Meet Glen Masker | Scuba Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Glen Masker and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Glen, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
My non profit – Water Therapy was born out of my own experience as a veteran. My experience scuba diving and teaching scuba made me realize how utterly relaxing it is when you slip under the water. We started working with veterans for PTSD, and then realized all first responders ie fire, law enforcement, and medical folks had a unique version of stress. So we opened up to all first responders.
The social impact is tremendous. many of our graduates say “You saved my life” I have tried a lot of things, but the staff at Water Therapy has put me on the path of healing. “now, how can i help you?” Why you can get trained and become a dive buddy for people in your field with similar issues to work through. Most do.
What should our readers know about your business?
Running a small business owner is not for the faint of heart. Every day presents challenges like cash flow, paying bills, and deciding what you can do effectively. Every day is a moment by moment reevaluation of priorities.
What sets us apart is a philosophy of customer care. the golden rule. Everyone that enters the business gets greeted with interest in them as persons. I treat each and everyone like my very own granddaughter. This sport has risks. we take our responsibility serious and safety is the number one goal of every one of our staff.
When we encounter a first responder, We understand their isolation and hesitancy to share their “shortcomings”. We spend time with them, get them talking and present them a path to healing through water and social interaction with other first responders that have been through the program.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Central Arkansas has many attractions. Most notably many vineyards, and golf courses. But i would have to say my favorites are hanging out at the lake, fishing, grilling on the boat and just enjoying the great outdoors.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey began with a support role for another non profit called Life waters out of St Louis. They provided the initial training, and we still support them to this day. We have a continual commitment to helping them in the central US and on biyearly trips.
Lifewaters are a on going support to us for questions and unique situations we encounter and we feel more confident with their support.
Website: watertherapy.us
Facebook: water therapy