Michael Brophy got his first snake when he was 17 years old. It was a baby boa constrictor that he snuck into his bedroom. When his mom found out about the snake two weeks later she told him the snake had to go and he could get another one when he moved out of the house.

Michael is the owner of R.E.P.T.I.L.E., Inc. He lives in Troy Michigan with his wife of 24 years and has three daughters ages 21, 19, and 15. When his youngest daughter Mary was 7 years old she decided to become a herpetologist and study reptiles and amphibians in the Brazilian rain forests. Michael and Mary purchased a White's Tree Frog, then a Leopard Gecko. Then Michael purchased a baby boa constrictor, something he had wanted to do since he moved out of his parents' house.

The aquariums began multiplying as the reptiles increased. Michael would bring the reptiles to his daughters' schools, thrilling students and adults alike. Shortly after losing his corporate job in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedies, he met a middle school science teacher who, impressed with Michael's knowledge and interaction with students, suggested he start a business. Reptile Education Programs to Increase Learning Excitement was formed.

Michael has shown his reptiles at events such as church youth outreach promotions, jungle/safari theme parties and the annual classic car show on Woodward Ave. In addition, Michael takes his reptiles to schools, libraries, birthday parties, nursing homes and company picnics to educate, entertain and dispel the fears that surround these beautiful animals.