Trace,
This thread provides an interesting parallel to stuartv"s thread on gear purchases.
I grew up in the first shop - did my OW, AOW, various additional training, DM, AI, Instructor, tech. The owner became a close personal friend, instructor for some of my training, dive buddy, mentor, travelling companion. In that shop I felt that my personal growth was both strongly encouraged, and facilitated. The owner was as interested in new gear, even different brands (from what we carried), as I was. I think I am a pretty good instructor - he was better, and I was always learning something from being associated with him, and the other staff. We had a staff of some 20 instructors and DMs that were simply great. We were regularly sharing ideas, asking 'What if', looking for new techniques for training, etc. People would drop by the shop at lunchtime, or on their way home from their day job, simply to visit with each other. It was Camelot. Then, the owner died suddenly of a MI at age 44, the shop closed 3 months later, and Camelot was no more. I don't know how I could ever have outgrown that environment. We always seemed to be talking about the next initiative, the next adventure, the next rung on whatever ladder, to climb. I still run into some of those staff colleagues at our local quarry / training site. And, we still do the same thing - 'Have you heard about X? I am thinking of trying it' What are you doing to help students learn Y?' We introduce each other to our respective students, we kid about being part of a cult.
My second shop has been friendly, I like the retail staff, I have been treated well. There is really no particular growth opportunity for me, except what I find outside, on my own. I haven't learned much from others there. There have been no hassles about what I do outside, but no encouragement / recognition either. Working there has primarily been convenient, almost too comfortable, and not developmental by any means. Have I outgrown it? Yes. I had probably outgrown it by the time I started. That is not a statement of arrogance or conceit by any means. It is reality.
I have now associated with a third shop, as part of a move to an adjoining state. The owner is encouraging staff to develop, in order to expand the shop's offerings - a win-win proposition from my perspective. Of the 3 shops, this one has the most limited breadth and volume of activity - training / travel / sales. I think there are things to learn but time will tell.
I haven't really been in a position where I felt somehow that seeking information and education beyond the shop was viewed negatively, or felt ostracized, or the target of criticism and gossip, because of my desire to continue to expand. But, maybe, I am clueless and just didn't notice.
This thread provides an interesting parallel to stuartv"s thread on gear purchases.
I have been associated with 3 shops in my 'career'.Do you feel like your dive shop encourages or discourages your personal growth? Do you see yourself outgrowing your dive shop? Or, does your shop have the talent or provide access to world class talent? Do you get a pat on the back when you achieve a goal outside the walls of the shop? Or, do you get hassled?
I grew up in the first shop - did my OW, AOW, various additional training, DM, AI, Instructor, tech. The owner became a close personal friend, instructor for some of my training, dive buddy, mentor, travelling companion. In that shop I felt that my personal growth was both strongly encouraged, and facilitated. The owner was as interested in new gear, even different brands (from what we carried), as I was. I think I am a pretty good instructor - he was better, and I was always learning something from being associated with him, and the other staff. We had a staff of some 20 instructors and DMs that were simply great. We were regularly sharing ideas, asking 'What if', looking for new techniques for training, etc. People would drop by the shop at lunchtime, or on their way home from their day job, simply to visit with each other. It was Camelot. Then, the owner died suddenly of a MI at age 44, the shop closed 3 months later, and Camelot was no more. I don't know how I could ever have outgrown that environment. We always seemed to be talking about the next initiative, the next adventure, the next rung on whatever ladder, to climb. I still run into some of those staff colleagues at our local quarry / training site. And, we still do the same thing - 'Have you heard about X? I am thinking of trying it' What are you doing to help students learn Y?' We introduce each other to our respective students, we kid about being part of a cult.
My second shop has been friendly, I like the retail staff, I have been treated well. There is really no particular growth opportunity for me, except what I find outside, on my own. I haven't learned much from others there. There have been no hassles about what I do outside, but no encouragement / recognition either. Working there has primarily been convenient, almost too comfortable, and not developmental by any means. Have I outgrown it? Yes. I had probably outgrown it by the time I started. That is not a statement of arrogance or conceit by any means. It is reality.
I have now associated with a third shop, as part of a move to an adjoining state. The owner is encouraging staff to develop, in order to expand the shop's offerings - a win-win proposition from my perspective. Of the 3 shops, this one has the most limited breadth and volume of activity - training / travel / sales. I think there are things to learn but time will tell.
I haven't really been in a position where I felt somehow that seeking information and education beyond the shop was viewed negatively, or felt ostracized, or the target of criticism and gossip, because of my desire to continue to expand. But, maybe, I am clueless and just didn't notice.