UTD Journal Volume 3, Issue 1, January 2015 | Page 4

2014: A YEAR IN REVIEW WOW...That is all I can say about 2014..... What an amazing year for UTD.... and that is because of YOU - Our Unified Team Members who share our "VISION."  UTD is not just a business, not just "Put Another Dollar In," not just about making money, but about an ethos, a philosophy, a passion, a dedication to the "art of scuba diving" and what it gives each and every one of us intrinsically ....ultimately what WE believe in.... a "Unified Team."  Eight years ago Jeff Seckendorf and I got together, combined our talents, and setup UTD International Inc. We developed a training and certification agency (Unified Team Diving) with SOP's, a QC process, an instructor playbook, a full line up of course materials and a complete certification structure. We also setup an equipment manufacturing and distribution component (UTD Equipment), developing progressive and innovative equipment to support our "vision." Over the last eight years we have seen massive growth, achieving a wide range and complete selection of over 75 training programs, certifying 125 instructor worldwide who have now completed over 4000 student certifications. We have also developed three complete and standardized equipment configurations (back-mount, side-mount, rebreather) that are all consistent, scalable, interchangeable and allow for "mixed team" diving. We also developed a full line of Signature Series Equipment that includes Z-Side-Mount systems, Delta Hybrid wings, Alpha back mount wings, DIR Sport diving wings, VIZ Primary Lights, Solar Heating Systems, MX Rebreathers, PZ1/BZ1 Regulators, Precision Neutral and Negative Fins, ZUBA and even a line of Public Safety Diving Equipment. In 2014, we saw the absolute outstanding success of Extreme Scuba Makeover (ESM) conducting over 500+ ESM certifications to certified divers who never learned proper trim, buoyancy, weighting, balance, rock bottom, min deco and so many other basic topics in their previous training courses or agencies. They needed reprogramming to achieve their goals of building a foundation to be a better diver, better buddy and ultimately part of a "Unified Team."  ESM is such a simple concept, yet no one else in this industry truly teaches the concepts contained in this class. On the equipment side, we saw the introduction of three new products, the VIZ Primary Lights (corded or cordless 35w/50w primary lights), the precision neutrally buoyant fin, as well a the release of the new UTD RS350AG breathable trilaminate drysuit. This was a excellent collaboration with Rofos Drysuits from Italy to produce a top quality, well priced, drysuit.  What will 2015 bring? A completely new UTD !!! We are redefining the way we do business with you. Instead of producing new educational programs and/or equipment, we are focusing on YOU, our UTD family. Over the last 18 months we h fR&VV