THE STORY OF IMO...

Jeff & Nina Martin IMO is operated by Nina Martin (NSS 41664) and husband Jeff (NSS 41665). Both are accomplished cavers in the TAG (TN, AL, GA) area, an area of extensive karst and many caves with deep pits. For many years, they have been leaders in the Dogwood City Grotto of the NSS, which hosts the annual TAG Fall Cave-In. Both were instrumental in the 2004 relocation of the Cave-In from a commercial campground to a permanent home carved out of the wilderness atop Lookout Mountain, TN. In 2006, they decided to purchase and operate IMO. They bring a wealth of caving experience and business acumen to the business (now 22 years old), which is thriving under their leadership.

The History of IMO

IMO was created by Alex Sproul and his wife, Dru. Alex has over 40 years of active caving experience, and is passionate about the underground.

Alex Sproul Thanks to a career in the military, Alex had the opportunity to cave throughout the world. Returning from a tour in Europe in the early eighties, he brought home lots of new caving 'toys' -- including nylon coveralls and Petzl climbing gear. Such things were not yet well known, and everyone went crazy over them. None of the then-speleovendors were interested in carrying them, so he found himself sending orders to Europe on behalf of friends. Voila! Quite unintentionally, a business was born!

It started with only a few items, principally nylon caving coveralls, which Alex introduced to this country, but it kept growing. Several years later, he retired from the service and decided to become a full-line dealer, serving all a caver's needs. He kept a "day job" as a civil servant, though, because they had kids in college. Once that was done, he kissed the government goodbye (no tears!) and struck out as a full-time entrepreneur.

Dru Sproul IMO began in 1984 as a home-based business dedicated to serving the needs of cavers and high-angle rescue folks. Alex prided himself on providing the latest and best technology at the best prices around, and soon became the most respected caving vendor in the country, with the most complete line of caving gear and fast, friendly service and advice. IMO became a familiar fixture at all NSS conventions and major caving events, and built a strong presence on the web.

In 2005, having met his retirement objectives. Alex decided it was time to turn over the reins of IMO to the next generation, and spend more time underground, enjoying grandkids, and travelling. Serendipitously, Nina and Jeff Martin were deciding they needed a new career. They purchased the business and relocated it to their home in Bethlehem, Georgia in January 2006.