OMAHA, Neb., Jan. 3, 2026 – Diventures, the nation’s largest network of local dive shops and swim schools, is proud to announce the acquisition of A-1 Scuba and Travel, located in Denver, Colorado.
A-1 was founded in 1959 by Ernie and Violet Busnardo, and their customer-first mindset has guided the business for 67+ years. Lynn (Ernie’s daughter) and Scott Taylor built A-1 into one of the most successful businesses in the scuba industry. By staying true to a customer-focused approach, A-1 has assembled a great team of like-minded people who care passionately about their customers.
“This is a special acquisition for many reasons,” said Dean Hollis, founder of Diventures. “When I first considered opening a scuba shop in 2008, a friend told me ‘If you’re going to do that, you have to talk with Scott, Lynn, and Shane Taylor in Denver.’ From that first call, they have been incredibly generous with their advice and support.”
“I am humbled and thankful the Taylors have placed their confidence and trust in the Diventures team to honor their multi-generational legacy,” continued Hollis. “We welcome the entire A-1 team and their customers to the Diventures family!”
“When Lynn and I decided it was finally time for retirement, we knew Dean and Diventures were the right choice for the next chapter of A-1,” said Scott Taylor. “We share a like-minded vision, passion, philosophy, and dedication to exceeding customer expectations – with the belief the ‘customer always comes first.’ These shared values give us great confidence in the future success of A-1.”
“We are so grateful for the thousands of customers who have trusted us over the years,” added Lynn Taylor. “We are excited to provide them and our team with more resources and support that will now come from being part of the Diventures family.”
Following the acquisition, Scott and Lynn will remain involved in the things they love most: teaching scuba and leading trips. Scott will also help share his passion for adaptive diving across the Diventures network.
Customers can expect the same faces at A-1, and the shop will continue to operate out of the A-1 Aquatics Center in Littleton. The management team of Shane Taylor, Bob Martellini, and Heather Wood will support the transition and provide consistency in operations.
Diventures’ nationwide growth strategy remains focused on adding successful operations that share its core values of excellence, safety, and fun. This acquisition represents a significant expansion in Colorado, following Diventures 2023 entry into the Colorado Springs market.
“Expanding our presence in Denver is a key part of our mission to bring the joy of the water to more communities,” said Will Munroe, general manager at Diventures. “Colorado has one of the highest concentrations of certified divers in the country, and we are thrilled to deepen our commitment to this area. By joining forces, we can offer Denver divers a broader range of travel opportunities and expanded programs while staying true to the local expertise they trust.”
About A-1
A-1 Scuba & Travel is Colorado’s largest and oldest dive shop. The team has been serving divers from Denver and beyond since 1959. Focused on excellence in diving,
A-1 offers training from beginner through instructor level, world-class dive travel, equipment sales, and a service and a repair department that utilizes state-of-the-art testing equipment and specialty tools to keep dive equipment functioning flawlessly. A-1 is the exclusive diving partner of the Denver Downtown Aquarium offering diver and non-diver programs.
About Diventures
Diventures is the nation’s largest network of local dive shops and swim schools. Founded in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2009, we provide water safety education, swim lessons, scuba training, dive gear sales and service, and dive travel. We are a mission-driven company committed to great customer service and creating safety and fun in and around the water.
Diventures has locations across the U.S. and serves a growing community of water enthusiasts who seek high-quality instruction, experiences, and gear. Diventures Team Members use their passion and the power of water to impact lives, change the world… and have fun doing it!
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