Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Shekels.
Jake, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I didn’t have much of a choice to start working in the scuba industry. My grandfather open Tarpoon Skin Dive Center located in Hialeah in 1956. He passed away in 1988 and all 4 of his daughters jumped right in and started running the business. In 1997 my mother Valerie kevorkian open up Tarpoon Lagoon on Miami Beach. While I was growing up I spent a lot of time in the dive shop. Most of my baby sitters happened to be boat captains due to having to tag along with my mom during her classes while she was teaching. I started working full time about 2001. Ever since then I have upgraded my certifications to become instructor and in 2015 I started Deco Divers. deco Divers is a charter business that is located in Miami Beach in the same marina that Tarpoon Lagoon is located.
Great, 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?
It was smooth in the sense of managing a business that has already been in business for over 50 years. The biggest obstacle that I have had was opening Deco Divers. After being in business over two years I have finally managed a few hours a week to spend with my family.
Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Center – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Tarpoon Lagoon is a full-service scuba shop. We specialize in scuba certifications. However, we are full service. This means that not only we do offer scuba classes, but we also repair gear, offer scuba and snorkel excursions, social events, and trips. What sets apart from anyone else in Miami is that we are a family run business and we are the only shop that is located on the water. This is important because we have our shop, classroom, pool, and boat all in one location.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment was purchasing a 46ft Newton dive boat and opening Deco Divers.
Contact Info:
- Address: 300 Alton RD #110
Miami Beach, FL 33139 - Website: www.tarpoondivecenter.com
- Phone: 305-532-1445
- Email: [email protected]
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