Benjamin and Nikki Hadfield Join Peter Friedman as Business Partners and Co-Owners of Stuart Scuba

Stuart, Florida—In a pivotal moment for the South Florida diving community, Benjamin and Nikki Hadfield have officially joined Peter Friedman as business partners and co-owners of Stuart Scuba, one of the region’s most respected dive centers. This partnership marks a new chapter for Stuart Scuba, continuing its legacy of excellence in diving education, safety, and community involvement.

A Legacy of Excellence

The addition to Stuart Scuba by Benjamin and Nikki Hadfield is a continuation of the legacy built by Peter Friedman, the shop’s  founder. Peter has been a respected and influential figure in the diving world, having begun his diving journey in the 1970s in New York and New England. His career spans recreational and technical diving, cave diving, and diving instruction, with a resume that includes instructorships in multiple agencies such as NAUI, SDI, IANTD, DAN, and PADI.

Peter opened his first dive shop in the Orlando area in 2004, juggling his time between his engineering company and his love for diving. By 2011, he had fully transitioned into the diving industry, selling his engineering company and dedicating himself entirely to Stuart Scuba. Over the years, Peter’s expertise and commitment have made Stuart Scuba a beacon for divers of all levels.

This partnership with the Hadfields ensures that the values and high standards that have defined Stuart Scuba will not only be preserved but elevated. “I am thrilled to welcome Benjamin and Nikki as partners,” said Peter Friedman. “Their dedication to the diving community and their extensive expertise will bring new energy to Stuart Scuba.”

Introducing the Hadfields

Benjamin Hadfield, a respected diving instructor trainer, technical diving expert, Technical Sidemount diver, and Classified/Adaptive Instructor Trainer with a strong presence in the diving industry, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Stuart Scuba. Benjamin has made a name for himself not just as a diving instructor but also as a passionate educator through his popular YouTube channel, “Teach Me to Dive.” The channel is a valuable resource for the diving community, offering free scuba diving classes, reviews, how-to guides, and interviews with prominent figures in the diving world.

Before fully dedicating himself to the diving industry, Benjamin had a successful career in business development as a consultant in the automotive industry, helping dealerships achieve success across all areas of operation. His background in both diving and business development makes him uniquely equipped to lead Stuart Scuba into its next phase.

“We are honored to join the legacy of Stuart Scuba,” said Benjamin Hadfield. “We are committed to providing exceptional diving experiences, fostering a strong sense of community, and leveraging our combined expertise to elevate Stuart Scuba to even greater heights.”

Nikki Hadfield, a certified technical diver and instructor, brings her own set of skills and experience to the table. As a Master Architect in the Government and DOE sectors, Nikki’s expertise in organization, project management, and detailed execution will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation and continued growth of Stuart Scuba. Her enthusiasm for diving, coupled with her focus on women’s involvement in the sport, adds a valuable dimension to the Stuart Scuba team.

“We are excited to join the Stuart Scuba family and share our passion for diving and unwavering commitment to safety,” said Nikki Hadfield. “We look forward to welcoming new and returning customers and providing them with unforgettable diving adventures, both locally and around the globe.”

Services and Offerings at Stuart Scuba

Stuart Scuba is not only a dive shop; it’s a comprehensive dive center offering a wide range of services for divers of all levels. Under the new leadership of the Hadfields, the shop will continue to provide:

• Diving Courses: From beginner-friendly Discover Scuba Diving programs to advanced technical certifications, Stuart Scuba offers a variety of training programs for divers of all ages and experience levels.
• Dive Charters: With a fleet of company-owned dive boats, Stuart Scuba offers exciting excursions to the most breathtaking dive sites in South Florida, catering to both recreational and technical divers.
• Full-Service Dive Travel: The experienced staff at Stuart Scuba curates and personalizes dive expeditions to incredible locations around the world, ensuring that every diver has a memorable and tailored experience.
• Equipment Sales and Service: Stuart Scuba carries a vast selection of high-quality diving equipment, from leading manufacturers and provides expert service and repairs, to keep divers’ gear in top condition.
• Technical Diving: Specializing in technical diving, including trimix and rebreather diving, Stuart Scuba offers specialized training programs for experienced divers looking to push the limits of their underwater exploration.
• Women in Diving: Stuart Scuba is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for women divers  by offering specialized empowerment programs and mentorship opportunities.
• Adaptive Diving: Stuart Scuba,  a fully Classified/Adaptive/Scubability training facility, is committed to providing accessible diving experiences for individuals with disabilities and veterans by offering specialized training and equipment which ensures that everyone can enjoy the wonders of the underwater world.

Seamless Transition with Experienced Staff

With Benjamin and Nikki Hadfield joining Peter Friedman as partners, Stuart Scuba will continue to offer a smooth and seamless transition for its dedicated and highly skilled staff. Customers can expect the same exceptional service and instruction from the familiar team they’ve grown to trust. The experienced staff—including instructors, divemasters, captains, and service technicians—remain committed to upholding the highest standards and to sharing their extensive knowledge of the underwater world.

Looking Ahead

As business partners, Benjamin, Nikki, and Peter are united in their vision to maintain Stuart Scuba’s position as a premier destination for divers, both locally and globally. Under their leadership, Stuart Scuba will continue to offer exceptional training, charters, dive travel, and technical diving opportunities while fostering a welcoming and inclusive community for all divers.

About Stuart Scuba

Stuart Scuba is a well-established dive shop located in Stuart, Florida. The shop offers a comprehensive range of diving services, including training, charters, full-service dive travel, equipment sales and service, and technical diving. For more information, please visit www.StuartScuba.com.

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Media Contact:

Benjamin Hadfield
Stuart Scuba
[email protected]
(208) 360-2967