gramming, evaluating teaching techniques, and ensuring can- didates understood not only the standards, but the spirit of safe BUSINESS EDU continued
pillars that define excellence in diving. I conducted evaluations, supported vessel teams, helped refine operational practices,
and effective instruction. This role deep- ened my appreciation for diver education and expanded my ability to contribute to the industry in meaningful ways. In 2017, after many fulfilling years with Dive BVI, I made the difficult decision to step away temporarily and take on a new challenge: serving as the Caribbean Business Manager for Scuba Schools International (SSI). This role offered a broader perspective of the dive industry, giving me the opportunity to work directly with dive centers across
and worked alongside professionals who shared a deep commitment to raising industry standards. Traveling to remote destinations, experiencing new cultures, and seeing how different operations ex- celled or struggled gave me invaluable insight into what it takes to run a world- class dive business. Those years away provided tremendous growth and perspective – but through all the travel, learning, and professional challenges, the British Virgin Islands never left my heart. Every time I returned,
the Caribbean. I supported operators through training systems, professional development initiatives, and business growth strategies. It was a time of enormous learning – one that strengthened my leadership skills and expanded my understanding of the industry beyond a single shop or region. In 2020, I embraced another opportunity and joined the Operations team at Aggressor Adventures. Working with Aggressor for 4.5 years allowed me to travel the world and see the dive industry on a truly global scale. My focus centered on quality control, safety systems, and professionalism – three
whether for work or a brief visit, it felt like coming home. The connection to the islands, the community, and Dive BVI remained as strong as ever. Eventually, the chance arose to return not just as part of the team, but as the Chief Operating Officer – an opportunity that felt like the natural next chapter of a story that had begun back in 1996. Joining Dive BVI as an owner and COO meant embracing responsibility for a legacy built over decades. It meant committing to uphold the highest standards of safety, service, and professionalism. And it meant giving back to the place and people who helped shape me into the diver and leader I am today. Today, owning Dive BVI is about honoring everything that brought me here: the early lessons at Stephen F. Austin State University, the joy of earning my Divemaster and Instructor credentials, the challenges of managing a dive shop at 25, the life-changing trip to the BVI in 2002, the years of teaching and community building from 2003 onward, and the broader ex- periences gained through SSI and Aggressor Adventures. Each chapter shaped the diver, the professional, and the person I’ve become. Every time I help a new diver take their first breath underwater, I’m reminded of my own beginning. We all started with zero experience in diving. We must remember that our students can see and feel our passion. Every day at Dive BVI feels like a continuation of the journey that started nearly three decades ago. And every moment spent in the waters of the BVI reaffirms that this is where I’m meant to be.
What began as a college elective in 1996 has be- come a lifelong calling – one that has come full circle in the most meaningful way. And, yes, I made an A in that college scuba class! Cheers.
email Jeff
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