Ever since we started the commercial side of our operation back in 2015, the focus was always about providing the freshest homegrown seafood imaginable to our customers. We turned away all requests for consulting and farm startup because that's not want we wanted to do.
However, after being in the industry for this long, two aspects of it really stuck out. First, there is tremendous interest in the aquaculture industry, especially the shrimp aquaculture side. We get calls and emails from across the country and around the world asking for help to start or consult their operations. So, the interest is very real.
Unfortunately, the second aspect we notice is that there are not many graspable resources out there, let alone reasonable. There are only a few folks in the industry that we would be comfortable sending prospective farmers to. There are those that have never been successful with their own operations (or even started their farms in the first place) that are asking for upwards of $60,000 for consulting alone. I had an individual who visited my operation once for 4 hours and then turns around to try to sell his "knowledge" for $1800 for 2 hours, parroting back the basic information I told him.
It is unfortunate, but it happens. Even though we can't control what others do, we can do a little more to prevent this from happening. We need to take more of the unknowns out of aquaculture, an industry that's constantly changing.
After saying all that, I will be offering shrimp farm startup and consultation services on an application basis. My time and your time is valuable so my hope is that both of us have high expectations in this partnership of sorts, if you pass the application process.
How Are Our Aquaculture Services Different
Our services are very different and more generous than what is available out there today.
Strive for Self-Dependence Within 12 months, If Not Sooner. No "Pyramid Schemes" Allowed! We Want to Make Sure You Have the Resources to Stand On Your Own
Customized Packages to Fit Your Needs. Not Overselling You What You Don't Need
Application-Based. We Want to Work With Those That We Are Confident Can Succeed. We Won't Sell You Just to Sell You. If You Are Rejected as A Client, We Are More Than Willing To Provide Feedback as to Why and How We Can Get You to Possibly Being Accepted In The Future
Won't Oversell Equipment to You. For Example, You Will Not Pay 5X Over for a "Tank" That's Just a Swimming Pool. You Pay What We Pay! We Charge Only for Consulting and Startup
When We Say Startup Services, We Mean Full Startup Services, from Construction of Buildings to House Your Operation and what Insulation to Use in the Walls to Starting Your Own Nursery and Marketing Your Product Locally. NO Stone Left Un-turned.
Lifelong Support of Our Expertise Along with Our Network of Resources
Now, we also offer a unique difference between our services and others, that both shows our good-faith in helping prospective farmers and also help financially if it doesn't work out.
If you use our services and are not moving forward in success (or decide to cease operation) within 2 years, we will refund you 20% of all consulting/startup fees. This does not include physical equipment or materials you bought through us. However, we will offer to buy equipment and materials back at an agreed upon price.
How To Apply
Please download and fill out the application form below. Fill it out as fully as you can and feel free to add pages as well.
After completion, please scan and email your application to tofaqua@gmail.com
I also understand a paper application doesn't embody the applicant as well as it should so all applicants will be asked to schedule at least a phone call so that we can talk. Regardless if you are accepted or not, I want to help as much as I can.
We don't only have experience supporting aquaculture operations, but also have extensive expertise providing heat tracing services and products to the general agricultural and residential industry. Whether it be for low temperature/freeze protection applications or higher temperature maintenance needs, we can offer an affordable and effective complete solution the first time. Applications we have done in the past include:
- Freeze protection for irrigation lines - Heat tracing dairy lines - Grain silo throat heat tracing with silicone pads - IBC tote and drum heating - Freeze protection for residential water lines - Greenhouse heat tracing - Aquaculture grow out tank heating - Filter tank heat tracing to prevent coagulation of solids
To get started, please give us a call or shoot us a text at (740) 616-4196. For ease of contact and return, please email tofaqua@gmail.com