Posted: 7/11/07
Animal lover's hobby becomes North Branch's newest business
 The gang at Special T Pets is on hand to answer all your pet needs. The store offers a full range of pets and supplies while specializing in reptiles and exotic pets. (l to r): Kaine Trondson, Brandi McCoy with dog Moby, Mickie Trondson. |
By Steve Morris
An avid lover of animals since he could walk, Kaine Trondson of North Branch decided to turn his hobby of collecting animals into a business.
On June 18, after nearly a year of planning, the freshly minted Special T pets opened its doors to the public for the first time. Located in the Central Park Office Complex on Elm Street, Special T Pets offers a full-range of pets and supplies while specializing in reptiles and exotic pets.
"If we don't have it, I can get it for you," Trondson said.
Trondson's business philosophy is simple and centers around helping people make informed decisions, rather than selling something just to make a dollar.
"My personal goal is to make people educated about what they are buying, so when they walk out the door they know what to do," he said.
Trondson, a former manager at JJ's Bowl in North Branch, said opening a business was a smart move because of the growth of the community, especially with all the people moving to North Branch from the cites.
There isn't much Trondson doesn't stock. Bearded Dragons, Leopard Geckos and Corn Snakes are some of the examples of reptiles the store carries. The store currently stocks 11 different types of reptiles.
On the fish side of the business, the store stocks Bettas, goldfish, guppies and piranhas, to name just a few.
"We have a full range of everything and a large selection in a small space," Trondson said.
Special T Pets is open Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Soon, Trondson said, customers will be able to place orders online and he will be able to ship items to most places.
For more information on Special T Pets, call at (651) 277-7387 or visit their Web site at www.specialtpets.com.
Comment from Randy Campbell, 7/12/07
too cool!!! i bet that is such a fun and rewarding job~!~~ i know you are proud!!! i am impressed, mickie.....love ya and thanks for sharing!!! peggy
Comment from Troy Meyer, 7/12/07
I couldn't believe how many different types of pets they had, combined with a friendly staff I will be going back to get everything from pet food to just holding the puppies.
Comment from Heath Farwell, 7/12/07
I recently shopped at this store, and can't recommend it enough. The staff was helpful and friendly - and it is about time that we got a quality Pet Store in North Branch.
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