Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Brian Hoover

We recently had the chance to connect with Brian Hoover and have shared our conversation below.

Brian, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Work keeps me very busy but I always find time to coach my son’s sports teams. I have coached 7 years of baseball, 3 years of flag football, and we are in our 3rd season of tackle football. It has been so cool to watch my son grow along with all his friends from the different teams. I can’t wait to follow those kids through their high school, college and professional sports. Coaching has allowed me to take a break from the stresses of my work life.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Brian Hoover and my company is Aquatic Contractors. We are an aquarium design, build, and service company based in Southern California. This company was created with a few buckets and a competitive attitude in my parents garage in 2001. My accountant told me the only way he sees this working for a career is to be the Dr. Phil of aquariums. I took it as a challenge set on my wild ride of building and maintaining aquariums for some of the biggest name clients on the planet. Over the past two decades our work has been seen worldwide through various publications, TV commercials, as well as Animal Planets reality show, Tanked. Our company is so unique because of the location we provide service, as well as our extensive clientele. We have built or maintained aquariums from your average person to worldwide superstars. Everyday I wake up for work, I have a hard time processing my day to day life with these clients. The moments I have with them, the people I meet day in and day out is mind-blowing. We always have various projects come across our plate on a weekly basis. Right now we are designed a Cuttle Fish aquarium for that clients third aquarium.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I would say my parents, family friends, as well as my coaches throughout my sports career. My parents showed me what hard work is and to appreciate everything in life. Family friends let me see all the different career paths available. My coaches instilled not letting failure stop you. Playing high school football in the late 90s was pushing the edge of death daily through hard work at practices. I learned to never give up, learn from your failures, and keep moving forward

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to buckle up and hold on tight. The road in front of you is rocky and not easy but you are going to have the time of your life.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie in the aquarium service industry is I know how to do that and I will charge you less. Fish tanks done wrong or mickey moused together will always fail. Social media has amplified that with photoshopped tanks and click bait. Clients need to do more research on who they are hiring for jobs.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I am doing what I am born to do. I am outside, working with people bringing joy to families and offices. The only things that were told to me were follow your dreams, and you better find a job that can handle your expensive lifestyle.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aquatic-contractors.com
• Instagram: aquaticcontractors