domskynetlabs:
Its a SSA store that certifies with SSI. I know some have heard of it from the controversy with rusty berry the store owner who had a video on his site of him with angel sharks. I was curious has anyone shopped there, or know of someone who has?
And I live on the other side of the planet. High praise for a guy who hates to go east of the 710.
I met him at the So Cal Scubashow about 3 years ago. I was instantly attracted to the sales guy in him (some people don't like it) - I appreciated the confidence and the fact he was actually looking for customers, as opposed to sitting in his booth on his butt waiting for people to roll in. That whole eagle v. oyster thing. I'm more of the former than the latter, so I knew we'd get along.
Checkthis out: At that show, we talked a lot. I ended up going to another shop and signing my wife and I up AOW and Nitrox course, culminating with a Catalina weekend. The other shop kacked the reservations, and cancelled the class - after we'd paid and everything. After a small battle, I got our money back, and called Rusty. I was very glad I did.
I've dove with him and his team a zillion times. Sat on the upper deck of the Pac Star a number of times - cigar in hand, talking story under the stars - those late nights are some of my best diving memories. I've taken some of his money in Poker and had him take a lot of mine in poker. He's been to our home, I to his. I've met his lovely wife and son, blah, blah, blah.
So what's your question - about the guy or about the shop? I got no issue with either - except that the shop is in another time zone in the 909, and I'm on the westside.
He and I still speak often, email to stay in touch, and dive when we can. As soon as my leg is healed, I'm sure I'll be back on a boat with him. He trains up competent divers and his boat trips aren't all "dumbed down" and diving lame rookie sites like a lot of boats. We've dived some great places locally - places a lot of other boats don't go because they're full of noobies or poor divers. I don't mind being on a dive boat with new divers - its part of the gig... but does every (ahem, SC) charter need to go to Hen Rock or some other 25' sand-bottom site? PLEASE. I like diving with SSA. I like it A lot.
Put aside all the junk you read on internet boards about people, shops, classes and equipment - go check it out for yourself. You'll find he runs a good outfit, a tight shop, and has professionals working for him. He's passionate, aggressive and wants your biz. If you can't deal - move on. If you sit down with the guy (and go to Sushi) and think there is a fit, great.
If you're going to start a relationship with a shop, you gotta do more than drive by and kick the tires. Go in and get to know the guy / gal who runs the place, and meet his / her people. Audit a class. Talk to their techs. See who's authorized them as a dealer. Maybe speak to the reps of the gear they sell. Talk to the agency(s) they represent. If things add up and you think there's a fit, rock on. If not, no big - just move on.
My $.02.
K
