The Calling...
Before founding Love Blue Inc., AJ Caruso spent years as an ocean lifeguard and lifelong surfer in Wildwood, New Jersey, developing a deep connection to the ocean and its wildlife. Through his faith, that connection became a conviction that humanity is called to be stewards of God’s creation. In 2019, during prayer on the beach, AJ felt called to lead others in protecting the ocean, transforming personal experience and belief into the mission that became Love Blue Inc.
"The ocean shaped my life, my faith, and my calling to lead. Love Blue is the result of answering that call."
— CEO & Founder AJ Caruso
Timeline
2019
Lifeguards & Surfers Unite
On July 19th, 2019 , a small group of ocean lifeguards & community surfers who shared a similar idea of oceanic conservation, decided to establish the vision of Love Blue Inc.
The Recognition
Later that Summer, Fox 29 News approached us to be featured as one of their local stories to help spread awareness about our mission.
(Link Video)
Official Movement by Summer's End
We started our weekly beach cleanups with 3 volunteers & our last of the summer with around 100 people. By the summer's end, we officially had ourselves a movement. We then began the process of officially registering Love Blue Inc. as a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization.
More Recognition
After Summer, the Borough of Wildwood Crest, approached Chief Bud Johnson, AJ's boss, & AJ's family to receive a reward of recognition for our efforts that past summer, while he was at school.
The Start of College Chapters
That September, Myrtle Beach, SC, students from CCU organized with organizations on campus & in the Myrtle Beach community to host a beach cleanup, which eventually would lead to the establishment of our first college club.
Our Second College Chapter
Shortly after CCU's successful cleanup launch in Myrtle Beach, lead by Founder AJ Caruso, Founder Sean Lavender started Stockton University Chapter in Atlantic City, NJ.
2020
Official Partnership with the Borough of Wildwood Crest
In the Spring of 2020, the Borough of Wildwood Crest officially took on Love Blue Inc. as an environmental nonprofit partner. We work hand in hand with the Borough to produce cleanups & implement more sustainable practices in our community.
COVID-19 Challenges
In the Spring of 2020, COVID-19 took over the US & shut down virtually all in person operations around the country. As tine went on, different states let up their restrictions. Since our cleanups were outside & at the beach with some of the purest air off the ocean, we felt comfortable continuing operations with some guidelines. This was a tricky time in our journey, as we were gaining so much momentum.
First Summer under the Partnership with the Borough
The Summer of 2020 was the first summer with the official partnership the Borough of Wildwood Crest . COVID-19 Pandemic pressed challenges, nonetheless we had a very impactful summer.
2021
Official Love Blue Inc. Merch
In the Spring of 2021, Love Blue started creating official merchandise. Bracelets, Stickers, Hats, T-Shirts, & more, there's no more powerful way to share a message than to wear it. This began a new front for our organization.
Launch of a
Public Cleanup Station Program
In the Spring of 2021, Love Blue Inc. launched a
public cleanup station program.
The "Cigs Inside"
SurfBoard Project Launch
In the Spring of 2021, Love Blue teamed up with local graphic design, surf & skate inspired wear, to create a surfboard infused with cigarettes we picked up from our chapters around the country.
Hit 10,000 Pounds Pulled as an Organization
In the Summer of 2021, Love Blue Inc. hit a milestone of all of our chapters collective pound removal of 10,000 pounds from our beaches & waterways.
All of our Chapter Leaders met in Wildwood for 10K cleanup
In the Fall of 2021, Love Blue Inc. joined the Sustainable NJ conference in Atlantic City to get our name out amongst the top officials in NJ.
Building Our College Chapter Programs
In the Fall of 2021, we had 3 college clubs at Rowan University, Stockton University, & Coastal Carolina University. We began to make a long term plan for these chapters & a hands on learning experience for students.
Attended Sustainable NJ Conference
In the Fall of 2021, Love Blue Inc. joined the Sustainable NJ conference in Atlantic City to get our name out amongst the top officials in NJ.
Launch of
Monmouth University Chapter
In the Winter of 2021, Love Blue Inc.'s NJ Cleanup Manager, Nick Olson, led a pop up interest cleanup in Long Branch, NJ to attract Monmouth students to start a club at the University.
2022
Surf Expo
In the Winter of 2022, Love Blue Inc.'s Founder, AJ Caruso attended the Surf Expo & exposed Love Blue Inc. to the surf/skate industry. These brands have been vital in building our founding fathers love for the beach & ocean.
Cigs Inside Surfboard Complete
In the Spring of 2022, Love Blue & Mellow Grove completed their "Cigs Inside" Surfboard. We showcased it to the Wildwood Crest Chapters & took it on tour to our locations around the country for our chapters to see what they contributed to.
Monmouth Chapter Officially established
In the Spring of 2022, Love Blue Eckerd was officially leastalblished as a club on campus. The Love Blue team came up to show them the Cigs Inside board.
Eckerd College Chapter Officially established
In the Spring of 2022, Love Blue Eckerd was officially launched as our first FL chapter in St. Petersburg.
Cleanup Station Program Collaboration with Boy Scouts
In the Spring of 2022, Boy Scout Nick Patino & WCBP Lifeguard, collaborated with Love Blue to create our second cleanup station.
2023
Radio Station
Local Recognition
In the Fall of 2023, Love Blue Inc.'s AJ Caruso & Nick Olson go on a local Cape May County radio station to get some recognition & announce our plans for the upcoming year.
Stockton University Club wins MLK Day of Service Award
In the Winter of 2023, Love Blue Inc.'s Stockton University Chapter received the MLK Day of Service Award for clubs & organizations at the University..
FGCU Hurricane Relief
Task Force
In the Fall of 2023, Love Blue Inc.'s Florida Gulf Coast University Chapter rallied student with local organizations to tackle cleanup efforts after Hurricane Ians absolute devastation to the Gulf Coast. Their fall semester was on hold due to devestation, so this was their official launch.
Sustainability in Motion
Conference
In the Spring of 2023, Love Blue Inc.'s AJ Caruso attended Sustainability in motion to showcase our services to many NJ officials around the state.
Fins Fundraiser Cape May
In the Spring of 2023, Love Blue Inc.had it's first in person fundraiser at Fins Bar & Grille.
Cape May Cleanup Stations
In the Fall of 2023, the city of cape may joined our Public Cleanup Station Program & sponsored 5 cleanup stations.
2024
Partner with Garbo Grabber
We partnered with Garbo Grabber to where when we buy their supplies they donate money back to our organization. They donated 500 additional custom vests after our first few purchases.
Partner With Helpsy
Love Blue Inc. partnered with Helpsy, to add them to our community model of sustainable services. We work with cities to implement sustainable practices like Helpsy's textile collection. Helpsy donates a % back to Love Blue based on the amount of lbs donated to our collaborated collection bins.
Ship Bottom Cleanup Station
The Borough of Ship Bottom joined our Cleanup Station Program & began community cleanups under Love Blue, ran by Matt Bernstein of Public Works. (Middle)
First School Outreach
Program Run
Love Blue Inc. hosted its first, in person, beach cleanup educational walk through where we coordinated with a SJ school to have their students join us for a beach cleanup. During this event, we break down the pollution crisis, leadership, how Love Blue develops communities to be more sustainable, educate on the different local marine life & how they're effected, & finally the types of trash we collect.
Ocean Casino Earth Day
Celebration
Love Blue Inc. was invited & recognized by Ocean Casino in Atlantic City, NJ for their Earth Day Celebration. We made lots of connections & were grateful for the Ocean's donation.
Shoreline Waste Solution
Collaboration
Love Blue Wildwoods Chapter in Wildwood Crest, began collaborating summer time cleanups with local small businesses to show environmental responsibility, community, & hands on action.
Love Blue Chicago Launch
Social Media Intern at the time, Kirstin Quigley, gathered local community members & corporate friends at Motorola Solutions to team up for a cleanup in Chicago, IL. Our very first city cleanup & soon to be chapter.
Love Blue Maui Launch
Social Media Intern at the time, Kirstin Quigley, traveled to Hawaii over the summer & met some very driven group of high school students who wanted to start their own Love Blue chapter. This would then evolve into our Maui, Hawaii chapter.
Trashie Cleanup Collab
Love Blue Inc. partnered with ,Trashie, a sustainable company during plastic free July to show collaboration efforts, raise awareness about our mission, & encourage our volunteers/supporters to use Trashie sustainability program at home.
Terracycle Collab
We partnered with Terracycle & Netflix to create, "Coco The Octopus" a trash art sculpture made from plastics picked up on our beaches from Love Blue cleanups, who would be featured in the Netflix Film, "Our Oceans" narrated by Former President, Barack Obama.
Establishing Sustainable Alternatives Partners
Love Blue Inc.'s, Kirstin Quigley, established our Sustainable Alternatives Partner Program, where we partner with sustainable companies that are proven. We then promote these products on our social media, our website, & at events. Each brand gives a percentage off the order if they use Love Blue's code & that brand donates back to us. We now give everyone who works with us a direct pipeline to more sustainable alternatives that are proven & aligned.
2025
Flagler Chapter Launch
Love Blue Inc. launched our Flagler College Chaper in St. Augstine, FL. Now our second chapter in the sunshine state. A state with year round tourism & a booming wildlife haven that needs protection.
Love Blue Chicago on
CBS Chicago News
Love Blue Inc.'s VP, Kirstin Quigley, gets featured of CBS Chicago News for all of her chapter's efforts in the Chicago community!
Open Water Hydration
Partnership
Love Blue Inc. officially takes on Open Water as their Hydration Partner. Incentives for volunteers, especially something as simple as hydration has always been a goal for us. Now Open Water provides our cleanups with quality, sustainable products.
Open Water Grant
Love Blue Inc. officially received its first grant ever from Open Water. These funds help grow & expand our operations this year, while building out our current chapters.
1% For The Planet Environmental Partner
Love Blue Inc. became a 1% for the Planet Environmental Partner. This now brings our brand exposure to the top brands & investors in the industry. This builds credibility & trust in our brand.
Launch our Bonfire site
Love Blue Inc. teams up with Bonfire to launch their official "Love Blue Shop" where supporters can buy all sorts of Love Blue themed merch. Merch is one of the best ways to spread our message & an easy conversation starter.