'I was never allowed to have any reptiles as a child,' he said. 'Now, see what happens?'
The 23-year-old has recently opened Reps-n-Pets along Fourth Street in Irwin. The specialty shop stocks snakes, reptiles, amphibians and supplies.
Moffat has always had an interest in herpetology. Growing up in McKeesport, he and friends would often walk in the woods and overturn rocks at the creek, searching for the cold-blooded critters.
'We'd go on snake hunts but would run from them when we found them. I think we might have caught two from the 100 that we saw,' he said with a laugh. 'I always had a little fear when it came to snakes, but now that I opened the store, I have no fear at all.'
Courage seems to be a prerequisite for this business. Especially when dealing with an Amazon Tree Boa with an attitude, and with a habit of biting.
'This is what a snake bite looks like,' Moffat said, displaying a red slice on his finger. 'If you've ever had to type or check your blood, that's what it feels like.'
Moffat bought his first reptile, an iguana named Mojo, about 10 months ago. Next came a Burmese python that now measures 3-feet. In between, Moffat conducted much research on the Internet and in books on herpetology and becoming an entrepreneur.
He used the money that he received for his recent wedding and invested it in the business. He began his research at the beginning of October. His first day of business was Oct. 28.
As a reptile fan and a member of the Pittsburgh Herpetological Society, Moffat has networked with other herpetologists who offer him advice and help fuel his passion.
He stocks his store with reptiles that are visually appealing, purchasing them from nationwide breeders and wholesale distributors.
'I stock a lot of snakes that were captive bred. That way, you don't endanger anything in the wild,' he said. 'And I won't sell anything unless it is in prime shape. You don't want to take a chance.'
Moffat said his inventory started out small. He currently stocks a few iguanas and different species of monitor lizards and swifts. He also has rare breeds, such as a Dumerils Boa from Madagascar.
'If I don't have it in the store, I'll get it,' he said. 'And if someone comes in with a question and I don't know the answer, I'll find it.'
His father, Dennis, who owns a family masonry business in McKeesport, is his son's business partner. But he doesn't like snakes.
He has, however, done just as much reading, and can identify snake breeds at first glance, and knows how to administer proper care.
Moffat, right now, is like a kid in the candy store, reaping the rewards from opening a unique business in the area. It also doesn't hurt that he handpicks what he stocks, which is usually a reptile or amphibian that catches his eye or interest.
In the future, Moffat plans to look into selling exotic pets, and hopes to breed his own snakes this spring.
'Before it's all over, I'm going to need a bigger store,' he said.
