About the Owner:
Aaron Guzman was born in Tacoma, Washington, but moved to San Diego, California as an infant. When Aaron was seven years old, he moved "home" to Austin, Texas where his father was born and raised, and his family resided. Aaron's father served 20 years on active duty in the United States Navy, so Aaron moved frequently as a child but always considered Austin "home". While living o
n military bases, Aaron loved being around the water. When he was nineteen years old, he joined the United States Navy as a Logistic(s) Specialist. Aaron was designated to the Submarine Force, and was assigned to the USS FLORIDA SSGN. On the USS FLORIDA, Aaron was deployed several times, and visited many ports such as: Dubai, Germany, Greece, Diego Garcia, Spain, and crossed the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and the Suez Canal. When he crossed the equator, Aaron earned his "shellback" title. On the USS FLORIDA, Aaron received two Navy And Marine Corps Achievement Medals for his keen logistical skills, in the oversight of a 28 million dollar inventory of critical repair parts and an average fiscal budget of over 2.8 million dollars ensuring the USS FLORIDA remained mission ready. His diligence significantly contributed to the accomplishments of two deployment cycles and missions vital to national security. As a Petty Officer in the U.S Navy, Aaron was recognized for his managerial ability, personal initiative, and unswerving devotion to duty. After five years on the USS FLORIDA, Aaron was assigned to "Shore Duty Command" on Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii. In Honolulu, Aaron became intrigued with the ocean and the marine life that inhabited it. He was joined by his long-term girlfriend, and high school sweetheart, Ashley to live with him in Hawaii. They both adapted quickly into the Hawaiian culture, and had a new profound love of the ocean and its inhabitants. Experiencing the vast variety of marine life while living in Honolulu peaked Aaron's interest in marine life and gave him direction as to what he wanted to pursue when he transitioned out of the Navy. With passion, drive, and the dream, Aaron opened Just Reef. His hopes are that others will have the opportunity to share in the enjoyment of having an aquarium, and having just a small piece of what the ocean can provide in their homes.