Why I named my company Second Wave Dive

How do I love a good-bad film? As a child of the 1980s, I was fortunate to grow up with so many. How do I love music, as well? As influential as many bands and artists have been, no other was more influential than Queen for me. Combine the magic of Queen with a good-bad film, and you get Flash Gordon.

Much a response to the popularity of Star Wars, Flash Gordon arose from the mind of Dino DeLaurentis and was released in 1980. From a design standpoint, the film features over-the-top imagery, big shoulder pads, bold symbology, and way over-the-top set design. The film is basically an Italian runway show set in outer space.

Featuring Max Von Sydow, Timothy Dalton, and Topol of Fiddler on the Roof fame, the cast was a mix of industry veterans, b-movie standouts, and newcomers alike. Amongst them all, one character stood out. Brian Blessed and his rendition of Prince Vultan, leader of the Hawkmen.

The best scene in the entire film is a battle between the Hawkmen and the forces of the evil Ming the Merciless. It’s here, in this scene where Blessed’s character commands his men to “Dive!” into battle.

The name Second Wave Dive pays homage to the film, a reminder of my youth. It resonates in 2019 as well as I find myself in a second wave of my career. After working in the corporate world for the last 15 years, this foray into running a company is my second wave. Dive represents the deep-dive approach I’m looking to take our students on with our programs. Making great products and services can be messy, from craft to relationships. At Second Wave Dive, we don’t gloss over that fact but embrace it.

Inspired? If so, Dive-in with us!