Today we’d like to introduce you to Felix Bordon.
Hi Felix, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been involved in the aquarium hobby for most of my life and started Reef Savvy in February of 2006. Like many businesses, it started small. I was passionate about the hobby and saw opportunities to improve upon many of the aquariums and techniques that were common at the time.
In the beginning, I wore every hat imaginable. I designed tanks, built them, answered emails, handled sales, packed shipments, and solved problems as they came up. There was a lot of trial and error, a lot of long hours, and more than a few lessons learned the hard way.
Over the years, Reef Savvy grew largely through word of mouth and a reputation for craftsmanship. Rather than focusing on building the most aquariums possible, I focused on building each aquarium as well as I could. That approach helped establish Reef Savvy as a recognized name within the aquarium hobby and led to projects for clients across the United States and around the world.
Today, more than 20 years later, I still enjoy the challenge of designing and building unique systems. No two projects are exactly alike, and there is always something new to learn. Looking back, I’m grateful for the customers, friendships, and opportunities that this hobby and business have provided over the years.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road.
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing growth with quality. It is relatively easy to build more products if you are willing to cut corners, but maintaining a high level of craftsmanship while growing a business is much harder. There were many times when I had to choose between taking on more work and maintaining the standards that Reef Savvy had become known for.
Like many small businesses, we have also faced economic downturns, supply chain disruptions, rising material costs, equipment failures, staffing challenges, and the countless unexpected issues that come with manufacturing custom products. Every year seems to bring a new challenge that nobody saw coming.
Another challenge is that custom aquariums are not a commodity product. Every project is different, every customer has unique goals, and every build presents its own engineering and logistical considerations. There is no assembly line or one-size-fits-all solution.
That said, many of the things that people see as challenges are also what keep the work interesting. Most of the innovations and improvements we’ve developed over the years came from solving problems that didn’t have an obvious solution. Looking back, the difficult periods were often the ones that taught me the most and helped shape both the company and the way I approach business today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I design and build custom aquariums through Reef Savvy, a company I founded in 2006. We specialize in high-end, fully custom aquariums that are built specifically around each client’s needs, space, and vision. No two projects are exactly alike.
Over the years, Reef Savvy has become known for craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a willingness to challenge industry norms. I’ve always believed that there is a better way to do almost everything, and much of my career has been spent refining construction techniques, improving aesthetics, and developing solutions to problems that many people simply accepted as standard practice.
What I am most proud of is the reputation we have built within the aquarium community. Many of our projects come from referrals and repeat customers, which is something I never take for granted. In a world where so many products are mass-produced, there is something rewarding about creating a truly custom piece that becomes the centerpiece of someone’s home or business.
I think what sets Reef Savvy apart is our focus on quality and innovation. We are not trying to build the most aquariums. We are trying to build the best aquarium possible for each client. That philosophy has guided the company for more than twenty years and continues to influence every project that leaves our shop.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think the aquarium industry will continue moving toward greater customization, automation, and integration over the next 5-10 years.
When I started, many hobbyists were willing to compromise and build their systems around whatever products were available. Today, customers expect products to be tailored to their space, their lifestyle, and their long-term goals. I don’t see that trend slowing down.
Technology will also continue to play a major role. Lighting, filtration, monitoring systems, automation, and remote access have all advanced tremendously over the last decade, and I expect that to continue. Aquariums are becoming easier to manage and more accessible to a wider range of people than ever before.
On the manufacturing side, I think there will be increasing pressure to balance craftsmanship with efficiency. Customers want higher quality products, shorter lead times, and more customization at the same time. Companies that can successfully deliver all three will have a significant advantage.
At the same time, I believe there will always be a place for true craftsmanship. While automation and technology can improve many aspects of manufacturing, there are still certain things that require experience, attention to detail, and pride in one’s work. In many ways, I think those qualities will become even more valuable as mass production continues to dominate so many industries.
Ultimately, I see the future of the hobby as very positive. More people are discovering aquariums, more technology is becoming available, and the level of knowledge being shared today is greater than ever before.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reefsavvy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reef_savvy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReefSavvy/
