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Countryside Aquariums sells the exotic, unusual

By CHRISTINA COSDON
Published August 1, 2006

CLEARWATER - Everything from a floor-to-ceiling, custom-built aquarium to a $1,000 special-order saltwater Hawaiian dragon eel are available to the enthusiast at Scott Konger's new Countryside Aquariums.

The business carries a full line of saltwater and freshwater fish and invertebrates, equipment and accessories.

Konger, who has been in the business for 20 years, said he brings in several hundred fish each week.

"I try to carry more unusual and exotic fish and invertebrates," he said.

He spent $50,000 to prepare the store's 1,200-square-foot space at Serendipity Plaza for his inventory and grand opening two weeks ago. He currently has a full-time employee and manager, Todd Baumann, and four part-time employees.

Konger, 46, has had a passion for fish and fishing since he was a youngster. After graduating from Tarpon Springs High School, he went on to earn a degree in biology from the University of South Florida.

What early on was a hobby evolved into a way to do what he enjoys most and make a living, he said. He has his eye on opening another store in the Tampa area, he said.

His main business is the aquarium exhibit at the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs. He recently sold his first store, Holiday Aquariums in Holiday. He and his family live in New Port Richey.

Countryside Aquariums is at 29129 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater.

Florida organization honors Clearwater chiropractor

Dr. Julie Mayer Hunt of Clearwater has been honored by the Florida Chiropractic Society.

She is a second-generation upper cervical chiropractor.

Her father, David Mayer, opened his practice in 1958 in Clearwater and she joined him at 1400 Court St. after graduating in 1982 from Life University, Marietta, Ga. She is a 1975 graduate of Clearwater High School.

Mayer is board-certified in orthospinology and has earned diplomate status in chiropractic pediatrics. She is a board member of the Society of Chiropractic Orthospinology and the Academy of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Organizations.

Mortgage loan officer listed among top rookies

Cresten "C.J." Brown, a loan officer with Market Street Mortgage, has been named to Mortgage Originator magazine's 2005 Top Rookie Originators. Brown is one of 44 loan originators nationwide to be listed. His dollar volume was listed as $9,735,584 and number of loans, 86. Ten other Florida loan originators were included in the list. He has worked for Market Street Mortgage for two years and specializes in interest-only loans, creative financing and programs for first-time home buyers. Before joining the company, he was on active duty for six years in the Coast Guard. Established in 1986, Market Street Mortgage is headquartered at 11701 Belcher Road S, Largo, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of NetBank. The company and its subsidiaries have more than 80 locations serving home buyers, home builders and real estate agents in 49 states. Last year, the company closed $3.4-billion in mortgage loans.

Old Harbor Bank announces two promotions

Hilary Peck has been promoted to commercial loan officer at the Countryside office of Old Harbor Bank, 2605 Enterprise Road E, Clearwater. She joined the bank last year as a management trainee and has a finance degree from the University of Florida.

Joanna Rosse has been promoted to assistant vice president of commercial lending at the Countryside office. She joined the bank last year as a commercial loan officer. She previously worked at Wachovia Bank as a small-business banker and is a graduate of the University of Florida.

Coldwell Banker Wikle Properties adds associate

Bob Koger of Tarpon Springs has joined Coldwell Banker Wikle Properties as a full-time sales associate in its Palm Harbor office at 4705 Alt. U.S. 19. He worked previously in sales for Georgia-Pacific selling paper products to such clients as Publix, Winn-Dixie, Food Lion and other large grocery chains. A native of Charleston, S.C., he is a graduate of Clemson University and holds an MBA degree from the Citadel.

- News can be faxed to the Business Digest at 727 445-4119, e-mailed to cosdon@sptimes.com or mailed to Business Digest, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. We are interested in new and unusual businesses, promotions, expansions and major new contracts.

[Last modified August 1, 2006, 07:35:27]