Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Wilson.
Hi Larry, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in New York, raised by my mom and grandparents after my father, a police officer, was killed in the line of duty before I was born. That loss gave me a strong sense of service, which led me to join the Marine Corps, serve as a police officer, and later work in diplomatic security across some of the world’s toughest environments. Like many veterans and first responders, I carried invisible wounds from those experiences, and scuba diving became my therapy, a place of peace and freedom. That healing inspired me to found Deep Blue Dive Therapy Inc., a nonprofit that helps veterans, service members, and first responders find recovery through diving, and also launch Diver Down Coffee Company, which supports that mission with every bag sold. Today, my purpose is to continue serving by giving others the same pathway to healing that changed my life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many veterans and first responders, I’ve faced the challenges of carrying trauma, transitioning out of uniform, and finding a new sense of purpose. Building Deep Blue Dive Therapy also came with its own obstacles, limited resources, raising awareness, and proving the value of something as unconventional as scuba therapy. But each struggle reinforced why this work matters, and those challenges became the fuel to keep moving forward and creating a community where healing is possible.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Deep Blue Dive Therapy Inc. is a nonprofit that helps veterans, service members, and first responders heal from trauma through scuba diving and our Pathways to Healing programs. What makes us different is that we’re not just about diving—we combine the therapeutic power of immersion with a strong community of support. I’m most proud that everything we do stays true to our mission of service, even through our sister brand, Diver Down Coffee Company, which helps fund our programs. At the end of the day, supporting Deep Blue means giving America’s heroes a chance to find peace, healing, and purpose again.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe luck has played a role in my life or business, it’s been about hard work, perseverance, and refusing to quit when things get tough. From serving as a Marine, police officer, and in diplomatic security, to building Deep Blue Dive Therapy Inc. from the ground up, every step has come through dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to the mission. Nothing about this journey has been handed to me; it’s been earned.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.deepbluedivetherapy.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deep_blue_dive_therapy_inc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeepBlueDiveTherapyInc
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deep-blue-dive-therapy-inc-935465342
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@deepbluedivetherapyinc
Image Credits
Photo credit: Larry Wilson & Christopher Perez
