The National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI Worldwide), a leader in recreational scuba diver training and certification, is pleased to announce its North American Regional Sales Management Team.
The Northwestern & Southwestern regions will continue to be represented by Jim Larsen(Northwestern -Northern CA, OR, WA, ID, MT and WY. This region will include Canada from Alberta to the coast of British Columbia) and Ray Bullion (Southwestern – SoCal, NV, UT and AZ). They both bring years of NAUI experience to their given territories and we are delighted that they have decided to continue their efforts in promoting the business and training benefits of the NAUI educational programs.
Kenny Wheeler, who has been managing the Mid-Western region will now be focusing his efforts and expertise in our Southeastern Region (AL, No. FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, VA). Another NAUI sales and educational veteran that brings a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to our new sales team.
New to the 2016 NAUI Sales Management team are Bo Harper, Andy Olday, John Banks, Capt. David Caldwell and Heather Armstrong.
Bo Harper, Mid-Western Region (IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI) managed NAUI Midwest Region several years ago and we are excited to have him back to assist in the next evolution of NAUI. He assisted in development of a NAUI’s leadership text and instructor guide and is an experienced Technical diver and NAUI Course Director. Additionally, for five years he has taught a class in Digital Underwater Photography at the John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago. As a manufacturers Rep. Bo has pioneered new products and manufacturer brands achieving solid distribution. Conducted business reviews with decision makers at accounts to maximize contract benefits and identify new product sales opportunities. He implemented new direct marketing and education strategies additionally as a component of the manufacturing experience Bo has trained many retail staff in repair and maintenance as well as product knowledge. His community involvement includes working 19 years on the Board of a land preservation non-profit and founding a local chapter of an eco educational social organization which is now present in 83 countries.
Andy Olday, South Florida Region (Crystal River, Hwy 44, & New Smyrna Beach, South to Key West): was born in Newcastle, England and has been a resident of Key West Florida since 1994. He held the Training & Community Manager position for Divers Direct, Key West prior to re-locating and recently accepting the NAUI South Florida Regional Manager position. With a deep passion for safe and fun underwater exploration he has been a SCUBA Instructor since 1996. As owner / operator of Nekton Crew (Marine Hazard Prevention) he was a member of Diana Nyads 2012 Cuba to Florida swim attempt. Andy was also the Captain for ultra-marathon swimmer and world record holder Chloe McCardel’s safety crew in 2013/14. Andy has been privileged to teach and dive in many locations around the world. An avid free diver, boater and spear fisherman. Andy brings years of oceanic experience to the NAUI team including, extensive sales & marketing experience, photography and videography skills.
John Banks, South Central Region (AR, CO, LA, NM, OK, TX) has lived in the Dallas -Fort Worth Metroplex for more than 20 years. He has been an avid diver for 12 years and a NAUI professional since 2008. He is a very active instructor and understands the challenges facing facilities in environments where fresh water is the only option. John is an experienced leader in the digital marketing and strategic marketing space and looks to use his knowledge and experience assisting shops in growing the NAUI brand.
Captain David J. Caldwell, Northeastern Region (CT, DE, DC, ME, MA, MD, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV – including Canada from the provinces of Nova Scotia to Ontario), is a co-founder of Northern Atlantic Dive Expeditions, Inc. Dave is co-captain of the GAUNTLET and holds a commercial 100 Ton Near-Coastal Master’s license. Dave is a NAUI Technical Course Director with qualifications as a Hollis Prism 2 and SMI Prism Topaz Extreme Exposure Trimix Instructor Trainer. Dave is a member of the Explorers Club. In addition to instructor-level certifications, Dave holds full-cave certifications through various agencies. In addition to making shipwreck discoveries in his local waters, Dave has led and/or participated in expeditions to notable shipwrecks such as the Andrea Doria, Empress of Ireland, SS Republic, and shipwrecks in the Mediterranean and the South China Sea.
Heather Armstrong will assume the role of not only Regional Sales Manager for Hawaii but will also serve as a training consultant for the NAUI Training Department. Heather has been a technical diver and instructor since 1995. She has extensive experience exploring deep caves, and is also an accomplished wreck diver who has participated in multiple projects and television productions, as well as scientific specimen collection projects. Heather was a founding owner of TheDecostop.com, served as Technical Diving Safety Officer aboard the MV Spree, and is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Abe Davis, Wakulla and Sheck Exley Awards for safe cave diving. Heather is also a member of several exploration projects, including the Woodville Karst Plain Project.
NAUI is excited about the future with this experienced and impressive team of diving and business leaders and educators supporting our North American operations.