I have always been involved in water activities. From the time I could crawl, I’ve been swimming competitively, life guarding, teaching swimming lessons and water safety. Diving came after college and I never looked back.
After my Open Water program, a whole new world opened up to me. Gaining experience through education taught me valuable lessons that still hold true in today’s world. After graduating from PADI College in 1988, I had to make a decision. Where to go? To the islands? Work in the retail world? I chose the way of retail to gain additional business experience as I grew professionally.
Six years in a retail environment taught me the value of staying positive when dealing with customers. I learned the ins and outs of running a retail business that has many unique facets. Diving is a highly specialized type of business, but the core principles remain the same as other retail businesses. We must all embrace new ideas and think out side the box to stay competitive.
One of my core beliefs is that one should always be learning. Every encounter is a learning experience and we should all take advantage of the learning opportunities as they present themselves. I still attend specialty programs to expand my diving knowledge.
2010 PADI Member Forum
Member Forum 2010 is packed with two-hours of information about new programs, new materials and new initiatives to help you be more successful as a dive professional. Test your knowledge of standards and course changes through an interactive Q&A session. Learn from real dive incidents about how to put diver safety first during the Risk Management presentation. Take away great teaching and marketing ideas to grow your dive business into the future.
Registration for this program is free, but pre-registration is recommended. Questions or Comments? Contact PADI Customer Service at 800 729 7234 (US and Canada) +1 949 858 7234, ext. 2320.
Note: To attend ScubaFest presentations, you must be registered for the day or weekend to participate in the activities promoted by ScubaFest, except the Exhibitors and Discover Scuba.
Additional Bio Information for Gary:
Diving Experience:
1988 Master Scuba Diver
1988 Divemaster
1988 Open Water Instructor
1988 Medic First Aid Instructor
1989 Master Scuba Diver Trainer
1991 IDC Staff Instructor
1992 Master Instructor
1996 Course Director
1999 Instructor Examiner
2003 EFR Instructor & Master
Industry Experience:
Diving Enterprises – Roanoke, VA – PADI 5* IDC facility – 6 years
Training Manager, Store Manager
PADI Americas – Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – current
Sales Representative – Region 1, 2 & LAOs – 1995 - 1997
Regional Manager – Region 5 – 1998 – present