black Ghost Knifefish
More than 20 years in the pet industry, with extensive knowledge of dogs, exotic animals, reptiles, and freshwater fish.
A background as a veterinary technician, a professional pet sitter, and she operates a reptile rescue. A Florida native and a proud Neocaridina shrimp keeper.
Oliver
Freshwater Specialist
Favorite fish: Fogo Peacock Bass
A Barrier Reef customer since he was four years old, Oliver returned to the team after first working with us in 2023.
An avid hobbyist who keeps multiple indoor and outdoor aquariums, with hands-on experience in freshwater fish, planted aquariums, reptiles, and amphibians.
The standard every animal in this store is held to is written down.