Did SSI just get bought out by Mares?

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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.
  • 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
    Canada226.png


    email:poliver@us.head.com or
    poliver@divessi.com
    phone: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



 
I question what will happen to the SSI Pro 5000 program?

sdm

Dr. Miller, from what I have seen so far, I have seen, there should not be much changes. I just achieved my Platinum Pro 1000 Instructor award (based upon the points score SSI has had for years) after the first of the year & after the acquisition. As of now, other than changes in regional reps, I have not seen much changes. However,... I am still taking a "wait & see" approach on things.
 
Platinum Pro 1000 Instructor award!
A big huge umoungus congratulations!

You put a lot into receiving this award and you are certainly a well deserved recipient of a Platinum Pro 1000 Instructor award

Stay warm and dry!

SDM
 
A big huge umoungus congratulations!

i have heard of a double negative but this must be a triple positive. lol now thats a congratulations !!
 
ScubaGadget just finished survey to ask over 100 SSI Dive Center owners what they felt about the merger. The response was overwhelming and enlightening. Here is the link to the full article with much more: SSI/Head/Mares ? How?s that going for you? | ScubaGadget - Scuba News Service

Here the raw survey data as preview....
How do you feel about the purchase of SSI by Head/Mares?I am 100% behind the change.
7%​
I have already seen things get better.
3%​
I have heard or seen signs that it will be good.
8%​
I am hopeful that this will help.
7%​
It could only get better.
7%​
It could be good or bad. I have no opinion yet.
31%​
I have low expectations.
7%​
I am not hopeful but still waiting to see.
13%​
I am doubtful and considering my options.
11%​
I am leaving or have already left SSI.
7%​
61 responses
 
Congrats tstorm. It definitely takes some get up and go to get that far. Maybe one of the new changes will be that SSI will give the deserved recognition instead of requiring you to pay for your own plaques and cards. Seems to be the least they could do for that type of loyalty.
 

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