A Docile Takover

DanTheFireman

Active Member
Messages
1,510
Location
Lake Worth, FL
Hot Geckos Inc. has a new owner, Bill McElhinney of Tarpon Springs, FL. We became friends right off the bat when he purchased some of our Tangs last summer. After twenty years of being pretty much married to reptiles besides working for a living my wife and I decided it's time to do more traveling. A ten day Caribbean cruise in December pretty much did it - time to fill up those passports.
Bill is a longtime reptile lover and we got to talking. He's recently been bitten real hard by the gecko bug and has a small group of avid helpers to continue what's been started here. We will be working together to see what comes out next. I hope to be content with the few geckos I've kept but when the need arises to be surrounded by hundreds we're only four hours away.
As always I look forward to participating here. Once a breeder always a breeder, just in serious remission.
 

Gregg M

Registered Member
Messages
3,055
Location
The Rotten Apple NYC
Dan,
I spoke to Bill a couple of times through PM here... He seems like a great guy... I can see he will be a big part of the community just like you are and always will be...
You can never fully escape the gecko bug Dan... LOL
 

dprince

Mod Squad Member
Messages
4,270
Location
California
Dan, I wish you and Roxanne all the fun and happiness world traveling can bring. Can't say I'm not a *smidge* jealous, but you've certainly earned it. ;)

Glad to know the gecko community hasn't lost ya. Like you said, once a breeder............. ;)

Where is your next destination? I'll have to live vicariously through you guys. :main_laugh:
 

spykerherps

-sssSpyker ExoticSsss-
Messages
1,966
Location
WA
I was slightly bummed when I opened the thread and didn't see a pic of a screaming Hot Gecko and even more bummed/shocked when I read it. Good luck and great travels to you and Roxanne. Maybe go herping in Australia and find some wild Nephrurus. Maybe we will be seeing more of you here. hope so.

What did you, and how many did you decide to keep? Hope it curbs your cravings:D.

Always remember you, you were the first we ordered geckos from online. Here's to you :fireman: -Raises coffee mug-
 

LeapinLizards

It's a BEAUT Clark!
Messages
2,305
Location
Oregon
Well I have to say it is very sad to see you stepping out for awhile Dan, but I have to admit that I, like Debbie, am a bit jealous! Traveling has always been something on my to-do list :) I wish you both all the best...and TONS of pictures!!!
 

rubym

New Member
Messages
1,525
Location
indiana
Congrats on a well deserved hiatis. Enjoy seeing the sights.....hmmmm never knew the world could evolve around something other then a reptile,lol. Anyway you two enjoy yourselves.
 

Golden Gate Geckos

Mean Old Gecko Lady
Messages
12,730
Location
SF Bay Area
Dan, although I have known about this 'takeover' for awhile, it was hard not to call you. Bill contacted me awhile back to introduce himself, and I am truly looking forward to getting to know him!

Without sounding too mushy, I would like to acknowledge not only the great person that you are, but your contributions to the gecko community over the years. Your geckos are 'hot', and you have been of tremendous value to all of us. Bill has some pretty big shoes to fill (hehe), but I know with your mentoring and the members here on GeckoForums.net, he will settle in and the legacy will continue smoothly.

It's hard to see such a great asset to the community take a final bow. Like Debbie said, I can't say that I am not envious of your new freedom to travel and enjoy life with Roxanne. I wish you love and gratitude, as well as my best wishes for your future endeavors... wherever you go!
 

Sunrise Reptile

SunriseReptile.com
Messages
3,520
Location
New Haven, IN
A docile takeover sounds prett laid back. :main_laugh: You saying that Bill will carry on your work well is all the convincing I need. I look forward to him now posting some HOT Geckos. Polish up your camera skills, Bill! Those are huge shoes to fill. :main_yes:

Dan, enjoy all the adventures that this new chapter of your lives (you and your wife) brings with it. Just don't be a stranger, OK? :)

P.S.: Do you have anyone to show off your Vette while your outta town? If not, I'd like to volunteer my services. :main_laugh: :main_laugh: :main_laugh:
 
W

williammce1

Guest
Hello, I am Bill. Thanks for the kind words and well wishes. In my "Book of Life" Dan and Rocky will always be in the Great People and Blessings chapter. I have met quite a few of you and done business with others and I look forward to more of the same. Dan has graciously offered to help continue his many years of hard work and dedication. He has assisted me in the more challenging aspects of breeding, such as how to breed for 4 legs, 2 eyes and only 1 tail. For that insight I can never thank him enough!! LOL I'm not a real serious personality but am serious in my work ethics and making sure I can follow in Dan's footsteps. My biggest concern with all of this was in not disappointing Dan and Rocky. Nothing else mattered. I could never fill Dan's shoes, besides he wears waders. You all can expect the same quality geckos and personal service and the same friendly hand extended for friendship as you dod from Dan and I truly look forward to participating here and meeting and working with many. Thanks Bill Mc.
 

GroovyGeckos.com

"For the Gecko Eccentric"
Messages
2,004
Location
Chicago
Enjoy your new found "freedom"(not being tied down by a collection)! I have to say, I`m sad to hear you`ll no longer be in the driver seat, but am glad you will not be leaving completely.

As Always, contact me whenever you want. I`m going to miss seeing you post your killer animals on the forums though!
 

spykerherps

-sssSpyker ExoticSsss-
Messages
1,966
Location
WA
Yes, Welcome hope you got a good pair of sunglasses:cool: with the deal:main_laugh:
:gossip:
 
N

Nigel4less

Guest
Welcome to the Community, Officially!
I almost cried thinking I wouldn't be seeing anymore HG Tangs :(... but its great to know someone like Bill is taking over HG.
 

yellermelon

Rockin the Suburbs
Messages
4,273
Location
Rock Hill, SC
Dan, Enjoy life and the world! Its good to have the world at your doorstep :)
Bill i think I met in Daytona last year..at the table with the tang i wanted lol.. Imagine that! Welcome to GF! You are not allowed to be a stranger, and its a must to post rediculouse crazy pics of some HOT geckos..and the occasinial bold ones Dan allways popped in there from time to time!
 

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