Bittersweet.

Posted: August 5, 2010 by markglesne in Family, Military
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Mark Glesne

On a rooftop near Fallujah after an attack.

Early this morning I officially parted ways with the US Marine Corps.

While I will remain on orders with the IRR until 2012, I am no longer obligated to train monthly with 3D ANGLICO, my unit of 6.5 years.

I’ve had a tremendous time as a US Marine and wouldn’t hesitate to do it all over again, should Doc Brown ever get the flux capacitor up and running again.

I was schooled in three of the best specialties one can have in the Corps; as a Forward Observer, Martial Arts Instructor, and Parachutist. I served in combat operations on the front lines of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I trained with elite forces both domestically and abroad. I coordinated artillery, mortar, naval gunfire, and air. I achieved perfect scores on both physical fitness tests, qualified as a rifle expert throughout my career, and swam Class 1. I jumped out of perfectly good C-130s, C-17s, CH-46s and CH-47s — out side doors and off rear ramps.

For over six years, to the best of my ability, I laid it out. Blood, sweat, and even a few tears. But now it’s time to hang it up. My goal was always simple: to fill the boots of those who wore the uniform before me. With a wife, a son, a few entrepreneurial ventures and perhaps an MBA in my near future, I believe it’s time I made room for someone else to fill my boots.

I’m under no illusion that I won’t miss romping around with Marines in desolate places and tight spaces. As Dickens said: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…

But as strongly as I felt called to serve after college, I feel just as strong about my call to now be a dedicated husband, father, and business owner moving forward.

The Corps aided me in becoming who I am today, and will forever be a part of where I go from here. For that I am eternally grateful.

So with that, as all proper Marine sign-offs end… Semper fidelis.

Coat.

Posted: July 19, 2010 by markglesne in Neutral Dive Gear, Scuba Diving Clothing & Apparel
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As you’ve undoubtedly been able to surmise from past posts, to say I get pretty amped when Neutral Dive Gear releases a new product is an understatement. To see a product from start to finish, from concept to market, is a satisfying experience of which I pray I never grow tired.

This was certainly the case with our latest, the Neutral Dive Gear 3-in-1 Scuba Diving Boat Coat.

Scuba Diving Boat Coat

www.neutraldivegear.com

You may recognize the patch from my post back in April, when we disclosed that we would be using the patch as a subtle design element for our boat coats. In between that sneak peek and the release of our boat coat, we responded to requests from divers to release the patches individually — a request we were happy to fulfill.

Any way, these coats are truly a step forward for the company and the dive industry as a whole. We’ve teamed up with a manufacturer to bring scuba divers the best, most environmentally friendly, most versatile boat coat design possible.

We’ve combined a detachable, 100% water and wind proof nylon shell with an inner surf bomber that combines the ingenuity of a zippered top with the warmth of the classic pullover. But that’s not even the best part.

The superior technology behind this functional, stylish, and revolutionary dive coat is found in the fact that it’s manufactured from fibers, which allow your body to breathe — in both warm and cool conditions. The fabric we use is also 100% all natural. The process used to produce these actually aids the environment by utilizing wood fiber waste.

Best of both worlds? Better believe it.

Aside from our signature Crossed Tanks Gear Patch on the outer left sleeve of the shell, the coat features our Wave Logo stitched into the inner left breast of the bomber. So whether you wear just the shell to wick away water, the surf bomber as a comfy dive hoodie, or the combination for full UV and other element protection, this coat is truly perfect for any dive season around the world.

Yet another product that makes me proud.

Your thoughts?

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USP.

Posted: July 1, 2010 by markglesne in Business & Marketing, Neutral Dive Gear, Scuba Diving Clothing & Apparel
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Crossed Tanks Hooded Sweatshirt

Crossed Tanks Hooded Sweatshirt

In the world of business, a USP (or unique selling proposition) defines what makes a company’s product or service more unique, more valuable, more visible than competitors in the market. Many — if not most — modern businesses use a USP as the impetus of their marketing campaigns.

Here’s a quick bit of history on the concept, via Wikipedia:

The Unique Selling Proposition (also Unique Selling Point) is a marketing concept that was first proposed as a theory to explain a pattern among successful advertising campaigns of the early 1940s. It states that such campaigns made unique propositions to the customer and that this convinced them to switch brands. The term was invented by Rosser Reeves of Ted Bates & Company. Today the term is used in other fields or just casually to refer to any aspect of an object that differentiates it from similar objects.

The three components of a USP are fairly obvious, and can be broken down as such:

  1. Unique – Clearly sets you apart from your competition, positioning you the more logical choice.
  2. Selling – Persuades another to exchange money for a product or service.
  3. Proposition – Proposal or offer suggested for acceptance.

Smart entrepreneurs and business owners and managers know their venture’s USP. They spend time and resources analyzing, molding, and implementing the USP into the very fabric of what makes their operation tick.

But aside from the logistics of defining and doctrine behind adhering to its content, a USP can be a beautiful thing — fluid, and eloquent. It often conveys the very essence of a company. A poetic manifestation of purpose.

I’ve been thinking about the Neutral Dive Gear USP quite a bit lately. Our clothing designs have been in the market for almost two years now, and we’ve seen a tremendous response from scuba divers in both the US and around the globe. We’re achieving our goal of providing divers with a clothing brand of which they can finally be proud, one passionate diver at a time.

And so I think it’s time for a new USP. Here’s what I’m working with thus far:

Neutral Dive Gear is the preeminent brand of unique designer scuba diving clothing and quality dive apparel. Our intricate designs capture the essence of diving and serve as a tangible expression of the passion that connects divers worldwide.

Founded and steered by avid divers, Neutral Dive Gear clothing is durable enough for a day on the boat and stylish enough for a night out on the town. Divers of all experience levels can appreciate a dive apparel company that finally gets it right.

Bold, right?

Your thoughts?

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