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When I walked into Rockstar Pets in Tooele, I was greeted by two large sulcata tortoises meandering across the floor. What a welcome! Roger Prows, the owner, then introduced me to the greeters. Their names are Road Blok and Speed Bump, and both are free to roam the store.
The official greeters are not the only fun and unique thing about this pet store. The rock-n-roll themed store also features wonderful art from a local graffiti artist. I'm sure customers like me have to smile when they see guitars in cages and a large stage with guitars and drums that have been converted into caging for the animals.
But, what really makes Rockstar Pets unique is the attention Roger and his wife, Natalie, give to the pets and their customers. It is important to do everything possible to educate prospective owners about proper pet care. He emphasizes habitat, diet, grooming and all aspects of being a committed pet owner. He stresses that a pet will become an integral part of the family.
Rockstar Pets sometimes convinces a potential customer to not purchase a certain pet. Roger and Natalie say this is because they have the animal's best interest in mind. Despite this, their business is very successful.
Roger started his enterprise with an online store that sold live reptiles. He still has a specific emphasis on reptiles and tarantulas, but there is a large variety of pets to choose from. It was interesting to watch an employee who specializes in feeding snakes. Roger says his staff is knowledgeable about proper animal care, and they are happy to share their wisdom with customers.
I was pleased to discover something else special about Rockstar Pets. Besides the seven regular employees, the company also hires three disadvantaged youths through the Y.E.S. (Youth Employment Services) program.
