Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Stehle
Hi Mike, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Mike Stehle and I started Salty Fins Diving, LLC in 2023. I am a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and Emergency First Response Trainer. I began my diving journey when I was 18 years old in 1991 in Denver, Colorado with my Open Water certification.
I have always had a passion for the undersea world and I truly enjoy being able to share that with others through scuba diving. I am an Active Duty Marine and have been able to dive all over the world which has helped to broaden my perspective and teaching experiences in a variety of different diving conditions. While I was stationed in Bahrain from 2022 to 2024, the idea of Salty Fins Diving was developed and when I returned home to Oceanside I was able to turn that dream into a reality.
Oceanside, CA is home and thru Salty Fins Diving, I seek to provide private to small group instruction which allows me to focus on the highest quality instruction and diver safety. I believe in training and developing divers skills and abilities that will make them safe and proficient divers. I believe in establishing a connection with my customers that will outlast the particular course they are taking. I want to share my passion through a very personalized approach to instruction and training.
My personalized approach provides flexibility for my customers. I focus on removing obstacles associated with compressed scheduling and instead each student diver’s progression is determined by the pace at which they feel comfortable, confident, and most importantly, safe.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a very new business, I find it challenging to establish brand and name recognition. There are a handful of well-established dive shops in the San Diego County area and trying to get my business recognized amongst those businesses is challenging. I have been relying on word-of-mouth referrals and social media posts to try and generate awareness.
Having been in the Marine Corps for the past 28 years, I have a steep learning curve when it comes to establishing and running a business. I enjoy the learning process on the business side and look forward to finding new customers.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Each program is meticulously crafted to blend theory with practical application, ensuring that every diver not only understands the principles of diving but also gains hands-on experience in real-world diving scenarios.
Beyond technical proficiency, safety is the utmost priority. I have extensive experience in diving and teaching, equipped to handle any situation that may arise underwater. I adhere to the highest standards of safety protocols and regularly maintain my equipment to guarantee reliability and performance.
Moreover, Salty Fins Diving, LLC advocates for marine conservation and responsible diving practices, instilling a deep respect for the ocean environment in all our students.
Whether you are an individual seeking personal enrichment through diving or a group interested in team-building activities with a difference, Salty Fins Diving, LLC can tailor services to meet your specific needs.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Highly professional
Patient
Flexible
Compassionate
Safety conscious
Student/customer focused service
Passionate about diving
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saltyfinsdiving.com
- Instagram: @saltyfins_oside
- Facebook: Salty Fins Diving
- Yelp: Salty Fins Diving
