OMAHA, Neb., Oct. 29, 2025 – Diventures, the nation’s largest network of local dive shops and swim schools, today announced the acquisition of The Elite Gypsy Corporation and its three businesses, Gypsy Divers, AirTech Scuba Services, and Oak City Swim School, located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Gypsy has been in business since 1984. It was started by Margie Rhodes and Dave Farrar and purchased by Billy Harloff in 2019.
“We are thrilled to welcome the team at Gypsy Divers, AirTech Scuba Services, and Oak City Swim School to the Diventures family,” said Dean Hollis, founder of Diventures. “Gypsy has built an outstanding reputation in the industry, and we look forward to building on their legacy and serving swimmers and divers in the Raleigh-Durham community.”
Now with 20 locations, Diventures’ nationwide growth strategy remains focused on adding successful operations that share its core values of excellence, safety, and fun. “This acquisition immediately strengthens our geographic presence, our programs, and our people,” added Hollis.
Geographic presence
This is Diventures first entry into North Carolina and furthers their presence on the East Coast, with two existing locations in Virginia.
Diventures will continue to operate out of the Gypsy Aquatics Center. The full-service facility is located in East Raleigh and includes the retail store, classrooms, a large service center, and a six-lane indoor pool.
Swim, dive, and service programs
“Part of what made us so interested in Gypsy was the balance of the business between swim, scuba, service and travel,” said Will Munroe, general manager of Diventures.
“In Oak City Swim School, they have a highly praised program and a phenomenal team teaching students of all ages to be safe in and around the water. Diving has always been at the heart of Gypsy, with a robust travel program taking customers to all waters of the world and an excellent scuba training program. Plus, they have an industry-leading service center supporting local customers and dive shops across the country,” Munroe continued.
“It is our priority to maintain all existing programs and continue the high-quality service Gypsy customers expect.”
Great people
“The acquisition would not have been possible without the incredible legacy Dave and Margie started, and the dedication and passion Billy and Christina poured in over the last fourteen years,” Hollis said. “We are grateful to them, plus the leadership team of Christian, Jackie, and Lauryn, and the entire Gypsy, AirTech and Oak City Swim School teams.”
“We would not have made this decision unless we were certain it was the right one for everyone involved,” said Billy Harloff, former owner of The Elite Gypsy Corporation.
“We’re confident there’s more to discover and achieve for Gypsy and believe this move will provide our team with greater opportunities, better education, and new career paths. Our customers can expect the same familiar faces and service, now with access to Diventures extensive dive travel calendar, expanded retail offerings, and additional programming.”
About Gypsy
Gypsy Divers was founded in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1984 by two SCUBA instructors with the gypsy soul. Today Gypsy is the premier aquatics center in The Triangle, focused on excellence in training, travel, and customer service. Our full-service facility houses three businesses: the dive shop, Gypsy Divers, the service department, AirTech Scuba Services, and the swim school, Oak City Swim School.
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 now has 20 locations across 13 states 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 the water to impact lives, change the world… and have fun doing it!
