Spotlight on Repticon Fayetteville Vendors

Jay Tacey

Hey folks, welcome back to Repticon Reptile Shows! I'm Jay, and today we're giving you the inside scoop on the upcoming Repticon Fayetteville event—August 23rd and 24th, for those keeping track. Now, I wanna kick things off by talking about AHP Exotics. Twenty years strong, and they’re still surprising even us old-timers with the range of reptiles, arachnids, and amphibians they bring in. I mean, captive-bred and field-collected—a bit of everything. What I love is, if you’re looking for that one obscure species—say, some weird little tree frog or a rare tarantula from South America—AHP will either have it or somehow find it for you. Actually, I’ve gotta share this: few years ago at their booth, I spotted a truly rare arboreal tarantula I'd only ever seen in books as a kid. Totally reignited my passion for field-collected arachnids right there on the spot. It’s one of those moments you don’t forget, you know?

Lisa Parker

Jay, I remember that! You were basically glued to the enclosure, and every five minutes you’d say, “Just one more look.” AHP really does make it easy for people to fall in love—or maybe obsessed—with the less mainstream critters. They’re just so approachable, too. If you walk up and you’ve got a random wishlist, they’ll talk it through with you, make a note, check their network—customer service that’s rare in this space.

Guy Mc Farlane

And another stand-out at Fayetteville is MKM Chameleons. I know we’ve seen them at a few shows by now, but their panther and Jackson’s chameleons are just top class, right? Those colors—if you photograph one, no filter needed. But what I appreciate most is their health and temperament. If you’re new to chameleons, that’s crucial. Plus, their commitment to ethical breeding…they’re really open about how they produce these animals, and I’ve watched them answer dozens of questions, both in-person and through their Facebook updates. It builds trust, plain and simple.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, and it’s not just about the critters themselves—it’s the education, too. MKM spends a lot of time helping folks with husbandry questions, both at their booth and on social. They set the bar high for transparency. Actually, as we discussed back in our Salisbury episode, that open approach makes first-time owners way more comfortable. It’s about the whole experience, not just the sale. I might be wrong about this, but I think that’s why their animals adjust so well—solid starts and knowledgeable, honest support from day one.

Lisa Parker

Alright, let’s talk amphibians—specifically Joe’s Salamanders! This booth has become a favorite for families and newcomers around North Carolina. It’s not just the live salamanders and axolotls, which are adorable, by the way, but the whole setup. They’ve got art, 3D-printed axolotl models, stickers, even jewelry—and the best part is, every item doubles as a little educational piece. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a kid get pulled in by a plushie, then end up learning all about amphibian biology on the spot. Actually, last year at Raleigh, there was this one kid—she got so obsessed with the 3D-printed models that half the booth turned into an impromptu amphibian anatomy lesson. It’s the best kind of chaos, honestly.

Jay Tacey

Lisa, that sort of hands-on, creative energy is what herp shows should be about, honestly. Joe’s Salamanders blends art, science, and conservation messaging in a way adults and kids both find approachable. And on the theme of blending expertise, can we shout out Sterling Exotics? Ariel Goodnight, the owner, has put together one of the best reputations on MorphMarket—five stars there, which doesn’t come easy. What stands out for me is their focus on ethical breeding, not just for snakes like Western Hognose or their ridiculously cute White’s Tree Frogs, but also in how they back their animals with health guarantees and real transparency in every sale.

Michael Arnold

Exactly! Sterling’s not just about having pretty snakes and frogs on display. They've built their whole business around customer care and honest communication. Every time I hear her talk about day-to-day operations—like maintaining feeding habits or offering after-sale support—you can tell there's real dedication. And you can see it in the reviews: all perfect scores. We're seeing more and more breeders like this, and as we touched on in the Johnson City episode, it's raising expectations for everyone else. Which, hey, that's a win for customers.

Guy Mc Farlane

There’s a great lesson there for new breeders as well—consistency and integrity build trust. Sterling’s Instagram and Facebook pages are full of behind-the-scenes updates and educational posts. The combination of vibrant animals and accessible information makes them approachable, especially for folks just starting out in the hobby.

Michael Arnold

Let’s shift gears to some of the more diverse tables: ODGC Exotics—Our Dad’s Gone Crazy Exotics. This is a family-run outfit from North Carolina and, I mean, the sheer variety they bring is wild. We’re talking ball pythons, all kinds of geckos—crested, leachie, gargoyle—plus chameleons and isopods. If you can dream it, odds are you’ll spot it at their booth. And aside from what’s on the table, they've got a YouTube channel packed with breeding updates and event recaps. They like to keep things transparent, which we've found helps people connect with the breeder, not just the animal.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, their direct engagement makes a real difference. They attend shows all over. What I like is you can walk up, ask a beginner question, and get a real answer without judgment. And having all the supplies for building your animal’s habitat right there? Huge advantage for first-timers. Their whole setup encourages folks to dive in a little deeper, not just buy and leave.

Guy Mc Farlane

I want to jump in here on something that connects to both ODGC and another standout—This Morphs 4 U. Let’s talk about genetic diversity in herpetoculture, because it’s easy to focus on what looks cool, but, honestly, the health and success of a species in captivity rests on strong, diverse genetics. I’ve seen this play out in conservation breeding projects with everything from gazelles to reptiles. This Morphs 4 U—based right here in North Carolina—gets it. Their focus is on the genetics behind those visually striking ball python morphs, not just creating something eye-catching but ensuring long-term health. They're transparent about their pairings, provide consistent feeding, and actively handle the animals for good temperaments. Plus, they’re a USARK Bronze Member, supporting the broader community.

Lisa Parker

I love that, Guy—and it ties back to what we've talked about before, like in the Columbia and Jacksonville spotlights: the breeders with real staying power are the ones looking out for both species health and keeper support. Transparency and education go further than flashy displays. This Morphs 4 U’s perfect MorphMarket rating, detailed listings, and nationwide shipping policies make them super accessible for new and seasoned keepers alike. And I always see them walking folks through payment options or care questions right at the booth. That’s how you set folks up for success and build loyalty, for real.

Jay Tacey

Alright, so you’ve heard about the vendors—but what about you, the attendee? How do you actually get the most out of your time at Repticon Fayetteville? For starters, come prepared: have a little notebook or use your phone to jot down questions you want to ask. Magnifying glass is optional, but it’s honestly pretty handy for up-close inspection, especially if you’re thinking about acquiring a particular animal or checking out isopod species. Preparation means you won't get home and realize you forgot that one super-important question—happens to everyone, trust me.

Lisa Parker

Absolutely, Jay. And don’t be shy—there are no silly questions at the show. Engaging with the vendors is key, not just for buying but for really learning about things like enclosure setups, dietary requirements, ethical sourcing…even conservation efforts. Vendors love when people show genuine curiosity. It sets a great tone and, honestly, makes the expo a lot more dynamic. There are usually workshops, meet-and-greets, and educational activities going all weekend, so keep an eye out for those times on the event schedule.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, the networking’s a big draw. Building those relationships goes way beyond a single transaction, and, as we touched on back in Atlanta and Orlando episodes, returning to shows year after year, you start to recognize faces—vendors, keepers, sometimes even some of the geckos, if you’re lucky. This community vibe means there’s always someone around to answer your follow-ups, whether it’s care tips or just sharing the latest morph you saw. Also, don’t forget those vendor-led scavenger hunts—gets the whole family involved and helps break the ice if you’re new.

Guy Mc Farlane

Right, and speaking of the Scavenger Hunt, soon as you scan your ticket you’re off and running. Complete all the clues, earn your Scavenger Hunt medallion—perfect for kids and, let’s be honest, adults with a competitive streak. It’s a fantastic way to interact with vendors you might not otherwise meet, and you end up learning some fascinating facts along the way. The show is just as much about building community and fostering curiosity as it is about the animals themselves.

Lisa Parker

So, whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong herper, take the time to chat with vendors, join a workshop, or just get a little lost in the craziness of the show floor. That’s when you’ll stumble into the best surprises, trust me.

Jay Tacey

Alright, I think that wraps us up for today’s deep-dive on Fayetteville’s standout vendors. Thanks for spending your time with us—this community really is what you make of it. We’ll be back soon with more highlights and behind-the-scenes peeks from Repticon events nationwide.

Michael Arnold

Thanks, everyone! Hope to see you at the show. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and maybe an extra tote bag for all the cool stuff you’ll pick up. Lets see if you can beat my time on the Scavenger Hunt!

Lisa Parker

And if you hear the kazoo, you know where to find me. Take care, y’all!

Guy Mc Farlane

Cheers, everyone. Until next time—stay curious, be kind to animals, and we’ll see you at the next expo. Bye, all!