Meet Garrett Hartle | Dwarf Reticulated Python Breeder & Youtuber

We had the good fortune of connecting with Garrett Hartle and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Garrett, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
The best decision I could ever have made (that was somewhat made up for me, actually) was that I would specialize very highly in what I was most knowledgeable and passionate about. My original idea was to try and be “all things to all people,” but that fell through very quickly when difficulties arose. By contrast, I would ultimately be doing what I love most (working with the Dwarf Reticulated pythons I love here at Reach Out Reptiles) whether or not my business succeeded. Because of that, the mindset required to give my best and continue trying no matter what the circumstances was a built-in mindset for me all along.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have built a business on the public introduction of some very misunderstood, even hated animals. Starting in a 650 sq ft basement and the goal of captive propagation of a few varieties of little researched island populations of overlooked Python species, in 6 years I have not only bred some of these incredibly rare animals for the first time in captivity, but also created a passionate love and following for them among the public. We are now home to over a thousand animals, with 10 employees who work very hard to further our mission of inspiring people to reconnect with the wonder of our world in ways they had never before considered because of the fear and prejudices of our society towards these incredible animals. Because of the unique nature of what I do, I built my business model from scratch taking inspiration from completely unrelated brands that I enjoy, applying the philosophies that excite me to the animals I work with. Overcoming public perception has always been my greatest challenge, and richest reward. Using an educational Youtube channel as my vehicle for messaging has been key- and while it comes with a certain level of personal exposure and hatred, it has taught me that the best tool we have to change someone’s mind is to allow ourselves to be vulnerable and honest in what we love in this world. That example of openness in caring will be misunderstood by some, but contagious to others- empowering them to go on and make a further difference in their worlds.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Here’s to the love and pursuit of understanding our natural world that surrounds and supports us in all things.
Website: https://www.reachoutreptiles.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reach_out_reptiles/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReachOutReptiles/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/reachoutreptiles
Other: Behind the scenes YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wild_world_tv