My favorite TV show: “King of Queens”
My favorite magazine: Redbook
In my CD player right now: Country music
The last movie I saw: ”Spanglish”
The food I can’t live without: Chocolate
One of my “pet peeves” is: crazy drivers
On the weekends, I usually: relax, do chores, go to softball games
My “dream vacation” would be: Hawaii
by John P. Ribner
Whether it’s at work or in her home life, Sally Bates enjoys doing something
new every day.
Although she’s only been there for a year, Sally Bates loves her job with
Ryco Equipment, Inc. “For the past 11 years, I worked part-time for an insurance
company conducting flood research for mortgage clients,” she said. “I would
research properties to see if they were located in flood zones or not, and
pass that information on to my employers. It was a good job to have at the
time because my children were younger, so it allowed me to spend time at home
with them. Now that my children are older, I wanted to work full-time, and
that’s how I found Ryco.”
Sally was directed to Ryco through an employment agency that thought her talents
would suit the company well. As it turned out, she couldn’t be happier with
her placement at the tanning distributor. As Customer Service Director, Sally
has many duties at Ryco. She is in charge of shipping and receiving, ordering
and verifying supplies, and plenty of customer service rounds out her duties
there. “There’s so many different aspects to my job and that’s what I love
about it,” Sally commented. “I’m always learning something new; it seems like
no two days at work are ever the same.”
Sally’s life was most changed, she says, by the births of her three daughters
– Stephanie, 20, Melissa, 19, and Stacey, 16. “I’ve truly enjoyed being a
parent; it’s something new every day,” she commented. “I’ve enjoyed being
a role model for my daughters and teaching them about life along the way,
and watching them grow to become adults. The whole experience of motherhood
has been very rewarding.”
Linda
Bommarito
Vice President
International Tanning Equipment
My favorite TV show: “Joan of Arcadia”
My favorite magazine: No time to read magazines!
In my CD player right now: What's a CD player? –
I have five
kids, a dog and a husband and I work full time!
The last movie I saw: ”Can’t remember the last time I had time to watch one!”
The food I can’t live without: Cheese
One of my “pet peeves” is: “perfect” people
On the weekends, I usually: Spend time with my family doing house “projects”, playing and getting ready for the next week
My “dream vacation” would be: Time with my family with no phones and someone to prepare, serve and clean up after every meal; either on a beautiful body of water with water sports or snow skiing
by John P. Ribner
While Linda Bommarito is certainly her own woman, more than a little of her
father’s influence certainly shines through.
For the past six years, Linda Bommarito has worked for International Tanning
Equipment – makers of the Hex stand-up tanning system and the Spray Hex sunless
booth – which was started by her father, Joe Bommarito. She joined the company
after graduating from Cooley Law School in Lansing, MI. While in college,
Linda operated a chain of tanning salons, in which she has since sold her
interests. “I was practicing law when my dad asked me if I would be interested
in joining him in his tanning business,” Linda said. “To borrow an old cliché,
‘He offered me a deal I couldn’t refuse.’”
“All-encompassing” would be a good word to describe Linda’s duties at ITE
– she does “everything under the sun” as the equipment manufacturer. “I’m
no different than anyone else here in that I wear a lot of hats,” she explained.
“I handle all the legal work, as well as sales, working with national accounts
and organizing production.” Of all the things she does, Linda cites getting
to know the company’s many customers – all of whom she admires as being interesting
and hard-working – as her favorite part of the job. “This is a great industry
to be a part of,” she commented.
It should come as no surprise that Linda’s father, Joe Bommarito, has been
the greatest influence on her life. Joe has taught his daughter many life
lessons, which she says have served her well. “My father always said that
life is a precious gift and that everyone should live it to the best of their
ability.”
Natalea
Hoeper
Public Relations/Sales Consultant
Insurtec
My favorite TV show: “Sex & the City”
My favorite magazine: People
In my CD player right now: Kenny Chesney’s Greatest Hits
The last movie I saw: ”Ocean’s 12”
The food I can’t live without: Chocolate
One of my “pet peeves” is: When someone doesn’t look you in the eyes when you talk to them
On the weekends, I usually: Go fishing or to the lake with my Seadoo
My “dream vacation” would be: to rent a motorhome and stay on the infield at Daytona for Speedweeks and the Daytona 500
by John P. Ribner
With just a year in the tanning industry under her belt, Natalea Hoeper knows
that it’s where she wants to be.
After teaching high school science for four years, Natalea Hoeper decided
to join the family business, Insurtec, which is owned by her father, Terry
Hoeper. “It’s the perfect situation because I get to work with my family and
do the two things I love best – talking with people and traveling,” she said.
“The indoor tanning industry is very exciting; it’s great to go to the tradeshows
and see all of the new equipment and products, then see it again being used
in different salons.” Currently, Natalea’s schedule allows her to travel and
visit salon clients about five to six days a month, which is something she
hopes to do more of in the near future.
In leaving a teaching career for the business world, Natalea followed the
example of her late grandfather, Richard Hoeper. “My grandpa definitely had
the biggest influence on my life,” she said. “It was his recollections of
his teaching days that got me interested in being a teacher, myself; but like
him, I also wanted to be involved in the business world. My grandfather was
born in 1911, and had led such an interesting life; some of my greatest childhood
memories are times spent listening to his stories.”
“I truly love my job,” Natalea commented. “This has been a great opportunity.”
In her spare time, Natalea enjoys bass fishing, a hobby that was taught and
nurtured in her by her grandfather, and something she finds both relaxing
and fun.
Janice
Johnson
Controller/Treasurer
Wolff System Technology Corp.
My favorite TV show: “24”
My favorite magazine: Southern Living
In my CD player right now: Tina Turner, Eva Cassidy
The last movie I saw: ”Ray”
The food I can’t live without: Cheese
One of my “pet peeves” is: Drivers who honk their horns just because they are impatient
On the weekends, I usually: Read, work in my yard or on home improvement projects
My “dream vacation” would be: A trip to Costa Rica or on the Delta Queen
by John P. Ribner
During the past six years, Wolff System’s Janice Johnson has grown, changed
and developed into a strong, independent person.
Those with the title of “controller” or “treasurer” of a company typically
handle financial records, cash management, human resources and accounts receivable.
Janice Johnson’s position at Wolff is no exception in this regard. Since the
company is part of the indoor tanning industry, though, some of her other
duties include helping to choose marketing material and assisting with the
sunlamp maker’s tradeshow presence. “We all do many different and exciting
things here, and that’s what I love most about my job,” she commented. “Some
days, I don’t know what I’m going to be doing until I get here.”
While she enjoys the challenges and variety of working at Wolff, her favorite
aspect of her job is the people. “When I interviewed for the job six years
ago, Michael Stepp (Wolff President) and I just clicked right away,” she recalled.
“Everyone else on the staff is so friendly and a lot of fun – we have a great
crew here and there’s never a dull moment.”
In 1999, Janice experienced something that changed her life forever – she
lost her husband, Larry White, to a rare illness. “When you’ve been married
a long time, you get used to the idea of making all of your decisions with
that other person who is your partner in life,” Janice commented. “After Larry
passed away, I suddenly discovered that all my decisions, joys and failures
would be mine and mine alone. As a result, I learned to develop the strength
I needed to make it.” She says her children, Reid, 25, and Lacy, 21, were
a huge help to her during those trying times. With the fortitude she developed
after her husband’s passing, Janice earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration
from Kennesaw State University.
Laurie
Johnson
Sales Executive
Global Sun Light
My favorite TV show: “Desperate Housewives”
My favorite magazine: Vogue
In my CD player right now: Aerosmith (Best of)
The last movie I saw: “The Notebook”
The food I can’t live without: I haven’t found one yet!
One of my “pet peeves” is: being late
On the weekends, I usually: travel when the opportunity presents itself
My “dream vacation” would be: a trip to the Australian Outback
by John P. Ribner
Coming home to Jonesboro, AR brought Laurie Johnson’s career and life around
– full circle.
After living in Dallas, TX and working in the fast-paced travel industry for
20 years, Laurie Johnson decided it was time to come back home. She yearned
for a life with a more relaxed, steady pace – one that she was used to in
Arkansas. It was her son, Ryan, who brought about this life-altering experience
for Laurie. “Before my son was born, I was strictly a career-minded person;
it was everything to me,” she recalled. “Dallas is a very fast-paced and competitive
market, and it’s very easy to get caught up in all of that and lose sight
of things that are important, such as family. Having my son helped me put
all this into perspective.”
Upon returning home to Jonesboro, Laurie took a position at Sun Industries,
one of the area’s largest employers; they needed someone in their home tanning
unit and sunlamp sales departments, and Laurie answered the call. “I’m an
avid indoor tanner, so this was a great opportunity to work with something
I enjoyed,” she said. After two years in bed sales, Laurie took an administrative
position assisting the sales staff, which gave her a view of what it was like
on the “other side of the fence.”
After four years with Sun Industries, Laurie would return to sales when she
was offered her current position at Global Sun Light, which is also part of
the JK North America empire. “I sold sunlamps when I got started in this industry,
and it’s great to be doing it again,” Laurie said. “I’ve learned so much about
lamps since taking this job; I also love being able to develop relationships
with all our great clients.”
Since joining Global last September, Laurie has been the company’s top salesperson,
which she attributes to her ability to treat clients as she would expect to
be treated.
Patti
Jordan
Director of Distributor Sales
Sun Ergoline, Inc.
My favorite TV show: “CSI: Miami”
My favorite magazine: US News
In my CD player right now: Santana
The last movie I saw: “Sideways”
The food I can’t live without: pasta
One of my “pet peeves” is: dishonesty
On the weekends, I usually: spend time with my family and friends, go to lacrosse games, garden, golf, and dine out.
My “dream vacation” would be: a month in Hawaii
by John P. Ribner
Dedication, strength and perseverance are three words that best describe Sun
Ergoline’s Patti Jordan.
As Director of Distributor Sales, Patti Jordan focuses on equipment sales
to members of Sun Ergoline’s distributor network. This position calls for
lots of travel and daily communication with the equipment maker’s distributor
clients, which, incidentally, is Patti’s favorite part of the job. “Our distributor
clients truly have a passion for this industry and a dedication to both it
and their salon customers, and I find that admirable,” she commented. “I also
enjoy working with our tanning salon clients; this lets me see the industry
from the perspectives of salons and distributors.”
Patti’s previous professional experience definitely comes in handy at Sun
Ergoline. She worked at Textron Fastening Systems in Streetsboro, OH for four
years – two as a Six Sigma Black Belt – a trained troubleshooter. It was during
her Six Sigma training that she met Michael Aponas, a fellow “black belt.”
After taking a job with Ergoline, Aponas, who was impressed with Patti’s dedication
to her duties, offered her a position, which she accepted in September 2003.
“Mike told me that he thought I’d be a good fit for the company, and I was
excited to try something new, so here I am!” she exclaimed.
When asked who has been the biggest influence on her life, Patti replied that
her 12-year-old daughter, Katie Jordan, is definitely that person. “Katie
is a multi-handicapped child whose strength and courage has allowed her to
participate in a society that doesn’t always accept people in her situation,”
Patti said. “Although she can’t effectively communicate verbally, Katie has
a way of letting everyone know exactly what’s on her mind. I’m simply amazed
by my daughter, and she’s been a huge inspiration to me.”
Liz
Katwaru
Parts Division Manager
Heartland Tan Systems
My favorite TV show: “Las Vegas”
My favorite magazine: Glamour
In my CD player right now: DJ Mike B
The last movie I saw: ”Anchorman”
The food I can’t live without: Big Mac Combo
One of my “pet peeves” is: When people can’t follow through with what they say they will do.
On the weekends, I usually: Take my boys to the park, or when I don’t have them with me, I usually hang out with friends.
My “dream vacation” would be: Me on a beach in the Bahamas with the soft sand between my toes and a nice, cold drink in my hand.
by John P. Ribner
A loving mother with an analytical mind – that’s Heartland Tan Systems’ Liz
Katwaru.
Looking for full-time employment, Liz Katwaru joined Tan Systems in 1998.
“I was working part-time at a tanning salon, but I needed full time work,”
she recalled. “I flipped open the Yellow Pages, looked under ‘tanning’ and
found Tan Systems. I gave them a call, and they had an opening in their lotions
department, so I interviewed for the job and got it.” Last February, Tan Systems’
distribution was purchased by Heartland Tanning Inc. and Liz is now part of
the new company. “I like it at Heartland,” she commented. “It’s very structured
and positive, and I plan to continue to grow with the company.”
One year after getting the job at Tan Systems, Liz was transferred to the
company’s parts department – a change she was very happy about. “I love being
in the parts department because it allows me to utilize problem-solving skills,”
Liz commented. “First, we have to find out what’s wrong with a customer’s
tanning unit and then locate the correct part that they need to fix it. It’s
very challenging.” During the average business day, Liz will answer phones,
enter orders, pull parts, prepare purchase orders and handle drop-shipments
– all with a focus on customer service.
Some of the “Women in Tanning” honorees have spoken about life-changing experiences;
Liz says she’s been lucky enough to have two – the births of her sons, Cameron,
3, and Jaycob, 1. “Having my sons taught me to be selfless,” she admitted.
“Once you have children, you are forced to rearrange priorities and put their
needs ahead of your own. My sons are the most important things in my life,
and I feel so lucky to have them.”
Kate
Kotyleva
Vice President of Product Development
Luxury Brand Group
My favorite TV show: I don’t watch TV
My favorite magazine: Elle
In my CD player right now: Joe Cocker
The last movie I saw: ”Hostage”
The food I can’t live without: Pizza
One of my “pet peeves” is: anything that reminds me of my ex-husband!
On the weekends, I usually: enjoy good friends, good wine, good conversation
My “dream vacation” would be: a trip around the world on a private yacht
by John P. Ribner
Kate Kotyleva has the distinction of perhaps being one of the only dermatologists
to work for the indoor tanning industry!
For more than two years, Kate Kotyleva has added her dermatology expertise
to the efforts of tanning lotion maker Luxury Brand Group. Before coming to
Luxury Brand, Kate practiced her profession in Toronto, Canada. Now, she uses
her knowledge of skin to help create the company’s tanning products, such
as its latest release, Darkside.
Kate’s duties with the lotion and skincare company involve product development
and market research, although she also keeps busy at Luxury Brand Group by
helping with technical support and sales training. “My favorite aspect of
my job is finding new and exciting skincare ingredients to utilize in our
products,” Kate said. “Our latest addition to the Darkside line is Tamanu
oil, which is derived from the seeds of the Tamanu tree that grows in Fiji.
This oil has wonderful skincare benefits including soothing the effects of
allergies and psoriasis, plus many anti-aging benefits. We’re very excited
about it.” She has also been instrumental in the creation of an after-tan
line that’s currently being developed.
When asked what person has had the greatest influence on her life, Kate cites
her maternal grandfather, Tim Kurguv. “I’m very close to my grandfather –
when I was younger, I probably spent more time at his house than I did at
my parents’,” she laughed. “He was a huge influence on me during my adult
life, as well. My grandfather was a dermatologist, and he inspired me to pursue
a career in dermatology.”
Jeannie
Lindley
National Sales Educator
Supre
My favorite TV show: “Nip/Tuck”
My favorite magazine: Vogue
In my CD player right now: Nothing; I prefer the radio
The last movie I saw: ”Sideways”
The food I can’t live without: Tabasco
One of my “pet peeves” is: Lack of initiative
On the weekends, I usually: Relax, play with my puppy Tasha and enjoy one of the many patios Dallas restaurants have to offer.
My “dream vacation” would be: Anywhere there is a beach, sun and massages .
by John P. Ribner
Experienced, cultured and well traveled, Supre’s Jeannie Lindley has a lot
to offer the indoor tanning industry.
One year ago in March, Jeannie Lindley joined the Supre team as a National
Sales Educator. In this position, she travels to salons and distributor symposiums
across the country to present sales training and product education on Supre’s
latest lotion offerings. This is a job she was tailor-made for – she previously
worked as a national marketing educator in the e-commerce industry, where
she did essentially the same thing. “I love working for Supre much more than
my old job, because it allows me to be involved with an industry that’s fun
and exciting!” Jeannie exclaimed. “I love my job.”
It’s no surprise that Jeannie loves to see the world. She was born in California,
and moved to Kansas at a young age; but her travels have taken her much further.
Jeannie’s father, Bill Lindley, was an international businessman, and due
to his career, Jeannie lived in both Germany and Switzerland during her teens.
“This was a wonderful experience!” she exclaimed. “It allowed me to appreciate
cultures and beliefs other than those I was raised with. Living in Europe
was wonderful and the experience helped me a lot later in life.” Jeannie earned
a degree in international business with a minor in marketing economics from
Wichita State University.
When asked, “Who has affected your life the most?” Jeannie doesn’t hesitate
to answer. “My mother, Connie Leonard, has been a huge inspiration to me!”
she exclaimed. “She wanted me to have opportunities in life that she didn’t
have, and she did everything she could to make sure I had them. Her constant
support and belief in me helped make me stronger and pushed me harder to succeed.”
Karen
Meade-Bentlage
Board Member
Indoor Tanning Association
(Nominated by ITA)
My favorite TV show: “60 Minutes”
My favorite magazine: Discovery
In my CD player right now: “The E-myth” book on tape
The last movie I saw: I can’t remember the name – I was in a hotel room; Nicholas Cage? I don’t watch many movies.
The food I can’t live without: anything carbohydrate – “anti-Atkins”
One of my “pet peeves” is: Not getting as much done as I want to in any given day
On the weekends, I usually: during the school year, bringing my kids to some type of athletic event or friend’s birthday party; in the summer we hang at our pool as much as possible.
My “dream vacation” would be: a golf and spa vacation with my husband, Twan
by John P. Ribner
As a member of the Indoor Tanning Association’s Board of Directors, Karen
Meade-Bentlage tirelessly devotes her time to the betterment of the tanning
industry.
Karen Meade-Bentlage is well known in the indoor tanning industry, although
much of her notoriety is associated with her distribution company – Future
Industries, Inc./The Original Dr. Muller. For the past six years, Karen has
also served on the board of the Indoor Tanning Association, an honor she’s
proud to share with other industry luminaries. “Every member of the ITA puts
in so much of their own time and financial resources for the betterment of
this industry, and it’s such an honor to be a part of that,” she commented.
“Individually, many of us on the board are competitors; but when we get together
for meetings, all that gets left on the other side of the door. Every member
of the board is truly dedicated to protecting the livelihood of everyone in
this industry, and I believe that’s truly commendable.”
While Karen is proud of everything she and her fellow board members have accomplished,
it’s the ITA’s political involvement that she finds most rewarding. “I’ve
learned so much about the political process through my involvement with the
ITA,” she said. “The process of fighting a bill is quite involved, and when
some legislation was being proposed in Connecticut, I had the opportunity
to testify before a hearing on the bill and organize salon owners to help
fight it. It was a great experience that taught me quite a lot.”
Karen says her parents, Joseph and Marion Meade were the biggest influences
on her life. “My father, who passed away last September, gave me unconditional
support and my mother was very honest with me, and through the two of them
I gained the confidence to open my own business,” she said. “I will always
be thankful for everything they’ve done for me.”
May
Miller
Co-Owner/Director of Operations
Sun Your Buns
(Nominated by Euroline)
My favorite TV show: “The Today Show”
My favorite magazine: Premiere, People
In my CD player right now: Luther Vandross “Dance With My Father”
The last movie I saw: ”Be Cool”
The food I can’t live without: fruits and vegetables
One of my “pet peeves” is: miserable people who blame others for their unhappiness
On the weekends, I usually: ?run errands, grocery shop, catch up on domestic tasks; attend my son’s baseball/basketball games, golf with my family
My “dream vacation” would be: any warm, tropical beach – with no time schedule
by John P. Ribner
“Trying something new” was May Miller’s inspiration to join the tanning industry,
and now she’s here to stay!
May and her husband Grant got into tanning by way of running their six video
rental stores. “A friend in the video business had some success when he incorporated
tanning services, so we thought we’d try it, too,” May recalled. “Our combination
video/tanning store did so well, we decided to open a free-standing tanning
salon last March. This year, we converted one of our video stores into a 30-unit
salon.” Both of May’s salons feature EuroWalls portable wall systems. “There
are many advantages to having EuroWalls in our salons, and everyone there
has been wonderful,” May commented. “They’re the total package and we’re very
happy to be able to work with them.”
May operates both Sun Your Buns locations with her husband. “Grant tends to
focus on construction and dealing with vendors while I do much of the behind-the-scenes
work such as accounting, payroll and reports,” she said. “My favorite part
of being a salon owner is the customers. I’m definitely a people person, and
I miss talking with all our clients since I started doing more of the accounting
work. I especially like selling lotions, because I believe in them, and it’s
fun.”
For May, opening Sun Your Buns was more than a business move – it became a
life-changing experience. “It gave my husband and I an entirely new outlook
on business in general,” she commented. “Tanning is a great industry to work
in because people like to look and feel good, and we get satisfaction in knowing
that we help make people happier.”
Karen
Miskimins
Corporate Training Manager
Tanning Supply Outlet/
Ultimate Exposure Salons
My favorite TV show: “Seinfeld”
My favorite magazine: Us Weekly
In my CD player right now: Greed
The last movie I saw: “Closer”
The food I can’t live without: Italian beef from Portillios
One of my “pet peeves” is: anything dirty; I clean a lot
On the weekends, I usually: spend time with my husband and 2 dogs, Ginger and Jadie
My “dream vacation” would be: Fiji
by John P. Ribner
There are no delusions with Karen Miskimins – this “woman in tanning” lives
in the real world, where she makes the best of all situations.
After five years of handling corporate training for a cellular phone company,
Karen Miskimins needed a change. The company she worked for was based in Texas,
which was a far cry from her Chicago home. Then the opportunity presented
itself for her to conduct corporate training for distributor Tanning Supply
Outlet and Ultimate Exposure salons, and she jumped at it. “I was looking
for a change so I answered an ad in the newspaper, which led me to this job,”
she said. “The thing that impressed me the most about this company was its
dedication to training, and the indoor tanning industry sounded like a great
place to work, so I gladly accepted the offer.”
As Corporate Training Manager, Karen trains Tanning Supply Outlet’s new staff
in customer service and sales. She offers management coaching and customized
training for the distribution company’s tanning salon customers to help those
businesses become successful. Karen also plans Tanning Supply Outlet’s Success
Summit events. “What I enjoy most about my job is giving salon owners the
tools they need to help guide them through the business, then watching them
incorporate what we teach them and become successful,” she commented. “It’s
very rewarding.”
Karen says some of the best advice she’s ever received is the same advice
she passes on to her clients: “It is what it is.” “Someone once told me that
and I found it very helpful because it taught me to evaluate things for how
they are, not how I want them to be, and to move forward,” she said. “My salon
clients have found this advice helpful, too.”
Randi
Phaneuf
Senior Salon Consultant
Future Industries, Inc./The Original Dr. Müller
My favorite TV show: “Everybody Loves Raymond”
My favorite magazine: Women’s World
In my CD player right now: Aerosmith
The last movie I saw: “Meet the Fockers”
The food I can’t live without: Pizza
One of my “pet peeves” is: when I shop somewhere
and get poor customer service
On the weekends, I usually: spend time with my
family, friends and my dog
My “dream vacation” would be: traveling around the country in an RV, visiting coastal towns and beaches
by John P. Ribner
As an avid tanner, Randi Phaneuf wanted to work in the indoor tanning industry.
She found more than just a job at Future Industries, Inc./The Original Dr.
Müller.
Randi Phaneuf does much more than sell tanning lotions and sunlamps; as her
many satisfied salon clients can attest, she’s a stickler for providing excellent
customer service. “Interacting with our clients is what I enjoy the most about
my work,” Randi commented. “There are so many great people in the tanning
business who are down-to-earth and very pleasant to talk to, which is why
I love being a part of the industry so much.”
Randi has been with Future Industries since 1999. “I’ve always enjoyed indoor
tanning, and I would ask my friend Joan Morel (Future Sales Representative)
if there were any job openings there,” she said. “One day she told me they
needed a receptionist, so I applied for the job and was hired.” Within six
months, Randi was promoted to a position in the company’s accounting department,
where she stayed for nearly two years.
Randi was soon tapped by Karen Meade-Bentlage, the company’s president, to
join the sales force. She considers her promotion to Senior Sales Consultant
to be a life-changing event for her. “At first, I was a little nervous because
I had never done anything like this before,” Randi commented. “But Karen was
confident that I could do the job, and after I got in there and tried it,
I fell in love with it. I’m very thankful to Karen and Twan for believing
in me and giving me this opportunity. It’s great to be able to get up every
morning and go to a job that I’m passionate about.”
Deborah
Pierce
Vice President of Research and Technology
California Tan, Inc.
My favorite TV show: “The Amazing Race”
My favorite magazine: Outside
In my CD player right now: Loreena McKennitt’s
“The Mummer’s
Dance” and German language CDs
The last movie I saw: ”The Ring Two”
The food I can’t live without: Chiles Rellenos
One of my “pet peeves” is: rude people
On the weekends, I usually: train for an upcoming cycling or running event
My “dream vacation” would be: exploring Papua
New Guinea
by John P. Ribner
During her 17 years with lotion maker California Tan, Inc., Deborah Pierce
has grown both professionally and as a person
Deborah Pierce has the distinction of being with California Tan, Inc. since
the company was founded in 1988 by the late Don Christal. “I was introduced
to Don by a mutual friend while I was operating a private consulting company,
and at the time, Don was specializing in pet care products,” Deborah recalled.
“When he suggested we make indoor tanning lotions, I was a bit skeptical because
the tanning industry was still very young, but I decided to give it a try.
Needless to say, it really took off from there.”
After seven years as a contract employee, Deborah jumped on board full-time
at California Tan, where she’s been for the past 10 years. “I love working
for California Tan!” she exclaimed. “My favorite aspect of my job is being
able to bring the products that are designed by the marketing team to life.”
Deborah thinks of all the lotions she and her team have created over the past
17 years as her “children,” so it’s hard for her to pick a favorite, although
she admits being partial to Helix.
Today, Deborah and her husband Charles share a passion for travel, which was
instilled in them by Christal. “Before I started working for California Tan,
we hadn’t done much traveling, and it was Don who encouraged us to go out
and see the world,” Deborah recalled. “Our first trip was to Hawaii, even
though Don would have preferred we go someplace more exotic, such as Bali.”
Since joining the California Tan team, Deborah is proud to say she and Charles
have traveled all over the world, and even climbed Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Commented Deborah, “All these wonderful experiences, both personal and professional,
I owe to California Tan.”
Yolanda
Ramirez
Owner/Operator Tropical Tan
(Nominated by Euroline)
My favorite TV show: “Friends”
My favorite magazine: Muscle & Fitness Hers
In my CD player right now: Salsa Music
The last movie I saw: “Million Dollar Baby”
The food I can’t live without: Milk
One of my “pet peeves” is: “It Has To Be Clean”
On the weekends, I usually: Work! I’m a one-woman show, no employees yet.
My “dream vacation” would be: visiting Bora Bora or Cancun, Bermuda, Hawaii, Bahamas or any tropical island
by John P. Ribner
Salon owner Yolanda Ramirez could very well be one of the hardest working
women in tanning today.
Yolanda Ramirez is the proud owner and operator of Tropical Tan in Oxnard,
CA, which she opened six months ago. “I’ve always been fair-skinned, so I
started tanning when I was a teenager and loved it from the first time I tried
it,” she said. “Ever since then, it’s always been a dream of mine to own a
salon.” Yolanda’s salon features EuroWalls. “The walls are beautiful and I
get a lot of compliments on them from my customers,” she said. “Working with
everyone at Euroline was a wonderful experience.”
Yolanda is definitely a very busy woman in tanning; each day, she works at
her salon from open to close. She also owns a restaurant, El Chilito, which
she’s operated for the past six years. If that weren’t enough, she also sells
real estate. Of all the things she does, though, operating her tanning salon
is her favorite. “I love meeting new people and sharing in their excitement
when they get good tanning results,” she said. “It’s very rewarding to see
people enjoy themselves.”
When Yolanda was 16 years old, she took a job in the records department of
the Oxnard Police. It was during her four years there that she received the
best advice anyone has ever given her. “One of the police officers I worked
with asked me if I was ‘who I wanted to be’, and said that if I wasn’t, I
should find out who I wanted to be and become that person,” Yolanda said.
“His advice made me realize that I wanted to be independent and be my own
boss. Since I always loved tanning, I decided to make owning my own tanning
salon my dream goal, which I’m living today.”
Wendy
Rockett
Sales Consultant
Nichesoft LLC
My favorite TV show: “CSI Miami“
My favorite magazine: Cosmopolitan
In my CD player right now: Maroon 5, Seal, Lenny Kravitz,
soundtrack from “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”, Gwen Stefani, a random mix-CD
The last movie I saw: “The Wedding Date”
The food I can’t live without: Pasta
One of my “pet peeves” is: text messaging and people who don’t leave messages
On the weekends, I usually: play soccer (I’m on 2 teams), hang out with friends and visit my family
My “dream vacation” would be: a trip to the Mediterranean
by John P. Ribner
In work and in life, Wendy Rockett strives to live by the advice her mother
once gave her.
After graduating from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s degree
in biology, Wendy Rockett promptly took her position with salon software company
Nichesoft LLC. “Halfway through my schooling, I discovered that sales was
my true calling,” Wendy recalled. “While working part-time for a friend’s
mother during school, I had the opportunity to try sales and I loved it. After
that experience, I knew that I didn’t want to work in a laboratory.” She did
graduate however, and in July 2003, Wendy joined the Nichesoft team after
a friend told her about the job opening; she’s used her finely-honed sales
skills there ever since.
Wendy’s decision to pursue a career in sales stems from the advice of her
mother, Janey McGrath. “When I was in college, my mother told me, ‘Don’t settle
for anything less than the best,’” said Wendy. “She said I should always strive
for the things I want in life, and I would just know when I finally achieve
them. I truly believe that was the best advice anyone has ever given me, and
I’ve tried to live by those words ever since.”
During the average business day, as if there is such a thing for a woman in
tanning, Wendy sells Nichesoft salon software. She also visits tanning salons
and distribution companies and gladly answers clients’ software questions
over the phone. “I truly love everything about my job, but what I love most
is that Nichesoft provides an environment that encourages me to offer creative
input,” she said. “I would like to thank Jeff Oakes, Nichesoft President,
for giving me this opportunity.”
Melissa
Carr-Smiley
Customer Service/Shipping
SunCorp Acrylics
My favorite TV show: “CSI”
My favorite magazine: Cosmopolitan
In my CD player right now: Nickelback
The last movie I saw: ”Be Cool”
The food I can’t live without: my morning coffee
One of my “pet peeves” is: being late
On the weekends, I usually: spend time with my family
My “dream vacation” would be: to go to an island and do nothing but lay around
by John P. Ribner
Hard-working, entrepreneurial and one heck of a cook, Melissa Carr-Smiley
is glad to be back at SunCorp Acrylics.
Although Melissa is new to her job at SunCorp Acrylics – she’s only worked
there since last March – she’s not really new at all. About 12 years ago,
she did the same thing at SunCorp that she does today – a little bit of everything.
Melissa is one of the three daughters of Buck Carr, SunCorp owner, who work
in the family business. “I grew up working here, so I thought that I wanted
to try something different and got into banking,” Melissa said. “For about
10 years, I worked as a teller and in the Internet banking division, but I
missed working with my family, so I decided to come back.”
Like everyone at the small, Washington-based acrylic shield manufacturer,
Melissa says she doesn’t really have a job title. “I do a little bit of everything,
especially if you count cooking breakfast for my dad as one of my job duties,”
she laughed. “In the office, I handle shipping, writing and tracking orders.
My favorite part of my job is talking to all of our customers across the country;
tanning salon owners are interesting and unique people, and it’s fun to get
to know all of them.”
Melissa has a life goal and it’s one that was inspired by her father – she
wants to own her own business. “My father’s success with SunCorp has inspired
me,” she said. “I’m a part-time bartender and cocktail waitress, which is
very fun because I meet a lot of interesting people, so I’ve given some thought
to owning my own bar or restaurant. It’s always been a goal of mine, and I’m
working hard to make it happen for me some day.”
Amanda
Smith
Vice President
Bloc Distributors, Inc.
My favorite TV show: “Fear Factor”
My favorite magazine: Women’s World
In my CD player right now: Point of Grace
The last movie I saw: ”The Passion of the Christ”
The food I can’t live without: Chocolate
One of my “pet peeves” is: Slow drivers!
On the weekends, I usually: Teach martial arts on Saturday and attend church on Sunday
My “dream vacation” would be: Hawaii
by John P. Ribner
Amanda Smith had a good idea – so good, it helped create a product for her
and her husband to manufacture and successfully market to the tanning industry.
For years, Amanda Smith enjoyed the benefits of indoor tanning. She didn’t,
however, particularly like the effects UV light had on her hair, often causing
her color to fade – and the heat of the tanning bed affected her perm, as
well. “These problems inspired me to create the Solar Cap,” Amanda explained.
“The product protects tanners’ hair from fading and drying by blocking out
the UV light, and it’s ventilated to help keep tanners cool during their session.”
In creating the Solar Cap, Amanda was doing what she enjoys best about her
job – helping to develop and promote products with her husband, Lavelle. She
also loves the freedom that co-owning Bloc Distributors, Inc. provides her.
“Being in business for yourself is great,” she commented. “Now, my husband
and I are able to spend much more quality time together because we have control
over the hours we work.” The couple has owned and operated Bloc Distributors,
Inc. for 25 years.
Creating tanning products isn’t the only inspiration in Amanda’s life. Discovering
her faith, which happened when she met the man who would become her husband,
has been a life-changing experience for her. “My husband’s father was a preacher
and I went to church with him and really enjoyed it,” Amanda said. “Since
I accepted Jesus Christ into my life, I’ve been a much happier person. I’ve
noticed that I have a much more positive attitude toward life, and I’ve developed
an ability to truly find the good in people.”
Amanda continues to work hard developing her latest product idea – the Solar
Head Wrap, which was designed to comfortably protect the heads and hair of
those who work and play outdoors.
Teri
Stephens
Parts/Tech Support Representative
Four Seasons Sales &
Service, Inc.
My favorite TV show: I don’t watch much television
My favorite magazine: Sports Illustrated, Cosmopolitan
In my CD player right now: The Allman Brothers
The last movie I saw: ”Hidalgo”
The food I can’t live without: Chicken Fajitas
One of my “pet peeves” is: “I have a Wolff bed.”
On the weekends, I usually: Hang out with my husband and family, boating and camping if weather permits
My “dream vacation” would be: Pack a bag and the cooler, grab the atlas and drive. Two weeks with no phones, no hurry, no agenda, no destination – just go!
by John P. Ribner
In 1997, Teri Stephens found a job she loves, and it was practically right
in her own backyard!
A native of Big Sandy, TN, Teri always knew about tanning distributor Four
Seasons Sales & Service, Inc., one of the largest employers in nearby
Paris. “About eight years ago, I had recently moved back home and needed a
job, so I started working at a tree nursery for minimum wage,” she recalled.
“I mentioned to a friend that I wanted something better, and she suggested
I apply at Four Seasons.” Teri took her friend’s advice, and was promptly
hired to sell tanning lotions. She soon discovered her true calling was in
parts and technical support, and was transferred to that department.
As a parts and technical support representative, Teri is responsible for handling
client calls, offering tech support and locating tanning equipment parts.
She also tests the company’s Radiance sunlamp product line and even works
closely with the marketing department. “I love my job because it offers something
new every day,” she commented. “I’m the kind of person who loves a challenge,
and this appeals to me because there’s no such thing as a typical day in my
department. The indoor tanning industry, itself, is like that, too, and I
love being a part of it.”
Teri says that everyone at Four Seasons is just like family, so it’s no surprise
that she said Chuck Robinson, Four Seasons CEO, is the person who gave her
the best advice she’s ever received. “About six years ago, Chuck said to me,
‘Work hard, play hard and know the difference,’” Teri recalled. “That was
very good advice because it’s helped me to focus on the things that matter
and keep my priorities straight.”
Cathy
Stroud
Vice President/Director of Marketing
American Sun Systems
My favorite TV show: “CSI”
My favorite magazine: More
In my CD player right now: Kenny Chesney ”When
the Sun Goes
Down”
The last movie I saw: ”Hostage”
The food I can’t live without: Italian and dessert (it’s a tie)
One of my “pet peeves” is: “It’s not in my job description.”
On the weekends, I usually: reconnect with home and family; gardening and photography, ride motorcycles with my husband.
My “dream vacation” would be: taking a couple of months to travel the U.S. by motorhome and motorcycle
by John P. Ribner
As a business owner, wife, mother and friend, Cathy Stroud has kept a constantly
positive and happy outlook.
Cathy helped start American Sun Systems with her husband, Chip, in May, 1985.
“My husband was in the furniture manufacturing business and had traveled to
Seattle for work,” she recalled. “He told me that all these people there had
nice tans but he couldn’t understand why because the weather there was typically
overcast and rainy. Then he found out about tanning beds, gave it a try and
loved it. Later that year we opened a salon and our distribution company.”
Having built the distribution company with her husband, Cathy has certainly
worn many hats over the years. Today, she focuses on marketing and her team
is largely responsible for producing the company’s catalog, brochures and
other sales and marketing material. “As a business owner, I don’t think of
this as a job; it’s a lifestyle and a commitment,” Cathy said. “It’s been
a fantastic opportunity to get involved in a brand new, exciting industry
and not only watch it grow, but be an influential part of that growth.” She’s
also proud to say that her daughter, Meredith and son, Chase have joined her
and Chip in the family business. “I love having our whole family working together,”
she added.
Cathy attributes her positive outlook to Betty Essick, the woman who has most
influenced her life. Betty, who was a neighbor to Cathy as well as her 4H
Club leader, was known in the community for her kind heart and helpful ways,
Cathy recalled. “She was very influential during the first 16 years of my
life and I consider myself very lucky to have known her. Betty was a very
good listener who helped us realize that the answers to our problems are oftentimes
more simple than we think, and she touched my life in many ways. I hope to
help people in the same way she did.”
Kay
Wescott
Product Manager /Educator
Exotic Tanning Systems
My favorite TV show: “Law & Order: SVU”
My favorite magazine: Reader’s Digest
In my CD player right now: The Rolling Stones
“Mixed Emotions”
The last movie I saw: ”The Ghost and the Darkness”
The food I can’t live without: Shrimp
One of my “pet peeves” is: slow drivers in the left lane
On the weekends, I usually: spend time with friends and family, grill and garden, motorcycle ride with my husband
My “dream vacation” would be: African safari
by John P. Ribner
Kay Wescott says Exotic Tanning Systems is her “life’s work,” and she loves
every minute of it.
There’s only one person who spent more time at Exotic Tanning Systems than
Kay Wescott – the company’s founder, the late Joe Moat. When the company began
as a tanning salon chain in 1982, Kay was right there working behind the counter,
selling lotions and helping the people of Muskegon, MI get great tans. Her
duties and responsibilities also increased as Exotic evolved into a distribution
company two years later. “I was splitting my time between working at our salons
and training new salon owners,” she recalled. “I remember the company was
growing rapidly during that time, and it was very exciting to be a part of
all that.”
Today, Kay’s duties as Product Manager and Educator have her focusing on Exotic’s
lotion and salon accessory sales. She also trains and educates the sales staff
as well as coordinates the company’s various educational seminars and events.
Like most of the Women in Tanning, Kay’s favorite aspect of her job is the
people. “Salon owners are some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met,
and I enjoy talking with them on a regular basis,” she said. “That and the
fun and exciting atmosphere of the tanning industry are what I really love
about my job.”
When asked what person had the most impact on her life, Kay answered, “My
mother, the late Patricia Wescott, was the definition of a mother and a woman.
She raised all seven of her children to understand that it’s what’s inside
a person that counts, and that family members should always take care of each
other. As a result, we’ve grown to be a very loving family, to the point where
people comment about how close we are when we’re out together. That’s the
way a family should be, and of course, we owe that to our mother.”