Since its founding, Love Blue Inc. has operated not just as an ocean advocacy organization but as a mission deeply rooted in faith and divine guidance.
Founder and CEO AJ Caruso believes that God placed this calling on his heart in 2019, during a pivotal moment in his life. AJ was at a crossroads, unsure of his purpose, when he sat on the beach one night, praying for direction. In that stillness, he felt God calling him to protect the oceans, though the full meaning of this mission took time to unfold. That moment marked the beginning of Love Blue and the spiritual journey that has guided the organization ever since.
The Bible speaks to humanity’s role as stewards of the earth. In Genesis 1:28, God says, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” This charge calls us to care for the world around us, including the oceans and the life within them. Psalm 8:6-8 echoes this divine responsibility: “You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.” These verses remind us that we are caretakers of God’s creation.
For AJ, this stewardship became personal after witnessing the pollution crisis on the beaches of Wildwood, New Jersey. Memorial Day weekend in 2019 left hundreds of pounds of trash scattered across the shorelines, and AJ, inspired by efforts like those of 4ocean, felt God calling him to take action. What began as small, informal beach cleanups with friends became a regular effort, known as “Sunday Service,” as AJ committed to God’s call. With each cleanup, AJ felt guided by his faith, knowing that this mission was about more than just environmental action—it was spiritual stewardship.
Over the years, AJ has experienced God’s guidance in every decision, relationship, and partnership. This divine presence is felt not only by AJ but by the entire Love Blue executive team, each of whom has their own story of faith and growth within the organization.
One of the most powerful testaments to this journey is that of Nick Olson, now President of Love Blue Inc. Like AJ, Nick came to Love Blue at a low point in his life. As a college student struggling with bad habits, Nick initially joined the organization simply to fulfill community service hours. But as he became more involved, helping with the Stockton University Chapter and getting to know AJ and former Stockton Chapter President Sean Lavender, Nick began to fall in love with the mission. After Sean graduated, Nick took over as chapter president, despite inheriting a fledgling club that needed a lot of work. Through dedication and faith, Nick grew the chapter, leading cleanups and raising awareness on campus and in Atlantic City.
As Nick and AJ spent more time together, their friendship deepened, and Nick began to feel God’s presence more strongly in his life. His faith became intertwined with his work at Love Blue, and he found a sense of purpose he had never felt before. Now, as the President of Love Blue Inc., Nick has built a solid foundation for the Stockton Chapter, which enjoys full support from the university. The chapter has grown to include both students and community members, and they even have a dedicated equipment shed on their beach campus—a model for all future university chapters. Nick’s journey from struggling college student to nonprofit president, along with his close friendship with AJ (who served as his best man), is a testament to how faith in God and hard work can transform lives.
Ryan Lombardi, a newer member of the executive team, has also found his faith strengthened through his time with Love Blue. When Ryan joined the organization a year ago, he didn’t fully understand his faith. But after spending time with AJ and hearing the personal testaments of both AJ and Nick, Ryan began to see and feel God’s presence in his own life. His faith has since grown stronger, and he now understands how vital his role in the organization is. Ryan believes deeply in the mission, knowing that Love Blue is called to be the guardians of our oceans, a responsibility given by God.
The team’s collective experiences have confirmed their belief that this mission is divinely guided. As Pastor Dranada Summons of Refuge of Mount Olive once emphasized after a beach cleanup, the name “Love Blue” reflects God’s love. People of all backgrounds come together in unity, setting aside differences to work for the betterment of humanity and the world—a true reflection of God’s message of love and stewardship.
Through their faith, hard work, and dedication, AJ, Nick, Ryan, and the entire Love Blue team continue to follow a path they believe God has set for them. Their work is not just about cleaning beaches or raising awareness; it is about living out their faith as stewards of God’s creation. The divine guidance behind Love Blue ensures that the organization is not just making an impact on the environment, but also helping people come together in unity and love for the world God created.
How beautifully written, and how wonderful your successes. You are surely to be commended.
And reading along, it was so sincere that I at times felt like I was there alongside you.
Having watched you grow from your beginning, from "the proverbial mustard seed" into your tremendous successes now, I had not known your story here. All of this has taken courage and perseverance. I admire you.
May your hopes and dreams continue to be all that you pray for.
Sincerely,
Your original supporter,
Sharon
( and just think...this all started in my own childhood Jersey beach 💓).