▲ Jason and Rachel Hoogerbrugge
It was through this that she even found her now husband, who worked as a feeder breeder and distributor (someone who breeds and sells rats, mice and insects for reptiles) in the area. The couple relocated to PEI in 2012 and began their business as a feeder distributors, expanding under the East Coast Exotics moniker in 2016 to eventually include breeding a wide range of live feeder varieties. “We grow our own crickets, mice, rats and fruit flies. We produce most of our own mealworms and some superworms and hornworms as well,” says Hoogerbrugge. She strongly recommends anyone looking to add an exotic pet to their collection source from a reputable breeder. Hoogerbrugge even organizes the annual PEI Reptile and Exotic Expo, which connects people with breeders from across the Maritimes.
East Coast Exotics feeders are currently available in PEI, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, with plans in the works to expand to the Ontario market as well. “CBDC helped us with our initial loan to get things up and running, as well as with part of an expansion project in 2019. Helen Antle, at CBDC East, was easy to work with, supportive, and knowledgeable about other supports and services on the Island for new businesses,” says Hoogerbrugge. And aside from the financial aspects of the business, Antle was helpful in other ways as well. “Helen has been great to let us know of programs and opportunities available in the community, such as a panel discussion I participated in for new businesses.” With so much experience under their belt, East Coast Exotics is poised for success in their market.
East Coast Exotics 915 Milburn Rd, Morell info@eastcoastexotics.ca 902.213.7540 www.eastcoastexotics.ca
CBDC East 540 Main Street, Montague
902.838.4030 www.cbdc.ca
WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2021
SPRING 2021 www.pei-living.ca
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