In the underwater world, the co-owners of Eugene Skin Divers Supply are one impressive power couple. And that’s not even including their two teenage daughters who are already PADI Advanced Open Water Divers with numerous specialties and more than 140 dives, each. Diana Hollingshead has been a PADI IDC Staff Instructor since 1997 and a certified diver since 1990. She’s also a Member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame. Her husband, Michael Hollingshead, is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, has been a PADI Open Water Instructor since 1979, and a diver since he started with his dad in 1962.
But his father, Don Hollingshead, didn’t just get Michael into diving, a young Michael grew up in his father’s dive shop, Eugene Skin Divers Supply, located in Eugene, Oregon, USA. Soon after Michael earned his PADI MSDT rating he took over as manager.
“As soon as I was old enough to attend a PADI IDC in Seattle, Washington, I went up there,” he says. “Shortly after that, the store manager quit, and my dad was ready for semi-retirement. So, at 19, I was suddenly in charge. My dad stepped away and started enjoying his retirement. He passed away at 63 years old. Way too soon.”
Today, Michael and Diana have continued running Eugene Skin Divers Supply with the same mentality as Don – that the business is more than a workplace; it’s a family. Three of their employees have been on staff for more than 30 years.
“Diana and I have been fortunate to have the team we have built,” says Michael. “It takes everyone working together to accomplish what we have. Again, we are all family when it comes to Eugene Skin Divers Supply.”
The team takes pride in their customer service – delivering it to the highest levels. And their track record speaks for itself. To date, Eugene Skin Divers Supply has issued more than 35,000 PADI certifications. But it’s not just about numbers for this team. They also use their teaching and diving skills to help causes above the surface.
After attending a breast cancer event, Diana and a group of six other women came up with the idea of raising funds for the cause through diving. They created Dive for a Cure, a series of events that have extended over the past 12 years and raised $1 million US for cancer research. Their functions include an underwater poker run, auctions, kids’ games, BBQ lunches, food trucks, a kids snorkel, and the occasional costume contest.
“We recognized that breast cancer affects everyone. If you are not affected personally, then it could be a friend or family member, female or male,” Diana says.
What started as one main event per year turned into a calendar of monthly activities. To bring the community and the cause together, the group partners with local businesses, including wineries, breweries, restaurants, a golf course, and a car wash. In addition to providing for cancer research, the cross-promotion through social media and monthly newsletters benefits both the dive shop and the local businesses.
When asked for advice on how to create such a successful charity endeavor, Diana says it’s all about taking one step at a time and letting things happen organically.
“Start small. Pick a worthy cause,” Diana says. “Recruit other local businesses, have a fundraiser at their establishment and use industry contacts with manufacturers to help support you. You can also ask your manufacturer representatives to attend fundraisers, donate products, and help promote the event.”
In addition to their efforts, the team at Eugene Divers Supply doesn’t let the need for conservation concerns slide. They host several Dive Against Debris® events at the local lakes and rivers and discourage single-use plastics.
“We can all do better. Individually, we need to make positive environmental choices and continue to encourage others,” Diana says. “As a dive shop (consumer), we choose the brands that we stock with this in mind.”
From the record-breaking amount of dive certifications to their efforts to fight cancer and aid in conservation, Michael and Diana have ensured Eugene Skin Divers Supply is a place where divers feel like family. And with all their successes, Don would undoubtedly be proud.
