01/21/2024
For those who don't already know, we lost an amazing person in the reptile and animal community this past week, Brian Barczyk.
He was a fabulous example and a huge influence to so many people here and around the globe.
I'd like to share a short story for those interested in my interactions with him.
I've been keeping Herps since I was a child, for over 40 yrs now. I've always loved all creatures in the animal kingdom but was especially drawn to reptiles and amphibians with all their incredible adaptations. Through most of my young life I didn't really know or realize there were so many others that shared my affinity until the development of the internet came about. Then maybe 17 yrs or so ago with the popularity of YouTube and then Instagram I became aware of this community of people that were as passionate for these animals as I am.
I didn't even know there was such a thing as reptile trade shows until I attended one in 2011, I couldn't believe what I witnessed. Such a large gathering of people with the same interest and intrigue for these wonderful creatures, it was surprising and exciting!
Shortly thereafter I first saw one of Brian's vlogs on YouTube on his snake bytes TV channel. I thought to myself, who is this dude with this crazy collection of reptiles! His looks reminded me a little of Bobcat Goldthwait at the time hahaha, but other than that I didn't really think much more about him. I wasn't really a social media guy and didn't follow anyone back then.
Fast forward a few years later and I'm now starting to spend a little more time online and follow a few people. I remember some folks talking about Brian and saying some negative things here and there a long the way. Of course Brian's starting to get big at this point online and naturally people are going to take their shots. So I think I watched a few more of his vlogs and he seemed to really wear his heart on his sleeve.
At the time I think he was going through a bout with depression and he really put it all out there. I didn't know if this guy was legit or if it was all just an act but again, I didn't really give it too much more thought than that in that moment.
Jump ahead years later and now we're actually working reptile trade shows to promote our sanctuary. Just last year we're with our booth at the National Reptile Breeders Show in Daytona Beach and I get to talking with a nice young lady and her boyfriend about the sanctuary we're building here in Vero. It came up in the conversation that we have the dance studio and DJ / entertainment companies we also run.
Turns out the nice couple was the delightful and her friend who works directly for and with Brian. Jay and I had great conversation and he practically booked us right then and there to be the after party DJs for the upcoming AnimalCon 2023 weekend.
I was very excited to be invited and part of AnimalCon, but really did not overly know what exactly to expect. But upon working and attending the event let me tell you I was just blown away!!
The entire event was based around reptiles and animals yes, but the overwhelming theme and vibe throughout the entire weekend was community, education, love and support.
The event brought people from all over the world together with a common passion and drive.
But the most incredible part to me was how everyone who attended, no matter who they were or how "internet famous" they were, there was no ego and everyone was so very encouraging, non-judgmental and completely edifying to one another. They just went about sharing their knowledge, experience, and taking the time to encourage each other's journeys.
It gave me an incredible appreciation for our community of reptile lovers and enthusiasts and I was proud to be part of it.
In witnessing this I started to realize that all of this was part of Brian's vision, and I've learned as in most industries it starts from the top down.
He was always setting the example and encouraging people to be this way.
I finally got a chance to meet and interact with Brian a few times throughout that weekend. And I finally got to see what anyone else who already knows him knew. What an incredibly giving, patient, thoughtful, kind and passionate individual he truly was!
Any of the naysayers or negativity that I'd heard some speak about him in the past was definitely coming from people who didn't truly know him or spent anytime with him.
He was a leader, and in the best sense of what leadership truly means and represents. He was a servant and a giver.
It was an honor to get to meet him and his wonderful family.
Though not able to spend a lot of time with him I will cherish that I did get a chance to meet him and see first hand who he truly was.
He took the time to thank Shari and I for being a part of AnimalCon and assisting with the entertainment. He went out of his way to make us feel warm and welcomed, also encouraged me with my efforts towards the animal sanctuary and spoke of hoping to come visit us in Florida someday. Sadly that day will never come, but I'm thankful for the time he took that weekend and unselfishly shared with us during a extremely busy event that he was spearheading. He took some moments to make us feel special as I know he did and witnessed him do with so many others.
He will be greatly missed.
His passing just reminds me, as it does so many of you that life is short. There will be ups and downs and obstacles to overcome. We all have highs and lows, so it's even more important to be kind, caring and encouraging to one another. Try to cherish each day and live passionately... as Brian did.
Peace to you all.
