Meet the Team
Kreig LeBlanc: The Driving Force Behind Aquariums West’s Success
Kreig LeBlanc, Manager and partner of Aquariums West, has been a cornerstone of our business for over two decades. His dedication, expertise, and meticulous approach have made him an invaluable part of our team. Now a partner in the business, Kreig continues to bring his passion for exotic reptiles and marine aquariums to life, ensuring that Aquariums West remains a leader in the pet industry.
A Wealth of Experience and Expertise
With over 25 years of experience, Kreig has developed a deep knowledge of all aspects of the pet trade, though his specialties lie in exotic reptiles and marine aquariums. His expertise is highly sought after by animal organizations for his assistance in animal care and husbandry. Additionally, his skills extend to the film industry, where he collaborates with set designers to incorporate live animals into movie scenes, adding a unique touch of authenticity.
Custom Designs with Attention to Detail
Kreig’s ability to design stunning custom aquariums and terrariums is well-known among our customers. His attention to detail ensures that every project he undertakes is both beautiful and functional. Whether you're looking to set up a saltwater reef system or create an exotic reptile environment, Kreig’s expertise guarantees a result that exceeds expectations. For specialized assistance, you can schedule an appointment by calling 604-669-9249 or emailing the store.
A Showcase of Excellence
One of Kreig’s standout projects is the Red Sea S Line 500 saltwater aquarium. This magnificent display, designed and maintained by Kreig, showcases his talent for creating thriving aquatic environments. The corals have flourished under his care, allowing him to harvest frags for sale in the store. His meticulous maintenance of the Red Sea Max 250 C aquarium, frog terrarium, and numerous other setups further demonstrates his commitment to excellence.
A Trusted Advisor
Kreig’s honest and sincere approach, combined with his soft-spoken nature, makes him a favorite among our customers. His ability to listen, understand, and provide thoughtful advice ensures that every customer feels valued and supported in their pet-keeping journey.
Experience Kreig’s Work
Visit Aquariums West to see Kreig’s incredible work in person. From the Red Sea S Line 500 to the frog terrarium, his projects are a testament to his skill and passion. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of aquariums and reptiles, Kreig is here to help you create a thriving, beautiful environment for your pets.
Jenn H. : The Multitalented Assistant Manager of Aquariums West
At Aquariums West, we’re lucky to have Jenn as our Assistant Manager. With her exceptional organizational skills and ultra-efficient work ethic, Jenn plays a crucial role in keeping our store running smoothly. From managing daily operations to creating engaging content for our social media, Jenn's contributions are invaluable.
The Mastermind Behind Our Social Media
If you’ve enjoyed our Instagram and Facebook pages, you have Jenn to thank. She’s the creative force behind the camera, crafting captivating visuals and captions that keep our community engaged. Her ability to blend her passion for animals with her flair for storytelling has helped Aquariums West build a vibrant online presence.
Extensive Experience in Animal Care
Before joining Aquariums West, Jenn gained extensive training in animal care while working as a pet counselor at a large pet store chain in Alberta. Her expertise spans a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, and birds. Her favorite? Reptiles! Jenn’s fearless approach and deep understanding of these fascinating creatures make her a trusted source for all things reptilian.
A Blend of Creativity and Professionalism
Jenn’s talents extend beyond the pet industry. Having completed a year at the Vancouver Film School, she gained valuable insights into film production design and producing. This creative background enriches her role at Aquariums West, allowing her to bring a unique perspective to both in-store displays and digital content.
In addition to her work with us, Jenn is actively involved in film productions in Vancouver, continuously honing her skills and gaining experience. Her dual passions for animal care and film production make her a dynamic and multifaceted member of our team.
Always Here to Help
Whether you need expert advice on animal care or have questions about our social media content, Jenn is always ready to help. Her dedication, creativity, and extensive knowledge make her an integral part of the Aquariums West family.
Come visit us and meet Jenn in person – she’s always happy to share her expertise and passion with our customers!
Connor H. : Our Aquatic Gardening Visionary
At Aquariums West, we're proud to introduce Connor, the creative force behind many of the stunning aquatic gardens you’ll find in our store. As an aquatic gardener extraordinaire, Connor’s displays are nothing short of breathtaking, providing inspiration for both seasoned aquarists and newcomers alike.
Master of Aquatic Design
Connor’s passion for aquatic fish and plants is evident in every display he creates. His dedication to researching and learning about the specific species we carry ensures that each aquatic garden is not only visually appealing but also tailored to the unique needs of the plants and fish it houses. His deep understanding of aquatic ecosystems allows him to craft environments that thrive, making each tank a living work of art.
Whether you're looking to design a new aquatic world or have questions about specific plants, Connor is your go-to expert. Having grown just about everything, his wealth of knowledge is invaluable for anyone seeking to create a vibrant, healthy underwater habitat.
A Wealth of Experience
Connor brings eight years of experience in the pet trade to Aquariums West, a background that enriches his work in aquatic gardening. His home is a testament to his passion, filled with numerous aquariums and animals, including a beloved pet rat. This hands-on experience with a variety of pets gives Connor a comprehensive understanding of animal care and behavior, which he applies to his role at Aquariums West.
Future Plans and Current Contributions
Connor’s aspirations to study Aquaculture on Vancouver Island demonstrate his commitment to advancing his expertise in the field. In the meantime, we are thrilled to have him as part of our team, where his skills and enthusiasm make a significant impact every day.
Let Connor Help You Bring Your Aquatic Vision to Life
If you’re seeking assistance with designing your aquatic garden or need expert advice on specific plants and fish, Connor is always happy to help. His passion, creativity, and in-depth knowledge make him an invaluable resource for anyone looking to elevate their aquatic spaces.
Come visit us at Aquariums West and see Connor’s incredible work in person. Let him help you create an aquatic garden that’s as beautiful as it is thriving!
Connor works Saturday to Wednesday
Douglas S. : A Journey Back to His Passion for Pets
At Aquariums West, we are incredibly fortunate to have Douglas as a vital part of our team. With a career in the pet industry that began in 1993, Doug has spent many years sharing his passion for aquariums, small animals, reptiles, and tropical fish. His journey has been one of dedication, expertise, and a deep love for all things aquatic and exotic.
A Rich History in the Pet Industry
Doug’s career in the pet industry spanned from 1993 until 2009, during which time he honed his skills as a terrarium and aquarium designer and a breeder of tropical fish and reptiles. His expertise in managing aquatic environments and his keen eye for design made him a respected name in the field.
After taking a brief hiatus to work in the construction trade, Doug found that he couldn’t stay away from his true passion. He missed working with aquariums and the vibrant life they hold, leading him back to the pet industry and ultimately to Aquariums West. We are thrilled that he chose to return, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that benefits both our team and our customers.
Expertise and Passion in Every Detail
Doug’s role at Aquariums West goes beyond managing the fish room with exceptional efficiency and quality. His deep understanding of the aquarium trade and his experience as a pet specialist make him an invaluable resource for anyone looking to create or enhance their aquatic environments. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarium enthusiast or a beginner, Doug’s advice is always insightful and tailored to your needs.
His willingness to share his knowledge with both customers and coworkers has created a learning-rich environment at Aquariums West. We’ve all grown under his guidance, benefiting from his meticulous approach to caring for aquatic and reptilian life.
A Well-Rounded Life Rooted in Nature
Beyond his professional achievements, Doug is a nature lover at heart. His love for the outdoors and all aspects of nature complements his work with aquariums and reptiles. Doug’s artistic side shines through his studies in fine arts at Langara, adding another layer to his creative approach in designing living spaces for pets.
Doug is also a fitness enthusiast, biking to work every day regardless of the weather. His commitment to health and sustainability reflects his dedication to both personal well-being and the environment.
Your Go-To Expert at Aquariums West
If you’re in need of expert advice on anything related to aquariums, small animals, reptiles, or tropical fish, Doug is the person to ask. His extensive experience and passion make him an invaluable part of the Aquariums West family, and we’re grateful for the knowledge and energy he brings to our store every day.
Stop by Aquariums West and see for yourself the difference Doug’s expertise can make in your pet-keeping journey!
Jeannie Lister: The Heart and Soul of Aquariums West
Since 1980, Jeannie Lister has been the driving force behind Aquariums West. With decades of experience and a passion that dates back to her childhood, Jeannie has built a store that is a haven for aquarium enthusiasts. Her journey is one of learning, growth, and a deep love for aquatic life.
A Lifelong Passion for Aquariums
Jeannie’s fascination with aquariums began at the age of 12. Armed with $5.00 from babysitting, she would explore Vancouver’s pet stores in search of the perfect plant or guppy. This early passion for aquatic beauty has never waned. Even now, the sight of a well-maintained aquarium continues to delight her.
Over the years, Jeannie has encountered her fair share of challenges. Every mistake made has been a lesson learned, contributing to the wealth of knowledge she shares with her customers today. Her commitment to continuous learning is a hallmark of her approach, as she eagerly absorbs new information, often from the very customers she serves.
Embracing Innovation and Learning
Jeannie’s curiosity and desire to learn are evident in her approach to business. With instant access to the internet, she encourages customers to research their pets and share their findings. At Aquariums West, a computer in the fish room stands ready for anyone looking to delve deeper into the care and keeping of aquatic creatures. This openness to knowledge and innovation ensures that the store remains a cutting-edge resource for enthusiasts.
Jeannie is always on the lookout for new products and ideas to enhance the store’s offerings. She personally tests and compares products, ensuring that her recommendations are based on genuine experience. Her dedication to providing only the best for her customers is a testament to her integrity and commitment to quality.
A New Chapter
After years of hands-on management, Jeannie decided to pass the reins of the physical store to Kreig LeBlanc. Now residing in the beautiful Okanagan, she focuses on the business and online store, ensuring that Aquariums West continues to thrive under her guidance.
Jeannie’s legacy is one of passion, perseverance, and a genuine love for the aquatic world. Her story is an inspiration to anyone who shares her enthusiasm for aquariums and the creatures that inhabit them.
A Message from Jeannie
"I love to try new things in my business and am always open to suggestions from my customers. It's a joy to continue learning and sharing in the wonders of aquariums with all of you. Thank you for being a part of the Aquariums West journey!"
My husband Cam McOuat and I in the Okanagan. Older, greyer, but still happy!
Costin Andrei: Master of Aquascaping and Founder of AquaVibes
Costin Andrei brings a wealth of experience in tropical fish keeping from Romania and over 15 years of working in Vancouver’s aquarium industry. His deep understanding of both saltwater and freshwater environments, combined with his expertise in the latest technologies, makes him a sought-after professional in the world of aquascaping.
Crafting the Perfect Aquarium
Costin’s passion for creating natural aquatic environments is evident in every project he undertakes. From initial design to the final flourish, his work reflects a commitment to both simplicity and modern innovation. "The concept is simplicity," Costin explains. "Nature is simple as long as we understand how it works. All my ideas are based on that natural simplicity but also adding the modern factor to the table."
His aquascapes are more than just visually stunning; they are designed to offer a sense of tranquility and wonder. Costin believes in the transformative power of a well-maintained aquarium, describing it as "high definition on continuous play" where you can "sit back, relax, and dive into your dreams."
From Aquariums West to AquaVibes
Having honed his skills at Aquariums West, Costin now runs his own company, AquaVibes. This venture allows him to provide customized aquarium setups and maintenance services, turning tanks into living art pieces. Whether it’s a home or office, Costin’s artistic eye and meticulous attention to detail ensure that every aquarium he touches becomes a focal point of beauty and serenity.
AquaVibes offers a range of services, including weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly maintenance, making it easy for clients to enjoy the benefits of an aquarium without the hassle of upkeep. To reach Costin and explore how he can transform your space, call (778) 385-0945.
A Client’s Perspective
Costin’s dedication to his craft and his clients is best captured in the words of one of his customers, Chris:
"I look forward to Costin's every visit. His life-long passion for fish has him possessed of a vast amount of knowledge, but it is his natural, genuine and warm personality that makes his visits so enjoyable. He is impeccably courteous, he leaves everything spotless, and he teaches and encourages me in my hobby. I hired an expert but wound up with a relationship that feels more like a friendship because of my respect for him and trust in him. I would leave him the key to my apartment in a heartbeat were I to go away. I am proud and happy to recommend him."
Experience the AquaVibes Difference
If you're looking for a unique, beautifully designed aquarium that reflects both natural simplicity and modern sophistication, Costin Andrei is the expert you need. His work with AquaVibes has transformed countless spaces, bringing the calming beauty of aquatic life into homes and offices across Vancouver.
Contact Costin today to start your journey toward the perfect aquarium.