We recently had the chance to connect with Roger Ma and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Roger, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
One of the most surprising—and rewarding—things we’ve learned over the years is just how many of our customers have become more than just familiar faces. They’ve become true friends to my team and me.
In the early days, we held a common assumption that many customers were simply looking to get the best deal or the most value for their dollar. But as time went on, we realized there’s something much deeper at play. People aren’t just shopping—they’re looking to connect, to grow, and to be part of a community.
We’ve seen firsthand how much our customers care—not just about their tanks or their aquascapes—but about the relationships behind them. Many return not because we offer the lowest prices, but because they feel seen, supported, and encouraged by our team. They know we genuinely want them to succeed in their hobby, and that sincerity resonates.
And what’s truly humbling is that they return the favor. Time and time again, they come back to support us—not just as a store, but as people. They want to see us succeed, too.
It’s a mutual kind of loyalty, rooted in respect and shared passion. That’s been the most beautiful surprise of all. It’s not just business—it’s community. And that’s what makes everything we do worthwhile.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Roger Ma, and I’m the owner of Pet Zone Tropical Fish, a San Diego-based freshwater specialty store with a deep focus on aquascaping and the planted tank hobby. What started in 2007 as a small tropical fish shop has since evolved into a thriving community hub for aquarists and aquascapers alike.
We’re proud to be freshwater only — offering everything from nano fish and shrimp to rare aquatic plants and high-end aquascaping supplies. With two locations in San Diego, our stores have become go-to spots for hobbyists who want more than just a place to shop. Our team is passionate about helping customers design, build, and maintain beautiful planted aquariums, whether it’s a simple betta tank or a full-scale nature-style aquascape.
What makes Pet Zone special is our dedication to hands-on support, education, and community. We regularly host free aquascaping demos, workshops, and events to help both new and seasoned hobbyists expand their skills. We’re not just here to sell — we’re here to inspire, create, and grow the freshwater scene in San Diego and beyond.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Traveling extensively as a young adult had a huge impact on how I view the world. It gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation for cultures far different from my own. Honestly, I’m the kind of traveler who skips the tourist sites and heads straight for the food — I travel to eat! But what I’ve found is that sharing a meal, no matter where you are in the world, breaks down barriers in a way few things can.
Some of the most meaningful connections I’ve made were simply by sitting at a table with strangers in a completely foreign place, talking over food or drinks. That universal human need to connect really shines in those moments. Despite what headlines or stereotypes might suggest, most people out there are kind, curious, and eager to connect on a human level. That experience has shaped the way I approach community, relationships, and even how we run our store — it’s all about bringing people together through shared passions.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has a way of forcing you into stillness — into deep thought. It makes you pause, reflect, and truly appreciate the blessings that might otherwise go unnoticed. Some of my most valuable growth didn’t come from winning, but from being stuck in the thick of it — those low points where you’re left questioning everything.
I’ve had my share of setbacks — from deals that fell through to being betrayed by people I fully trusted, more times than I’d like to admit. But each one of those moments taught me how to look at things differently. They pushed me to slow down, analyze more deeply, and plan with more clarity and intention.
Success can be intoxicating, but if that’s all you ever experience, it’s easy to lose perspective. It’s in the failures, the disappointments, and the heartbreaks where you find your foundation — and if you’re open to it, the path forward becomes clearer. Those are the moments that build resilience, shape your character, and remind you that growth doesn’t happen despite the struggle — it happens because of it.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
For me, it’s language — preserving and passing down the native tongue. There’s a saying that goes, “If you speak two languages, you’re bilingual. If you speak three, you’re trilingual. If you speak one… you’re American.” Jokes aside, language holds a deep cultural weight. It carries history, identity, and emotion. There are certain phrases or idioms in Chinese — especially in Cantonese or Teochew — that just don’t translate well into English. And sometimes, you simply can’t express a feeling or thought fully unless you’re speaking the language it lives in.
I grew up in a multilingual home. We spoke Cantonese, Teochew (Chiu Chow), some Mandarin, and even Vietnamese — all layered on top of English. That came from my family’s long migration history: from China to Vietnam and eventually to the U.S. Being able to switch between languages wasn’t just about communication — it shaped my worldview, my relationships, and how I express myself. Different sides of my personality come through depending on which language I’m speaking.
It’s something I value deeply and will always protect. Language connects us to our roots, our elders, and to stories that would otherwise be lost. I see it as a responsibility — and a privilege — to keep those languages alive and carry them forward.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I can confidently say I’m doing what I was born to do. From a young age, I was drawn to entrepreneurship — always chasing creative ideas, finding ways to build something of my own, and dreaming of leading a team that shared a common vision. Independence and purpose were always at the core of what motivated me.
What began as a simple hobby evolved into something much greater. We took a leap of faith, turned our passion into a full-fledged business, and built a team we’re incredibly proud of. It’s not just about making a living — it’s about creating something meaningful, where everyone on the team finds value in what they do.
Being able to support others, help them grow, and build something together that brings joy to our community — that’s the most rewarding part of it all. This isn’t just a job — it’s a calling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://petzonesd.com
- Instagram: @petzonesd
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pet-zone-tropical-fish
- Twitter: @petzonesandiego
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/petzonesd
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pet-zone-tropical-fish-san-diego-2 & https://www.yelp.com/biz/pet-zone-tropical-fish-san-diego
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/petzone
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@petzonesd
Image Credits
Self taken by team
