Spotlight on Repticon Greenville: Meet the Breeders

Jay Tacey

Alright, let’s kick things off by talking about a vendor who’s really, I mean, embedded in the very roots of herpetoculture in the Southeast—AHP Exotics. That’s Bill Albright’s shop, if you haven’t heard the name, and honestly, if you’re in this hobby, there’s a good chance you have. Bill started AHP Exotics back in ‘97—so, we’re talking nearly thirty years of reptile expertise, animal handling, all of it, right from a Georgia storefront before moving to Moncks Corner, South Carolina. I’ve worked with loads of handlers over the years, and I gotta say, the experience and professionalism you get from someone like Bill—man, it makes all the difference, both for the animals and people.

Michael Arnold

And Jay, you’re not kidding about Bill setting the gold standard. Their range is wild—from captive-bred critters to field-collected species. I mean, where else are you gonna find someone offering both a beautiful captive-bred frog and the occasional unique field-collected arachnid, all under the same tent? Plus, I know they’ve handled animals for TV shoots, photos, even education programs. You just don’t see that every day.

Lisa Parker

Yeah, and for a vendor to last twenty-plus years in this scene, they really need to ooze reliability. AHP Exotics does online sales, ships all over, and shows up at expos with a reputation to match. Their MorphMarket rating is a full five stars—that’s huge. And, being a show manager, I’ve seen them adapt to every curveball expo weekends can throw. Rain, heat, you name it—they keep it cool, and the animals always look fantastic.

Jay Tacey

Honestly, the number of times I’d be designing an exhibit with a tight opening window, and I’d call someone like Bill for a tricky species or, you know, help with animal behavior stuff—just knowing the animals would arrive hale and hearty, plus getting his perspective on animal welfare, that’s just irreplaceable. It’s folks like him who quietly elevate the trade behind the scenes.

Guy Mc Farlane

Professionalism is the operative word. The breadth of what they offer—reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, even handling services for everyone from collectors to educators—it really does set a standard. Seeing that attention to detail, to both animal health and presentation, that’s what the community needs to foster long-term growth and responsible care—something we discussed during the Birmingham episode as well, with quality vendors building confidence for beginners and pros alike.

Lisa Parker

So, rounding the corner from longstanding giants like AHP, I want to highlight a different style of operation: Blackburn Exotics. Zac Blackburn runs a really tight ship from Simpsonville. It’s more small-scale, but I swear, every single animal on their table is hand-picked for quality—snakes, geckos, you name it. You can see that collector’s heart in their setup.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, Lisa, I’ve walked by Zac’s booth, and there’s always a crowd. He ships with insulated boxes, makes weather calls for safety, only goes overnight, and gives you that live-arrival guarantee—which honestly, you don’t see everywhere. If something’s above $300, he’ll even do a payment plan. It’s just, you know, straight shooter stuff.

Jay Tacey

There’s a value in small operations like Zac’s. The trust he builds—it shows. Blackburn’s got a perfect five-point-oh with over a dozen buyers, and I think that’s because there’s a real conversation happening at those tables about husbandry and expectations. He delays shipping if weather’s bad instead of risking the animal—shows it’s about the animals first.

Lisa Parker

I remember that one Repticon show—was it Columbia or maybe it was closer to here?—Zac had this impeccably arranged table, and new keepers just gravitated to his calm, methodical explanations. He’s not just selling a snake or gecko, he’s selling the peace of mind that comes with trust. That, in a room full of energy and all sorts of animals, really stands out.

Guy Mc Farlane

It reinforces the point we made in Pembroke Pines—that buyer confidence is built through policies and face-to-face clarity. Blackburn’s show record and regional participation, plus the guarantees, make him a resource for first-timers and veteran keepers alike.

Guy Mc Farlane

Now, let’s talk about local talent: Cinderella Dragons. Run by Michael Kimionakis, right here in Greenville. I get a bit passionate about this one, because Michael’s work echoes so many ethics-driven approaches I’ve seen when managing breeding projects globally. He focuses on bearded dragons, but not just any—genetic-first, structurally-sound animals with transparency all the way. Think detailed lineage records, dietary notes, lifetime support after sale, even full honesty about any little nips or coloration quirks in the photos. That’s rare.

Jay Tacey

I absolutely love that Michael continues the family-run tradition—took over the shop in 2018, but he’s kept everything boutique-level, you know? Bearded dragons with clean genetic lines, no cutting corners, and if I understood right, any buyer can reach out for support years later, not just a week or two. That’s what’s missing a lot in the hobby sometimes—the aftercare.

Lisa Parker

And their reputation says it all. Cinderella Dragons has, what, a ninety-eight percent recommend rating on Facebook? Out of forty-six reviews? People really remember the transparency, and I think the expo presence helps that—lots of positive face-to-face moments. I’ve seen families walk away with a dragon and Michael’s personal cell written on the care guide! You just don’t forget that.

Guy Mc Farlane

That lifetime support piece is vital, especially for longevity and animal health. It’s the same, honestly, as compliance and transparency in conservation breeding projects—the kind of stuff that actually protects the future of the species, not just the current sale. Cinderella Dragons is a living example of what I hope becomes the norm: knowledge, patience, and open care conversations with every interaction.

Michael Arnold

It’s also worth mentioning the detail—hatch dates, genetics, diets, nips—all listed. That level of info lets buyers make smart choices. You know what you’re getting, and, like you said Guy, that’s what keeps people coming back and recommending them.

Lisa Parker

Alright, folks, so if all this has you excited for Greenville in September, let’s talk strategy for making the most out of your visit. Even as a show manager, I always say—do your homework! Check the exhibitor map online ahead of time and jot down your must-see booths: AHP Exotics, Blackburn Exotics, Cinderella Dragons—maybe even a couple of the new names popping up this year. There’s so much to see, you don’t want to get sidetracked and miss your favorites.

Michael Arnold

And, pro tip: be ready with questions! Don’t be shy about asking breeders for lineage details, husbandry best practices, or their guarantee policies. These personal chats, honestly, are what set expos apart from just browsing online. Bring a notebook—no, seriously, you think you’ll remember, but after the third hour, it’s a blur! Oh, and bring a secure container if you’re planning on taking something home. I’ve watched way too many folks juggling deli cups with their coffee in the parking lot...not recommended.

Jay Tacey

It’s also not a bad idea to carry a bit of cash—though most folks take cards now, sometimes your card machine acts up with the expo Wi-Fi. And don’t forget to check the event schedule for any special demos or Q&As—these can be fantastic for both beginners and seasoned keepers alike.

Guy Mc Farlane

Preparation really is everything. As we’ve discussed in previous episodes, expos are about community, hands-on learning, and responsible acquisition. Go in with a plan, but leave some room to explore and engage. These opportunities don’t come around every day, and the one-on-one knowledge you’ll get from breeders right at their tables is absolutely invaluable.

Lisa Parker

Couldn’t have said it better. That’s going to do it for this spotlight, but we’ll have much more to share as we get closer to the show. Thanks so much for tuning in—Jay, Michael, Guy, always a pleasure. See you on the show floor, right?

Jay Tacey

I’ll be there, Lisa. And if you see someone with way too many notebooks...that’s probably me. See you all soon!

Michael Arnold

You bet—don’t forget the coffee, Jay. Later, everyone!

Guy Mc Farlane

Cheers everyone, and take care until next time—all the best planning for Greenville!