place in Austin city limits to sell live
tilapia. It also sells channel catfish, live
bacteria and all the proper tools and
additives required for aquaponics. “We
have helped a number of small-scale
aquaponic farms get off the ground
with our commercial questionnaire,
supplies and consulting, quickly becoming known as the place with answers.
We also do on-site installations, training
and consulting,” shares Shawn.
At Third Coast, the philosophy is
simple: focus on building community,
sales will come later. “People will often
trade a few hours of work to pick our
brains and just be in the shop learning,” explains Shawn. “We make sure
that people learn something new every
time they come in the store, which
has led to a loyal customer
base.” Third Coast has since
developed its own aquaponic
systems and recipes for
compost tea—a recipe that
in part led to their recent
$95,000 research grant from
the USDA.
It’s all been an amazing
experience for Shawn so far.
“I have learned that you must
have passion to succeed,” he
shares. “You must really care
about the products you sell and make
sure proper education leaves the door
with the customer. Building trust and
respect are far more important than
focusing on price points and margins.
We simply strive to do right by our community and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
We’ve actually learned more from our
customers than we have ever taught
them. I wanted to start a business that
had potential to grow while affecting
positive change in the world. That
is still how we proceed every day. By
embracing the efficiencies of natural
growing systems, we help future generations use sustainable agricultural practices, which is what I’m all about.”
Shawn is proudest when he witnesses
his efforts paying off. “We have a
customer who’s been gardening for
40 years with the standard practices of
tilling, ferti