MHK
Guest
(Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) The diving industry today is mourning
the loss of the man who introduced more than 10 million people into
the sport of scuba diving. John J. Cronin, co-founder and CEO of
PADI, The Professional Association of Diving Instructors, died
yesterday at his home in Temecula, California at the age of 74.
Cronin, one of the most influential men in the diving industry and
current President of The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association
(DEMA) would have completed his 50th year in the industry next year.
A native of Albany, New York, John joined the Marine Corps where he
served from 1947-1948 being recalled to service in the Korean
conflict from 1950 to 1952. In 1959, John accepted the position of
East Coast Promotions Manager for U.S. Divers Company in New York
City. In 1964, John became the first person in the history of the
diving industry to surpass wholesale sales of $1 million dollars.
Rising rapidly through the ranks, John was promoted to Marketing
Director in March of 1969. Later that same year, he was appointed CEO
and then President of U.S. Divers, a position he held until his
retirement in September of 1985.
While attending a diving banquet in December of 1961, John met Ralph
Erickson, a professional educator. A friendship immediately
developed, and over the next several years their concept of a new,
professional diver training organization was developed, this was
PADI. In 1966, Cronin, in conjunction with Erickson, formalized the
Professional Association of Diving Instructors, or PADI, as it is
known today.
Thanks to John's leadership, PADI, is currently recognized as the
largest single entity in the diving industry with retail sales in
excess of $250 million. PADI has offices in 7 countries, over 100,000
individual members and 4,600 Retail and Resort locations located in
175 countries worldwide. In 2000, PADI issued its 10 millionth diving
certification.
Cronin served on the board of the DEMA from 1971 until 1993, at one
point being the President, and again elected as President in 1999,
2000, and 2002. He gave his time unselfishly in promoting the
industry and the sport championing new diver acquisition, retailer,
resort, and manufacturer growth, and fighting legislation that would
negatively impact the industry.
Cronin was also heavily active in politics being actively involved
with Republican candidates at the local, state, and federal levels
for over 20 years. He raised millions of dollars while serving as the
treasurer or finance chairman for over 60 campaigns, including
several for former Governor Pete Wilson of California and past
Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Cronin are presently pending.
For questions or more detailed information, please contact,
Bob Coleman Director of Marketing (949) 858-7234, (800) 729-7234 x
2538 bobc@padi.com
the loss of the man who introduced more than 10 million people into
the sport of scuba diving. John J. Cronin, co-founder and CEO of
PADI, The Professional Association of Diving Instructors, died
yesterday at his home in Temecula, California at the age of 74.
Cronin, one of the most influential men in the diving industry and
current President of The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association
(DEMA) would have completed his 50th year in the industry next year.
A native of Albany, New York, John joined the Marine Corps where he
served from 1947-1948 being recalled to service in the Korean
conflict from 1950 to 1952. In 1959, John accepted the position of
East Coast Promotions Manager for U.S. Divers Company in New York
City. In 1964, John became the first person in the history of the
diving industry to surpass wholesale sales of $1 million dollars.
Rising rapidly through the ranks, John was promoted to Marketing
Director in March of 1969. Later that same year, he was appointed CEO
and then President of U.S. Divers, a position he held until his
retirement in September of 1985.
While attending a diving banquet in December of 1961, John met Ralph
Erickson, a professional educator. A friendship immediately
developed, and over the next several years their concept of a new,
professional diver training organization was developed, this was
PADI. In 1966, Cronin, in conjunction with Erickson, formalized the
Professional Association of Diving Instructors, or PADI, as it is
known today.
Thanks to John's leadership, PADI, is currently recognized as the
largest single entity in the diving industry with retail sales in
excess of $250 million. PADI has offices in 7 countries, over 100,000
individual members and 4,600 Retail and Resort locations located in
175 countries worldwide. In 2000, PADI issued its 10 millionth diving
certification.
Cronin served on the board of the DEMA from 1971 until 1993, at one
point being the President, and again elected as President in 1999,
2000, and 2002. He gave his time unselfishly in promoting the
industry and the sport championing new diver acquisition, retailer,
resort, and manufacturer growth, and fighting legislation that would
negatively impact the industry.
Cronin was also heavily active in politics being actively involved
with Republican candidates at the local, state, and federal levels
for over 20 years. He raised millions of dollars while serving as the
treasurer or finance chairman for over 60 campaigns, including
several for former Governor Pete Wilson of California and past
Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Cronin are presently pending.
For questions or more detailed information, please contact,
Bob Coleman Director of Marketing (949) 858-7234, (800) 729-7234 x
2538 bobc@padi.com
