Thinking About a New Pet for the New Year? Check Out Scales and Tails in Lakewood [VIDEO]

Mike Easter and Tim Connors love reptiles so much they opened a reptile store, their new store, Scales and Tails at 13618 Detroit Ave. opened on April 21st, 2016.

Not only do Mike and Tim both love reptiles, they are also cousins and have been best friends their whole lives.

When asked if they considered any other locations for their store, Mike said that "Lakewood was the only city we gave serious consideration."

Mike also mentioned that he and Tim have significant roots in Lakewood:

It's central location and eclectic, energetic vibe seemed like the perfect fit for our business. It's a happening city - something is always going on. In addition, it's a city we both are familiar with. Tim's family was raised here. His Grandpa coached basketball at St. Ed's (the court is currently named after him), and his Grandma taught at Lakewood High school. My father was a Lakewood Police Officer for 25+ years, as well as the D.A.R.E officer for many years. All these reasons contributed to us choosing Lakewood.

Mike and Tim grew up in North Olmsted, spent a couple years at St. Eds, and finished up at North Olmsted High. Tim graduated from Ohio University with a combined degree in business and education.

Mike gained a lot of knowledge and experience with reptiles while in Florida attending FIU. After graduating with a criminal justice degree, Mike stayed in Florida for 10 years working around exotics like crocodilians, venomous snakes, big cats, birds of prey, and various other wildlife. He even had few television opportunities as well - Gator Boys and Monster Croc Invasion (See video below).

Mike moved back to Cleveland in 2015 and coincidentally, Tim was returning to Cleveland from Texas. Tim and Mike recognized that Cleveland needed a reptile specialty shop and wanted to be the guys to do it.

The biggest animal at Scales and Tails is a 10 foot Reticulated Python and the smallest is a Panther Gecko that is around 3". They have many other animals in between along with all of the accessories, food, and advice needed to care for them.

Scales and Tails also has a mascot named Gary. Gary is a two-year-old bearded dragon that can be seen in the window facing Detroit Ave. It seems Gary has at least a couple girlfriends and has sired several clutches of bearded dragon eggs.

Patch asked Mike about Gary's love life and he said, "Gary is pretty hush hush on his personal life, and doesn't like to kiss and tell."

Scales and Tails is open Monday - Friday 12-7, Saturday 10-7 and Sunday 12-6