NORTH AMERICA DIVING DOGS.

Kristin and Steve’s journey began at The Dog Tank, Steve’s training facility for dock diving. In 2016, Steve discovered the sport and was immediately intrigued, purchasing a training pool to introduce his own dog to it. Around the same time, Kristin, a professional dog trainer who had founded and grown For the Love of Dogs, brought her pet to train at The Dog Tank. Over time, their shared enthusiasm for dock diving led to a strong connection and deeper involvement in the sport—running mobile docks, training competitors, and fostering a growing community of enthusiasts eager to participate.

In 2023, when the opportunity arose to purchase North America Diving Dogs (NADD), Kristin and Steve knew it was the next step. However, financing a niche, service-based business wasn’t straightforward. A referral led them to Platinum Bank, where they found a partner in Drew Lynch, VP, who believed in their vision. The bank’s team was responsive, provided creative solutions, and helped them structure financing to navigate the complexities of the acquisition.

Since taking ownership, NADD has grown into the largest organization of its kind in North America, facilitating over 180,000 jumps (“splashes”) annually and registering more than 5,000 new dogs each year. Kristin and Steve continue to expand the sport’s reach—building new partnerships, increasing visibility through major competitions, and even cross-promoting at large-scale events like Run for a Million, where NADD’s connection to high-performance animals created a natural tie-in. With additional national exposure through ESPN, the sport continues to gain momentum.

From its thriving community to its growing presence in competitive sports, NADD continues to evolve. Kristin and Steve’s journey is a testament to what happens when passion meets opportunity—and when the right partners help turn that vision into reality.