I did just what you are talking about a little over a year ago. My background as a CPA has served me well in running hte business. The best thing I did was to keep the staff of instructors on board, and they are excellent instructors.
I was advised against buying the business, not by business people. but by divng industry members. I obviously blew them off. I am only an advanced diver, but in the past year I have learned a lot about the industry and will have my second IDC next month. I stay in close contact with my regional PADI rep and am never shy about asking questions.
I think that it is important to do things the proper way, insist that your staff follow that philosophy, be open to learning and know how a small business should run.
Modern marketing was mentioned in an earlier response as well as compressor maintenance. You should be prepared to be able to at least make wise decisions about boats, motors, compressors, and dive eqipment, if not be able to fix all of the aforementioned yourself. I do have an extensive history of working on cars and that experience and mechanical aptitude has been invaluable.
In my opinion, being able to manage all of the aspects of the business is far more important than being able to actually do any specific thing. it helps to be able to do as many specific items as possible, but managing and being properly capitalize far outweigh being the best diver in the world.
I was advised against buying the business, not by business people. but by divng industry members. I obviously blew them off. I am only an advanced diver, but in the past year I have learned a lot about the industry and will have my second IDC next month. I stay in close contact with my regional PADI rep and am never shy about asking questions.
I think that it is important to do things the proper way, insist that your staff follow that philosophy, be open to learning and know how a small business should run.
Modern marketing was mentioned in an earlier response as well as compressor maintenance. You should be prepared to be able to at least make wise decisions about boats, motors, compressors, and dive eqipment, if not be able to fix all of the aforementioned yourself. I do have an extensive history of working on cars and that experience and mechanical aptitude has been invaluable.
In my opinion, being able to manage all of the aspects of the business is far more important than being able to actually do any specific thing. it helps to be able to do as many specific items as possible, but managing and being properly capitalize far outweigh being the best diver in the world.
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