We each have our own idea of perfection, whether it’s embodied in a car, a vacation, a job, or in our case — koi. Pursuit of such supremacy comes with costs, trade-offs and rules that govern all our decisions. For starters, it is regularly said that koi-keeping starts and finishes with Kohaku, a simple, two-colored […]
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What are some of the biggest hurdles to selling and keeping ornamental pond fish? Knowledge, space, time and cost, just to name a few. Offering some honest answers to common questions may help increase koi enjoyment — and sales! Many of the questions we are asked may seem simple or even trivial, but remember, you […]
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I have seen tens of millions of koi and goldfish and have sold many of them. I’ve been present when a fish sold for $125,000. I’ve also been present when 10,000 fish sold for $1 each. All these experiences can be exciting the first time they happen, but the real excitement for koi breeders, shops and hobbyists lies in what I […]
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One of the greatest pleasures you and your customers can have with a pond is throwing a handful of fish food into it and watching the fish chase around, eagerly consuming it. As a pond owner myself, I still enjoy sitting and watching this activity, sometimes for hours. You might not have given much thought […]
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You never know who might pull in your driveway. As I write this article and look from my office window down the driveway, I think of all of the wonderful people I have met coming down this driveway to our koi business. Some had their first 10-gallon tank; others had expansive ponds. Some were just […]
Read MoreWOW! That’s what I said after seeing the harvest of a special spawn we had been working on for quite some time. It was nice to finally see a glimpse of what we have worked so hard to create. We’ve fielded numerous phone calls and in-person requests in the past few years for rare and unique […]
Read Moreith a history spanning over a century, goldfish have come a long way from their humble beginnings as a cheap food source in China. And while their American legacy began as a “five-and-dime” product at Woolworth, today’s goldfish are anything but ordinary. Joe Pawlak of Blackwater Creek Koi Farms sheds some light on the many colorful varieties of the fish you only thought you knew.
Read MoreDon’t learn the hard way. Joe Pawlak helps guide you on what to do and not do when naming your business or a new product. He speaks from experience here. Learn the difference between a trademark and a copyright. When can you use ®? These are important things you need to know as a business owner, so don’t slack. Make sure you have your company’s bases covered, with tips from Joe.
Read MoreSeeing is believing as they say and the Kumonryu (koo – mon –roo) variety of koi is probably the most fascinating of them all. See and learn how Kumonryu (translated means “Nine Crested Dragon”) are different from other koi varieties.
Read MoreWhy sell goldfish? Selling goldfish is like planting a seed that will grow into a relationship that will bear fruit (money) for a long time. Joe, a Goldfish breeder, discusses what to do when you decide to carry Goldfish. Learn about the different varieties available, the most popular varieties to carry, tips on selling them and even why you might want to give them away.
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