ABOUT US

Ben began diving in 2011 while stationed at Fort lewis, Washington. While exploring local cold water dive sites he quickly began to progress his way through the Padi system and became a Rescue diver. After completing his 5 year enlistment in the Army he returned home to Columbus, Ohio and found the Underwater Connection where he continued his education and became an instructor. Some of Ben’s dive destinations include The Puget Sound, Devils Den, Blue Grotto, Molokini Crater, and local quarries. Ben’s favorite dive site is where he takes his next stride.

Julie was first introduced to SCUBA when her father let her try on his dive gear in their swimming pool. On a family vacation to the caribbean, she experienced her first real diving adventure and has been hooked ever since. She became certified in 2011 with her husband Ben while stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. Since returning to Ohio, she has found a new passion for freediving ditching her tanks for breath hold diving. Being one of the first PADI freedive instructors in the midwest. Some of Julie’s dive destinations include the Puget Sound, St. Thomas and local quarries, but her favorite was diving with the turtles in Maui.

Bill earned his scuba certification in 1978 diving off the coasts of New Hampshire and Maine. He completed his advanced training on Long Island, New York and became a divemaster while in college at the University of Miami, Florida. He worked in the Florida Keys as a divemaster and in West Palm Beach and the Bahamas as a first mate and divemaster aboard the Gulfstream Diver charter service. He graduated from the Florida Institute of Technology with a degree in Sport Diving Operations in 1986. One of his favorite places to dive is the Saint Clair River near Port Huron, Michigan.

Chad got his first experience scuba diving when he was 8 years old in a friend's swimming pool. He became a certified diver in 1998 and progressed his way through the PADI system with the Underwater Connection until he became an instructor in 2006. Chad's dive destinations include the Caribbean, the Great Lakes, and the numerous quarries in Ohio. When he isn't working, he spends his spare time diving.

Kevin was introduced to scuba diving during a Discover Driving tour offered by a cruise ship in Aruba in October 1996. He became certified in October 1997 so that he would be able to dive in each port during the next cruise that he was taking. Each year since becoming hooked on scuba, he has progressed to another certification level within the PADI system. Kevin's dive destinations have included most of the major ports in the Caribbean, St. Clair River and Ohio quarries.

Jane has been diving since she was 17 years old. Her love of the water led her to obtain a degree in Marine Biology from the Ohio State University. She has helped to complete research projects on Lake Erie and also worked for Sea World of Ohio. Jane has been a PADI professional since 1993 and has been diving in Australia, Cozumel, Bahamas, and up and down the East Coast. Her favorite local dive is night diving at Portage Quarry. She is also a certified Water Safety Instructor and teaches swimming lessons for all ages as well as aqua aerobics.

Jim has always been interested in SCUBA diving and became a certified diver in 2001. Jim did his initial training here at the Underwater Connection and then, through PADI’s referral program, completed his open water dives in the Florida Keys. Since then Jim has continued his diving training here at the Underwater Connection and received his instructor certification in 2008. Some of Jim’s dive destinations have included the Carolina Coast, the Florida Keys, Grand Cayman, Mexico and quarries throughout Ohio.

Jeremy earned his initial certification in 2007 so he could take a group of high school students to Crystal River, FL for a science trip. He continued his scuba training through Underwater Connection and became an instructor in 2011. His favorite type of diving is night diving. Jeremy’s dive destinations include the local Ohio quarries, Cozumel, and Belize.

William Margiotta is the son of Bill and Jane Margiotta. He helps cover the store while it is open and will continue to do so as much as his schedule permits. He is a student at OSU and a marine reservist as well. He has been diving since he was 10 years old and has dove Circleville Twin Quarries countless times. The best diving he has done was in the Grand Cayman.

Brian’s interest in diving started in Science class in Jr and Sr High school. In September 2005 things finally fell in place for him to get his Open Water Certification in Texas after returning from serving in Iraq. A short time later he took his advanced open water course. Upon returning to Ohio after serving three years in the United States Army, Brian continued his dive education, until finally becoming an Open Water SCUBA Instructor in June of 2012. The following June he became a Master Scuba Diver Trainer. He is also an instructor for the following Specialties: Boat, Deep, Search and recovery, Night diver, Wreck Diver, and Enriched Air. His favorite dive locations include: Southern California (Especially La Jolla), Morehead City North Carolina, The fresh water springs of Northern Florida, and Panama City Florida. To date He has over 200 dives and has instructed 115 Students in various classes.

Lindsey initially got certified in 2004 and quickly advanced through the PADI courses. In 2006 she became an instructor while diving in the Florida Keys. After moving to Columbus for graduate school, Lindsey found Underwater Connection and became part of the team. Her favorite dive destinations are Costa Rica and the Florida Keys.

Ryan got his first certification in 2012 and has been active in the diving community ever since. He is currently the President of The Columbus SeaNags dive club. Ryan has a broad range of diving experience and can be found in the water any chance he gets.