OSAGE — Daniel Andersen always knew he wanted to have a career working with animals.
When he started at North Iowa Area Community College, he took all of the advanced science classes with the intent on becoming a marine biologist.
Though he’d grown up in land-locked Osage, the ocean had always held a special appeal for him.
“I used to do some of the aquatic stuff out of my house,” Andersen explained. “I was the only apprentice Hip Nyugen ever had at Saigon’s in Mason City. I used to help between classes scooping the fish out for people.”
Andersen finished an associate's degree in science, then associate's degrees in art and business.
He won a regional competition with the John PappaJohn Entrepreneurial Center. His business plan involved aquatics.
After obtaining a bachelor's degree in animal ecology, with a focus on aquaculture, Andersen was finally able to achieve his dream of moving to southern Florida, where he met his wife, Lieren.
His now 10-month-old daughter, Aria, is the reason he returned to Osage.
“A big seller was the Osage school system,” Andersen said. “We decided we wanted our daughter to grow up in this community and attend school here.”
They set up Ocean's Oasis Fish & Pets, Andersen's second pet shop. He plans to sell fresh and saltwater fish, reptiles and other small animals.
He and his wife have already been contacted by Osage Superintendent Barb Schwamman to set up field trips, so students can see the fish that will soon be in place.
The Andersens have many plans for their new business, including adding a grooming salon and obedience courses for dog training.
“We will also be helping to design the dog park in town,” Andersen said. “Within a week of being open, we’ve been able to start helping people and make a difference, and that’s really why we are doing this.”
Chrystal Berche is a correspondent for the Mitchell County Press-News, another Lee Enterprises newspaper.
