Meet John Sherman | Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Sherman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Denver Divers, established in 1960, holds the distinction of being Colorado’s oldest scuba diving shop. As a thriving business, it inspired a commitment to giving back to the community we call home. Eight years ago, we launched a program dedicated to training, equipping, and introducing scuba diving to individuals living with disabilities. To support this mission, we established Denver Adaptive Divers (DAD), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to help cover the costs of this endeavor. Over time, “DAD” became synonymous with the program itself.

Through the years, we’ve introduced hundreds of individuals and their family members to scuba diving via our introductory “Try Scuba” course. Many participants have received scholarships that cover the full cost of training, equipment, and a week of diving in the warm waters of the Caribbean for both them and an immediate family member. These efforts have profoundly transformed lives, fostering a sense of freedom, joy, accomplishment, and inner peace that many participants had not experienced before joining the program.

DAD is a 100% volunteer-run organization, and the dedication of our volunteers brings its own rewards. The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in so many lives is indescribably fulfilling. This shared journey strengthens the diving community, creating lifelong bonds and making it bigger, better, and more inclusive.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Throughout my professional life, I have always nurtured my love for diving. I first learned to scuba dive during my junior year of college, and from my very first ocean dive, I was captivated by the beauty of marine life and the tranquility that diving offers. It became my sanctuary, bringing me decades of joy and peace.

When my sister’s family purchased Denver Divers in 2009, it deepened my connection to the diving community. I completed my professional instructor training and have since been fortunate to share the gift of diving with hundreds of others. When the idea for Denver Adaptive Divers (DAD) was conceived, it felt like the perfect opportunity to extend this gift to individuals living with disabilities—many of whom never imagined they could participate in such an activity.

Being part of this journey has profoundly changed me. The love, friendship, and sense of community fostered by DAD are unparalleled in anything I have ever experienced. I am truly thankful to have the opportunity to walk alongside those we serve, witnessing their incredible journeys. Watching the community come together through DAD’s efforts has been a source of immense joy.

While building DAD into the success it is today wasn’t without challenges, it has been an honor to be part of this mission. Every person who contributes, regardless of their skills, blends seamlessly into the fabric of the program. The results are extraordinary, and the friendships formed are the foundation of something truly remarkable. Together, we’ve built an incredible castle of connection, support, and joy—and what an amazing castle it is.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado is one of the most stunning states in the nation. The Rocky Mountains offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as skiing, mountain climbing, biking, river rafting, and so much more. A short drive from Denver places you in the heart of nature’s beauty, often referred to as “God’s country,” where adventure awaits at every turn.

Situated in the center of the country, Denver serves as a hub for countless destinations. For those lucky enough to call Colorado home, there’s no shortage of recreational activities to enjoy year-round, regardless of the season. As an international flight hub, Denver welcomes visitors from all over the world, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultures that enrich the community.

The city and its surrounding mountain towns are filled with incredible restaurants, offering a never-ending array of flavors to explore and enjoy. Colorado truly feels like heaven on earth, making it the perfect place to share unforgettable experiences with a best friend or loved one.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The success of DAD is the result of contributions from a diverse group of people and organizations. At the heart of it all are the scuba instructors, adaptive dive buddies, and the dedicated staff of Denver Divers, who lead the charge in fostering this incredible community. Beyond them, the support of community partners such as Craig Hospital, River Deep Foundation, Women’s World on Wheels, The Rocky Mountain MS Center, Sanctuary, the VA Hospital, Operation TBI Freedom, Quality of Life Plus, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, and the countless sponsors and donors brings this vision to life. Their collective efforts make DAD possible. It truly takes a village.

Website: https://www.denveradaptivedivers.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denveradaptivedivers/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denveradaptivedivers/

Image Credits
Devon K Photography