My Endeavors

Updated 8-29-11

The above picture is the Grants Pass street display for Christmas (2007) on 6th St.
The pictures below (reading left to right, top to bottom) is Danielle at Universal Studios Hollywood, Jan. 1, 2010
The second is Danielle and Timothy at a LA Dodgers Game in June 2009.
The third is from the Winter 2008 with Jodie, Danielle and Timothy waiting for the School bus. The forth is my son Timothy’s 11th Birthday at Jan & Cary’s home.

The fifth is Michelle 16th Birthday
The sixth is Danielle’s 13th 2009 birthday.
(Click Pictures below to enlarge)

There are MORE Grants Pass, Oregon Boatnik Pictures at Grants Pass Information, pictures & more including a video.

I also have a new pictures page (that will be added to) with MANY more pictures from vacations and more: My Pictures

Back To Top

Quick Overview
I currently live in Southern Oregon, and have been in the Aquarium and Pet related business since 1977. I owned a Pet store and aquarium maintenance and design business in the Los Angeles area from 1978 until 2002 when we move here. I designed some of my own equipment such as the “Custom 15 watt UV Sterilizer” and Medicated Wonder Shells I sell here (as well as many custom aquarium and pond filter installations and designs).
I have done contract maintenance for Disney, The Bahooka Restaurant (over 100 aquariums, mostly larger than 100 gallons), Coaster Co. (the largest furniture importer in North America, also based in the Los Angeles area), and many more. I also have made excellent business contacts over the years (especially in Asia, UK).
I have owned aquariums since I was 9 years old (1968), and at one time had a room with nothing but aquariums on racks two aquariums high, in addition to this I had literally 100s of aquariums in my care in my maintenance business as well.

My wife, Jodie, (Joanne) currently works at Bi-Mart in Grants Pass (a Northwest only Department store similar to Wal-Mart, but smaller).

I went to high school at Los Altos High in Hacienda Heights, CA. and College at Cal Poly University, Pomona.
I was in the class of 1977 at Los Altos High School (Hacienda Heights). I went to Hillgrove Elementary, and Orange Grove Jr. High.

MORE IN DEPTH BIO (I will add more to this as time permits)

I, Carl Strohmeyer, was born on February 9, 1959 at Hart Hospital in Baldwin Park, CA. My parents (& one older sibling, Janice) were living in an apartment over my Grandfather’s garage in Baldwin Park.
Around my first birthday we moved to a new home in a housing tract in the fast growing bedroom community of Hacienda Heights (a Suburb of Los Angeles). Hacienda Heights went from orange groves to a community of 35,000 in around 10 years (it is larger now).

School Years

I liked school in my early years, and in particular liked my Kindergarten teacher (Mrs. Wooton) whom I had again in 2nd grade. However this all came to a crashing end in the 4th grade with Mrs. Eckman whom I had the great misfortune to have again in the 6th grade. I often day-dreamed in class and she called me a vegetable and informed the rest of the class I was doomed to be a failure.
From this point on school was pure misery as even when I met new students such as in Middle School or High School, others seemed to be “filled in” as to who I was and what I am in others views. In hindsight, I probably should have tried harder to set things right however, I did make some attempts including joining square dancing, but this ended in disaster for me. On the last day of the class the boys had to ask the girls to dance and not one would dance with me. This left me in tears for days where I withdrew to spending time with my pets/fish I sucked in my emotions so others could not see them. This also resulted in my being hospitalized for an ulcer in the 6th grade.

A bright spot was my family camping trips to places like Utah and Yellowstone that my Dad and Mom would take us on. My Grandfather, along with my Dad took me on a trip to Panguitch Lake Utah, during the first week of 8th grade. It was especially memorable to me, for the beauty and the peace I felt. When I returned to school after the trip, the negative revelations of what persons really thought of me came to light as my class mates “happily” thought I had moved.
Also, a “flight lesson” with a friend of my Dad was a memorable birthday present when I was 9 that I will never forget.

One friend did truly stick by me and that was Greg Siegel, he often defended me emotionally and his friendship helped me feel like less of failure.
I had, and still have, a skinny build. Several persons labeled me as Gay for this reason, except not those words. This was also a struggle for me to deal with. My weight continues to haunt me as persons still treat me this way or go to the other extreme and judge my motives of helping a friend.

I also really enjoyed Jr. High (Middle School) band, especially my instructor there, Mrs. Duke. I also had good friends in Jeff Fournier and again Greg Siegel as well as Luke Camarillo.
Unfortunately high school band was much more miserable, even though I loved music as I was made to feel an inch tall. Again maybe I should have “fought back”, but by this time I had such terrible self esteem, I simply did not have it in me. Even then I did enjoy the band tournaments and playing at the many football games. I rarely missed the games even after leaving band to concentrate on studies that I hoped would one day redeem me.

Although I could not get a date, I finally met a nice girl in my senior year. She was a Junior, who set me up with her sister, who was a freshman. This was so that I could go to the senior prom. We later dated for a while however, her dad felt it was inappropriate for us to date after I graduated from High School.
Another bright spot in high school was meeting my friend Randy Viall, we are still good friends to this day.
Back To Top

Beginning years in Pet Business and the establishing of my Aquarium Business

After High School life really began looking up, I met new friends at work, I began skiing every other weekend which I had a natural talent for (unlike some other athletic endeavors), these were some of my most positive and “happy” years.
While in college at California Polytechnic University I got a job at Archie’s House of Pets and within about 6 months I was the manager of the three stores fish departments and an assistant manager at the West Covina Mall store. My original “boss” was Danny DiGiacamo who was great at tutoring me in many ways. He later left to run his own stores and Debbie Galea took over running the West Covina store (Danny ran all three). She did not have the business knowledge of Danny, but still a good person to work under.
In 1978, during my time at Archie’s I started my Aquarium Maintenance business (Carl’s Aquarium Service at the time). This unfortunately caused some friction with Debbie’s father and owner of Archie’s. He was not actually active in running his business, so I along with Tris Higa (whom I would later marry) left to start our own store in late 1979.

The aquarium service business really blossomed when an employee at the Bahooka restaurant called me to treat dying Arowana that she had been unsuccessful at treating up to this point. I was able to save her prize fish and she recommended me to her boss, Jack, and I soon was maintaining the multiple aquariums at the two Polynesian restaurants. I would add MANY aquariums and re-worked the filter systems on the remainder of the existing aquariums.
The Bahooka Restaurant would foster many other accounts such as the Lobster House (which fostered many itself in Pasadena), an account with Disney Studios and many more. Also during this time I picked up Coaster Co. (via my store though) which would eventually grow into my largest account up to the day I had to move to Oregon.

FOR MY FULL AQUARIUM/POND BUSINESS BIOGRAPAHY, please follow this link: CARL STROHMEYER; MY AQUARIUM EXPERIENCE/BIO

LATER

In 1989 after a painful divorce from Tris (she left me for another) I had to sell my first Local Fish Store. I kept my aquarium maintenance business and my brother in law, Gregg, continued with me. We are still good friends to this day and he still owns my old service business.
Shortly thereafter, I chose to start training for a career that was my other passion, and that was flying. I did well mostly due to management skills which I applied to cockpit management. My FAA examiners and instructors had told me this about my abilities.
During this time I met and married my current sweet & beautiful wife, Jodie (we married in 1991). I got as far as my Multi-Engine license ($35,000 later) and was working on my commercial certificate when I canceled my largest maintenance account. This was due to sexual comments directed at my employees. Canceling that account, coupled with my first child being born with neural-sensory dysfunction, caused a significant loss of income. Thankfully the neural-sensory disorder is no longer a problem.
This coupled with postpartum depression began a very difficult slide down hill for my wife with more problems to come that so many people did not see. This forced me to drop out of flight school to take care of my children and spouse.
I still really miss flying, in part because this was one of the few times in my life when I felt so accepted both by the flying community & by friends who saw this as a much more respectful endeavor than my aquarium work. Either way I still have some good memories and would never give up or trade my family (wife and kids) for anything, even having this part of my life back!

We moved to Southern Oregon in December of 2002. Michelle, our oldest, had been sent ahead for her protection & mental health, in early November. We moved to be near my sister Jan (who along my brother in law Cary Cound also graduated from Los Altos High, Hacienda Heights; class of 1974) and to escape bad influences that took advantage of Jodie’s Postpartum depression, which resulted in $80,000 debt. We still owe $30,000 of this as the sale of our LA home could not pay it off. I did not declare bankruptcy, to protect my credit, keep jobs at my business and other personal reasons. Moving also provided more help with our special needs children, me and my wife.
What was so frustrating and embittering is that I said little (and still do) as to how much time I generally have to invest in taking care of my family as my wife was simply not able to.
Her family over time finally realized this as well. Others, especially at our old Church, Bethany Baptist of West Covina, chose not to look below the surface as I never said a peep about Jodie’s difficulties and I constantly “picked up the pieces” so as to not drag her name through the gutter. They chose only to listen to untruths and half-truths that I did not do enough, despite the fact that I fed, bought groceries, did ALL medical care of Timothy and in general performed 75% of most home care for my family. All the while I had been working long hours including recycling on the side to help pay for the constant bills that she and the bad influence ran up (IMO, she did this to appease her depression). In most cases any other man would have taken the kids and left. I sought legal help that showed I could gain full custody if I desired, but this was and is not good enough for others that stood in judgment of me. Sadly people continue to judge me to this very day.

One positive note during this time were LA Sheriff deputies that DID see through the lies and regularly checked in on my family and business, this included an attempt to make me look controlling when all I was doing was trying keep our family finances from totally going down the toilet. This attempt by a social worker resulted in one of the Sheriff Deputies calling on our home, where my well documented collection of credit card receipts and more (compiled over a few years via my calls to credit card issuers, banks, etc.) was presented to him. He immediately realized that these charges were bogus & made note of this for “future problems”.

My son was very sick when he was young. He had Viral Meningitis, gastro-intestinal problems and more. He now has autism which unfortunately has caused us much rejection, even from our previous Church in West Covina, CA. My daughter Michelle still struggles with depression, much due to what happened in LA.
Jan, my sister, has been a blessing beyond words in helping my kids as well as me (with my struggles with bitterness) and my wife, Jodie, who is also doing much better at coping with life

Despite the ongoing difficulties, another light here in Grants Pass, besides my sister, has been my Church: Bethany Presbyterian , they have prayed, mentored, and helped with our children (especially Michelle). Special thanks goes to Roger and Bob from Stephen’s Ministries.

We lived in our 27 foot Class C Motor Home for over a year in Jan & Cary’s driveway (for which I appreciate them allowing this) while Jan also home temporarily schooled the two older kids. During this time I helped around their house by cutting wood and paying electric bills, etc.
Unfortunately during this time many rumors also circulated as to why we lived in their driveway, mostly stating that I had failed in business, was mooching off my sister/brother-in-law (not at all the case as this was probably the most humbling period in my life), and that I could not take control of my family. In fact one source of the rumors claimed to be Christians!
Finally after getting some of Jodie’s credit in order, we were able to get a small, 900 square foot home. We initially tried to rent, but no one would rent to us past 2 kids, the same problem was encountered with Mobile Home parks and space rental.

Carys of Oregon

I went to work at Cary’s of Oregon English toffee as a factory worker and later production manager for about 3 years before re-starting my aquarium business on the side, which I now run full time.
I felt God had a purpose for me, to help my brother-in-law fulfill his dream! Especially since one of his strengths is being a dreamer of great ideas and making them a reality, while one of my strengths is managing (as many who have known me over the years professionally in LA have stated and continue to state during my business trips and other professional contacts), unfortunately the rumor mill prevented this from happening.
However, I am very glad to have had the opportunity to help Cary, whom I love very much and thought much of long before I moved here.

MORE CURRENT BIO

It has been difficult making a living here; I set up this internet business based on my experience in the Aquarium maintenance and design business as well as the vast amount of research and tests I performed over the years. I was hopeful for more community support for my business and products, especially when you consider that much of what I sell is very unique and gets requests even internationally.
Thankfully between “Everything Aquatic Forum”, many articles that have garnered compliments from pHd researchers from as far away as Pakistan, dumping eBay, blogging & web site design improvements, and most of all I give credit to God for lifting business at a time when I had no choice but to let God take charge due to severe family issues once more; my Internet business has turned the corner and does not depend on local support.

This was done with some initial help from Rachel Owen Oliveri and now even MUCH more help from Tommy Butler (who has helped me both professionally and with just being there as a friend), Steven Wright (most of the picture art is his), & Misti King (who is currently aiding me in editing my articles for grammar, since this is weakness of mine).
Although the business is growing, the income is still somewhat marginal for the hours spent (partly because I sell products I know work, not just what have great mark-ups).

I spend probably 40-60 hours per week just answering email questions and writing/re-writing (updating) articles, as well as SEO work (Search Engine Optimization). I have now even received questions from others (especially in my industry) about my success in SEO.
The remainder of my 70-80 hour weeks is spent in shipping and other more directly profitable endeavors.

We are also concentrating on more profitable items such as our UV Sterilizer and UV replacement bulb lines, although some aquarium lights such as T2s are slow to catch on in the anecdotal aquarium hobby even though they are popular elsewhere. Hopefully as I will be better able to utilize my time so as to “squeeze” some profit out of the higher gross sales. I am cutting back on time spent in forums, and trying to answer emails and phone calls more efficiently without being rude in my attempts to be more efficient.

I currently only have a few aquariums (as compared to the literally hundreds under my care and the room of personal aquariums at my previous residence), however if space can be made (such as replacing my 60 year old rotting shed), and more income/time becomes available, I will add more.
Before I set up more aquariums, I need to improve our also 60 year old 900 sq. ft. “fire trap” home which has no insulation, bad walls, rotting roof, and faulty wiring.
I also have set up a few local ponds for friends here in Grants Pass.

I am getting better at Web Site Optimization. I have learned from staying up late reading and going to SEO groups on the Web and asking questions. I have achieved front page on many search engines for my keywords, who knows, maybe I will be able to make enough money & have the time to have outside hobbies again! I would like to ski, fish, I would love to go Salmon fishing in Alaska some time, watching sports such as NCAA football, & maybe someday flying again.
In fact as to the subject of SEO and other business issues, I am often sought out when I make my LA business trips to pick up supplies. This is very uplifting, as often these individuals are presidents/owners of much larger companies than my own that always want to “Chew the Fat” (discuss business) during my limited time there. It is also depressing when I realize how terribly disrespected professionally I am here in Grants Pass, Oregon

I do however find time (and money) to go camping, often with the Holy Rovers of Bethany Presbyterian. Besides my perennial favorites such as Yellowstone and much of Utah, I enjoy several spots here in Oregon including: Crater Lake, Newberry Volcanic Park, Wallowa State Park (one of my favorites), Diamond Lake, Indian Mary and Gold Beach, just to name a few.

Although doing better, Timothy still struggles in school especially socially however, he takes great joy in Robotics, his video games, and the computer in general. These are his favorites and he is really good at math!
Danielle is Dyslexic and has trouble with school studies. She is very loving and charismatic, and often senses when others such as myself or Timmy are depressed and is quite the loving comforter. She also recently received a B average and was on her Middle School Honor Role!
Michelle is still often withdrawn and will not communicate fully what is wrong or what happened in LA, however she is improving with her anger issues.
Michelle’s intense personality has pushed her to very good grades in school, even in subjects that are difficult for her. She has an A- to A average & is now a member of the National Honor Society!

Events of Februrary, 2009
Although much of our families personal life was improving, in part due to close friends and family, which is the reason we moved in the first place, once again ghosts from the past came upon our family.
The unfathomable evil presence I & a couple close friends (such as Roger & Bob Mendoza) felt during this time is something I still shudder when I think of 2 years later. What is/was frightening were several evil communications were sent to me that were eerily similar to the the false charges made.

Unfortunately an anxiety melt down by my oldest daughter (which has roots in the past) combined with dishonest rumors from the past caused our local DHS/DCS to once more get involved without any investigation (some extremely un-discerning members of Jodie’s family also played role as well). Sadly my younger two kids were literally told what to say by these people which caused them much mental stress as they knew the truth.
This situation where DHS got involved and moved my family out while away on a business trip, although 100% wrong and evil at its core, has been used by God for good as the outpouring of support from several persons from our Church (mostly our ‘Holy rovers’ camping group) was “emotionally moving” beyond description.
Many honest persons talked with the kids and quickly saw through the obvious lies that were being used to manipulate the kids and this came out in court with the many persons and testimonials that came out. This includes those who knew that I spend 0 time for myself, as 99% of my waking time is spent either caring for my family as noted earlier. Even this was used against me since I was often answering phone calls and emails at all hours attempting to answer customer (& mostly non customer) questions or similar by construing that I was more interested in other’s problems than my own family.
For those that are upset that I have cut back on after hours emails/phone calls to answer questions that I generally already have provided the answer to in my dozens of updated articles and have taken to leaving messages on my personal email or even profane messages demanding more of my time; my answer is my family is my priority now. My family is more important to me and the world does not revolve around you!

The support from Jan & Cary in the early hours (for which I cannot speak of here) were truly God sent and my thanks cannot be expressed enough.

We have also learned who our friends really are and that unfortunately most government officials such as DHS/DCS simply are not interested in the truth (even when the court sees this and dozens of persons tell them the facts in testimonials, etc.), nor would the GPPD communicate even though they are well aware of our situation, the rather lazy (or possibly worse, corrupt) GPPD took the opposite approach of simply looking the other way when they could have helped prevent this.
I too have learned (especially with very blunt but caring help from Roger S) that I have to give my bitterness to God, as I have attempted to deal with my bitterness from past issues by simply cramming it deep inside myself rather than letting it go with the Lord’s help.

May/June 2010; My health (which has not been real good since a serious staph infection in 2004), has been poor. I have had multiple heart arhythmia events, numbness/ “pulsing” in the left side of my neck and left side in general, as well a halter monitor and other tests have shown a considerably elevated heart rate, even at rest. I am undergoing more nuclear stress tests and other tests to determine why. As well I have had carcinomas removed and in October of 2010 I developed Kidney issues.
In the mean time, my availability to answer questions online will be limited as the Doctor wants me to cut my hours in half.

Sadly enough I have not been able to cut back in hours, as customer demands of my time are still extremely unreasonable; this includes rude accusations even when I help, all the time assuming I am this wealthy person, even though my 12-14 hour work days come down to minimum wage pay and I live in a 900 square foot home. A good example were some extremely condescending and rude emails by a Steve C. attacking aspects of my Aquarium Lighting article he did not agree with, which sadly he was making liberal accusations not founded in what was actually contained in this article.

What is still painful to this day is that somehow I am portrayed as a failure, jerk, & worse, yet I have many times shown Christ’s kindness and forgiveness. This includes being betrayed three times (I understand the power of postpartum depression and the third time was simply listening to those who meant harm on our family and for which truth did not matter).
As well I have forgiven (this does not mean trust) others who have harmed me and my family as knew them as friends and still hope and pray for them.

This quote from John Chapter 8 helps but also perplexes me as I have shown this mercy (as I feel is asked us all by God) under the darkest of circumstances yet it is I who is often judged by others?
2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.