the following is the latest letter sent to SSI members.......
Dear SSI Canada Dive Centers and Dive Professionals,
As you are aware, on January 1st, HEAD acquired SSI. The HEAD Diving Division includes HEAD Swimming and Snorkeling, Mares Diving, Mares Spearfishing, Mares Yachting and now SSI. HEAD products are sold in 85 countries and currently employ around 2000 people worldwide. Our global distribution is second to none in the Diving Industry.
HEAD is a global sporting goods company. One can easily look at this year’s Olympics and clearly see the number of athletes from all over the world wearing HEAD equipment. This is by design. By adding Scuba Schools International to the roster of companies, HEAD is now fully vested in the Scuba Industry.
We know that there are many people in our industry creating and spreading rumors to generate fear and uncertainty about this acquisition. Let us set the record straight.
We also recognize that the end-user is paramount and that all of our actions must be directed at providing the consumer ‘The Ultimate Experience’ through dynamic Swim, Snorkel and Scuba dealers.
With HEAD, Mares and SSI as your partner in business, we see a bright future.
We will grow the industry together!
Thank you for your continued support! We look forward to serving you in the future.
Sincerely,
Doug McNeese
Dear SSI Canada Dive Centers and Dive Professionals,
As you are aware, on January 1st, HEAD acquired SSI. The HEAD Diving Division includes HEAD Swimming and Snorkeling, Mares Diving, Mares Spearfishing, Mares Yachting and now SSI. HEAD products are sold in 85 countries and currently employ around 2000 people worldwide. Our global distribution is second to none in the Diving Industry.
HEAD is a global sporting goods company. One can easily look at this year’s Olympics and clearly see the number of athletes from all over the world wearing HEAD equipment. This is by design. By adding Scuba Schools International to the roster of companies, HEAD is now fully vested in the Scuba Industry.
We know that there are many people in our industry creating and spreading rumors to generate fear and uncertainty about this acquisition. Let us set the record straight.
- SSI will now have an additional office in Boca Raton, FL. This office will perform the sales and certification functions of SSI. Professional Instructor Services and training will continue to be supported by the SSI office in Ft. Collins, CO. Currently, SSI products will continue to ship from Ft. Collins.
- Our strategy will remain to implement customer-centric products with an important competitive edge centered around Swim, Snorkel and Scuba products in both education and equipment.
- We are committed to open and honest communication and we will be proactive in sharing information keeping you up-to-date on important training and equipment developments.
- Our greatest strength lies in the combined skill and talent of our staff. This is our greatest asset and we will continue to attract, retain and grow the most talented people in the industry.
- Our sales teams have now been combined into one. Unfortunately, some of the previous sales force members will not be part of the new team, but we are extremely grateful for their many years of service! We are happy to introduce Pete Oliver, who as District Sales Manager will be servicing the entire Canadian arm of SSI.
SSI District Sales Manager for Canada
Pete Oliver
email: poliver@us.head.com or
poliver@divessi.comphone: 519.835.1985
- If you are concerned how this will affect your relationship with your current manufacturer or training agency – don’t be. SSI will continue to maintain relationships with ALL major manufacturers, just like MARES will with all other training agencies. In other words, there is no obligation for a MARES dealer to do business with SSI or an SSI dealer to do business with MARES. But, what you can count on is; there will be many new business opportunities for you. Rest assured we do not have the desire or power to force any dealer to do something that they do not want to do. It is your business and you decide how you want to run it. We will be there to support you in your decisions!
We also recognize that the end-user is paramount and that all of our actions must be directed at providing the consumer ‘The Ultimate Experience’ through dynamic Swim, Snorkel and Scuba dealers.
With HEAD, Mares and SSI as your partner in business, we see a bright future.
We will grow the industry together!
Thank you for your continued support! We look forward to serving you in the future.
Sincerely,
Doug McNeese
