In 2002, Todd became a scuba instructor with Gerald Conner at the Dive Shop in Lufkin, Texas. Gerald took his responsibilities as a PADI Course Director very seriously, and acted as a mentor to Todd, scheduling classes and diving around a very hectic college schedule. By the end of 2002, Todd had a degree in psychology from Stephen F Austin State University and was able to start teaching his favorite hobby to others.
Panama City Beach, Florida…
In 2005, Todd moved permanently to Florida and started teaching scuba full time through the Dive Locker, on the North end of Thomas Drive. It was here over the next ten years that Todd built a name for himself.
Over the years of teaching scuba, Todd earned many certifications through several different training agencies, becoming a TDI Trimix Diver, a NAUI Instructor Trainer, a DSAT Gas Blender Instructor and eventually, in 2012, a PADI Course Director.
After becoming a Course Director, Todd started training scuba instructors at the Dive Locker, earning the rating of silver course director. As time went on, opportunities to teach at other locations became available, and Todd travelled extensively, creating new PADI instructors in Hawaii, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
In 2014, Todd moved to Durham, NC to go to work with the Divers Alert Network as their Field Sales Coordinator and an Instructor Trainer, but continues to offer courses from open water to instructor on a regular basis. His favorite thing about teaching professional level courses will always be helping his instructor candidates succeed in the scuba industry. He currently has instructors working in Hawaii, the Caribbean, the Florida Keys and of course in Panama City Beach.