HOME
Subscribe to IST
Associations
Industry Links
Register Your Salon
Back Issues
Buyer’s Guide
Advertiser Info
Contact Us

Site Index

---

Brad Blair • President • Body Decor
My hobbies include: Family time & being an entrepreneur
My favorite sport is: Soccer
In my CD player right now: A mixed CD
My favorite food is: Pizza

My favorite way to “chill out”: Hanging around the house with family & friends.
Driven by a great idea and a need to succeed, Brad Blair continues his quest to make Body Décor a top-name product while also benefiting the indoor tanning industry.

For more than six years, Brad has owned and operated two Pacific Tanning salons in Selden and Rock Point, NY. And it was as a salon owner that he had an epiphany of sorts; he wanted to help spread the word about the positive effects of sun exposure, and also create a new lotion company, Body Décor. “Our goal was to design products that offer excellent tanning results and skincare benefits, but still offer salons a great value,” said Brad. “This is the start of how we plan to get the positive message of moderate tanning out to salons, tanners and potential tanners.”

As president of Body Décor, Brad has his hands full servicing customers – both distributors and salons – as well as managing advertising and promotions and maintaining the company’s Web presence, all while still operating two busy tanning salons. “It keeps me busy but I enjoy it, especially dealing with all our customers,” Brad commented. “The tanning industry is filled with so many fun and friendly people and it’s a pleasure to work with them every day. We’re in the business of helping people look and feel great, after all.” Of all his duties, though, Brad believes he’s found his niche in marketing. “I believe I know how to market tanning and the industry as a whole, getting people in the salons and helping them learn to love tanning and using lotions to achieve their desired results.”

Currently, the Body Décor line consists of four lotions, and Brad would like to develop more. “It’s my goal to offer lotions with advanced skincare ingredients such as skin-firming and eye-firming,” he explained. “The connection between tanning and skincare is obvious, and I’d like to expand upon that with the right products. I’d also like the Body Décor line to eventually include clothing and fragrances, as well as open three more tanning salons. I know this is a lot, but it’s fine for me. I’m a person who enjoys being busy!”

---

Fritz Boothe • Vice President • Mul-Ti Enterprises, Inc.
My hobbies include: Hunting & fishing with my son, Billy.
My favorite sport is: Football
In my CD player right now: Brandy Vaughan, Jimmy Hendrix
My favorite food is: Pasta
My favorite way to “chill out”: Dancing with my wife, Annette.

Hardworking and humble, Fritz Boothe is the “man behind the scenes” at Georgia-based Mul-Ti Enterprises.

Fritz has worked side-by-side with his wife, Annette, at Mul-Ti Enterprises, Inc. – makers of The Tannie UV hair protector – since its inception about five years ago. “Annette was tired of using towels and other things to cover her hair during a tanning session, so she got an idea to create a UV hair protector. We did a lot of research, discovered the material and began manufacturing The Tannie, and the rest, as they say, is history.”

As Vice President of Manufacturing, Fritz’s duties are clearly defined and key to keeping the fabrication of the entire product line running smoothly. “I work with our suppliers and oversee production in order to ensure that we continue to make quality products,” Fritz explained. “I also solve manufacturing issues that come up; for example, the stitching of our products. One of the most difficult things to do in sewing manufacturing is stitching in a circle, and most of our products require that. I had to actually design and make an attachment for our sewing machines in order to produce what we need.”

True to his honest nature, Fritz is straightforward about his life’s goal. “I’m a man of faith who works hard for God and for his family,” he commented. “But even though I like to stay busy, I’m never too much so to help someone when they need it. That’s the kind of person I am, and that’s how I’d like to be remembered.”

---

Keith Brink • CEO • KB Innovations, Inc.
My hobbies include: Fishing, spending time with grandkids
My favorite sport is: I like all sports.
In my CD player right now: Eric Clapton
My favorite food is: Mexican
My favorite way to “chill out”: Sitting at the lake, doing nothing.

While he enjoys inventing products that help people, Keith Brink believes the key to happiness is staying close to his family.

Keith has owned and operated KB Innovations, Inc. with his wife Becky for the past four years. A manufacturer of various products, KB recently entered the indoor tanning industry with the Tanning Wedge – an accessory product that helps eliminate the unwanted tan lines that many female tanners develop between the buttocks and thigh. “At a family get-together, several of the women were complaining about ‘smilies’ and I asked what they were,” explained Keith. “They told me, and I thought I might be able to make something that would help with that, and the Tanning Wedge was born.”

Keith might be the CEO at KB Innovations, but he’s a very hands-on CEO – that’s to be expected when you operate a small but thriving company such as his. “I work directly in the manufacturing plant as well as in the office handling marketing and promotions, and helping with anything else that’s necessary. Now that we’re selling our Tanning Wedge directly to salon pros, I’m answering a lot more sales calls these days, too.” Keith says that his favorite part of his work is talking with the many wonderful people in the indoor tanning community, as well as having the freedom to design things that will help people, such as The Tanning Wedge.
“ I’m happily married with four children and three grandchildren – we’re a very close family and I’m extremely proud of that,” he commented. “I believe it’s important for a family to stay close. We try to do as much as we can together and seem to be happier people for it. That’s the way I was raised, and Becky and I have instilled those same family values in our children.”

---

Foster “Kip” Cooper • Chief Technical Director • MagicTan Corp.
My hobbies include: Cars
My favorite sport is: Golf & football
(Go Jets!)
In my CD player right now: Tom Petty, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones
My favorite food is: Pizza
My favorite way to “chill out”: In a hammock
Easygoing and good for a laugh, Foster Kip Cooper is also one of MagicTan’s most knowledgeable sunless spray booth experts.

Foster Kip Cooper has always been called just “Kip” and that’s the way he’s still known today. He’s been with MagicTan Corp. since its beginnings in 2002. “I used to be director of engineering at a hospital and got to know MagicTan’s original owner through that line of work,” explained Kip. “When he started MagicTan, he asked me to come on board and I was glad to accept the position.”

As Chief Technical Director for MagicTan, Kip handles all the technical support for the company’s popular sunless spray booths. Whether it’s talking a salon pro through simple troubleshooting over the phone or traveling thousands of miles from his Florida home to offer hands-on help, Kip has the know- ledge and experience to keep MagicTan’s booths operating at peak performance and earning revenue for its many clients. “I’ve been all over the U.S. and the world with this job!” he explained. “I’ve been to Australia, Ireland and Holland, just to name a few, and my favorite place to visit was Iceland. It’s a very beautiful and unique country and I enjoyed the many interesting people and sites.”

While Kip’s career with MagicTan has made him a world traveler, his own life’s goal has him much more firmly rooted. “I just want to grow old, be happy and spend as much time with my wife, Brigitte, as I can,” he commented. “In my mind, that’s a very worthwhile goal to have.”

---

Bryan Ferreira • National Sales Manager • Skinscience
My Hobbies Include: Sports & exercise
My favorite sport is: Basketball
In my CD player right now: Kanye West
My favorite food is: Sushi
My favorite way to “chill out”: Dinner & drinks with friends

As hard-working and knowledgeable as he is enthusiastic, Bryan Ferreira lives his dream each day at Canadian lotion manufacturer Skinscience.

Since joining the team at Skinscience three years ago, Bryan has been on the fast track to success. Skinscience president, John MacIntosh, hired Ferreira as a sales representative and in just 18 months, Bryan was promoted to his current position of National Sales Manager. He is responsible for account and sales team management, business development and customer service. “My favorite part of the job is developing long-term relationships with distributors and tanning salon owners, and adding value to their businesses,” commented Bryan.

Bryan’s been with Skinscience since Day One, and as it turns out, the indoor tanning industry was exactly what he was looking for. “While I was attending the University of Windsor, I worked in bartending and nightclub management, which helped me develop many customer service skills,” said Bryan. “After graduating with a degree in business administration, I wanted to find a career that offered the same fun and excitement that the nightclub industry offered, while still being professional. I saw an ad on the Internet for a sales position at Skinscience and the idea of being part of a start-up company intrigued me, so I submitted my résumé and the rest is history.”

The education Bryan received at the University of Windsor is something that he doesn’t take for granted. “My family is down-to-earth – working class people who came to Canada from Portugal, and I’m the first-generation to be born here,” he said. “I’m also the first person in my family to earn a college degree, and that’s something that all of us are very proud of.”

---

Sean Frye • President • Sun Power Source
My hobbies include: Jet skiing & video games
My favorite sport is: Basketball
In my CD player right now: Classical music
My favorite food is: Mexican
My favorite way to “chill out”: Spend time with my son

Caring, loving and outgoing, Sean Frye is an all-around “people person.”
Sean is the President of Sun Power Source, a tanning product distribution company he formed with his wife Tammy, in 2000; but his tanning industry experience goes back further than that. “My father owned a tanning salon in Ventura, CA and he didn’t always receive the best service from his distributors,” recalled Sean. “That was the inspiration behind our forming Sun Power Source, and we pride ourselves on customer service.”

As president, Sean’s daily duties include ordering products, sales, and offering technical support both in person and over the phone. “I love helping people succeed, especially new salon owners,” he commented. “In most cases, these people have invested most of their life savings into their businesses, so I feel responsible for giving them all the help they need, from planning their salon to marketing and promotional programs. It’s very rewarding to see someone achieve their dream and to know you played a part in that process.”

Of his life’s accomplishments to date, Sean is most proud of his three-year-old son, Colby. “He’s the reason I get up to do this each morning,” he stated. “I love my job, but it can get hectic sometimes, especially during peak season; but the desire to provide the best life we can for our son continues to motivate my wife and I to do our very best.”

---

Graham Galka • Co-Owner • Relaxed Tans (Nominated by EuroWalls)
My hobbies include: Running, lifting weights & traveling
My favorite sport is: Collegiate & Olympic wrestling
In my CD player right now: Toby Keith
My favorite food is: Bacon
My favorite way to “chill out”: Happy Hour with friends

Laid back and easygoing, salon pro Graham Galka perfectly balances his personal life and entrepreneurial success.

At the tender age of 21, Graham is co-owner of Relaxed Tans, a salon in Washington D.C. that he opened with his friends/fraternity brothers, Kris-
topher Hart and Todd Stromberg. “We opened our salon in March 2006 because we saw a definite need for one –we attend George Washington University and the nearest tanning salon is at least 20 minutes away,” Graham explained. “After talking about it, Kristopher and I just decided to do it, and we asked Todd to join us.”

While still a student at GWU, Graham handles three levels of duties at the salon – as an owner, manager and employee. “As a co-owner, I’m responsible for advertising, marketing and cross-promoting our business, while as a manager, I handle payroll, hiring and training,” he said. “As an employee, I put in at least 10-15 hours a week behind the counter, depending on my class schedule.” While salon ownership has been challenging for Graham, his favorite part of the job comes at the day’s end. “After we close, I like to just sit down and take a look around the store and reflect on how far we’ve come in such a short time,” he said. “We’re all very proud of it.”

Graham was nominated for “Tanning’s Guys on the Go” by EuroWalls, whose product is featured prominently in the Relaxed décor. “Working with them was a real pleasure,” he commented. “They were extremely helpful and patient – they even revised our floor plan five times to accommodate the most tanning units possible. We’re very happy with the walls, the service and everything they’ve done for us.”

While Graham is certainly proud of his successes to date, at 21 years of age, he knows he hasn’t achieved his life’s goal quite yet. “I know I have many more accomplishments ahead of me, both with my schooling and the salon, and I look forward to finding out where these endeavors will take me,” he said.

---

David Graham • National Salon Consultant • Future Industries, Inc.
My hobbies include: Fishing, attending concerts & sporting events
My favorite sport is: Football
In my CD player right now: “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”
My favorite food is: Chicken Parmesan
My favorite way to “chill out”: Hiking

The tanning industry has given a lot to David Graham – a great career, lots of friends and, most importantly, the love of his life – his wife, Nikki.

Twelve years ago, David moved to California to “find himself,” and found a great future in the indoor tanning business. “A temp agency placed me with [equipment maker] Dr. Müller because of my previous sales experience and the fact that I had a tan,” commented David. “I discovered that I loved the job and I stuck with it. After Future Industries acquired the Dr. Müller brand, I contacted Karen Meade-Bentlage and asked her if I could continue my position with their company, and she agreed. As it turned out, she was planning to offer me a position with Future based on a recommendation from someone at Dr. Müller headquarters in Germany.” David has been on the Future Industries team for nearly five years.

As Future’s National Salon Consultant, David talks with his salon clients and potential clients, both on the phone and in person. “This is what I love about my job – talking with all of the great people who make up this industry and getting to know them,” he commented. “There’s nothing more rewarding than helping a salon owner develop a business plan, then getting a call from them a few months later thanking me for all I’ve done for them. I love to see those people enjoy success and I consider myself lucky to have a career that allows me to do that.”

While David has 12 successful years in the tanning industry to reflect upon, the accomplishment he’s most proud of is his family – wife, Nikki, and children Kiah 8, Azia 5, Emre 3, and Amai, 1. “I met Nikki more than 10 years ago when she was working in a Dr. Müller corporate salon in California, and we’ll be married nine years this September,” he said. “I love my family; they’re my inspiration when I get up in the morning.”

---

Kevin Haroldsen • Assistant Warehouse Manager • All Hours Distribution
My hobbies include: Fishing & cooking
My favorite sport is: NASCAR
In my CD player right now: Garth Brooks
My favorite food is: Anything off my smoker
My favorite way to “chill out”: Fishing in my float tube out on the lake

Kevin Haroldsen is cheerful and easygoing – skills that serve him well working in tanning product distribution, especially during peak season!

After working as a plumber for many years, Kevin discovered that he needed to find a new career. “I developed a blood clot in one of my lungs, and being around the various glues that are used in that line of work, not to mention crawling around in ice water in the middle of winter, became too hard on me,” explained Kevin. “I began looking for another line of work and saw an ad for the warehouse position at All Hours, and since it’s only five miles from my home, I thought I’d check it out.”

Because All Hours is a successful and growing distribution company, Kevin’s days are busy packing product orders. “Each morning, I come in and clean up the warehouse from the day before, then we jump right into packing all the orders we’ve received for that day,” he explained. “We then load those orders onto the trucks to be shipped out, and unload the trucks that deliver our supplies, inventory those items and stock them on the shelves. We always have a lot to do, especially during busy season, and wenever doing the same thing twice, which is what I love about my job.”

After a year at All Hours, Kevin feels like he’s got the hang of his job and he’s in it full swing. While he’s working hard today, he’s also keeping an eye on his future goals. “I met my wife, Yvonne, 23 years ago, and we’ve been married for 18 years,” he said. I plan to stay healthy so we can spend many more years together.”

---

Scott Karse • Purchasing/Service Manager • Suntan Supply
My hobbies include: Bike riding, bowling & golf
My favorite sport is: Baseball
In my CD player right now: Todd Rundgren’s “Back to the Bars”
My favorite food is: Prime rib

Having the determination to get the job done while remaining easygoing and adaptable; that’s Scott Karse.

Scott met Suntan Supply owners Bill and Marty Gallagher through mutual friends many years ago. He never thought he’d end up working with the brothers, but has done so for the past eight years. “I used to work in construction until the company I was with was bought out and a new management strategy was put into place,” said Scott. “I decided to look for other employment and was offered a position at Suntan Supply. I’m glad they gave me the opportunity to be part of their team because it’s been a complete pleasure working with everyone here.”

Because his duties at Suntan Supply are many, Scott starts his workday rather early. “I come in early to get caught up on paperwork and reports, which frees me up for the rest of the day to handle all purchasing orders, coordinate our service team and answer customer calls on parts and sunlamps,” he said. “I also deal directly with our many vendors.” Scott’s favorite part of his job is contributing to the success of his salon clients. “Whether it’s a brand new salon or an older one that’s being remodeled, it’s great to see everything come together for the owners, so they can open their doors to the public,” he added.

“ I’m certainly proud of many professional accomplishments in my life, but I consider my family to be my greatest accomplishment,” he said. “My wife Lori and I have been married for 18 years and we’re both very proud of our daughters – Tasha 17, and Santana, 15. Whether we’re taking a trip somewhere or just riding our bikes, we enjoy spending time together.”

---

David Kenney • Founder • Tanning Buyer’s Group
My hobbies include: Fishing & hiking with my dog, Scooby
My favorite sport is: Boston Red Sox baseball
In my CD player right now: Audioslave
My favorite food is: Steamed lobster
My favorite way to “chill out”: Meeting friends for drinks or hanging out on my deck.

While he considers himself a driven person, David Kenney’s laid-back exterior allows him to accomplish his goals in a smooth, easygoing manner.

As VP-Operations of Philadelphia’s Tantopia Tanning Centers, David was aware of the disparity in the prices various salon owners paid for their equipment, lotions and accessories. After talking with other tanning pros, he discovered that they shared his feelings, and got an idea to change the situation while saving salon operators some serious money. “I formed the Tanning Buyer’s Group nearly two years ago and it’s really taken off with salon operators across the country,” commented David. “Many members are enjoying some serious savings on their product purchases, which is what we’re all about.”

As founder of the TBG, it’s David’s job to talk with tanning product manufacturers and distributors to negotiate the best prices on equipment, lotions and accessories for the group’s membership. He also markets and promotes the group to prospective members. “I love meeting and talking with all of the salon owners in the industry,” he commented. “I’m constantly meeting so many intelligent and savvy businesspeople and all of them have been willing to share some great tips and information with me and with others in the group, and it’s been a significant benefit to all our members’ businesses.”

While establishing the Tanning Buyer’s Group was a major accomplishment for David, he’s most proud of the family he’s building with his wife, Stephanie. “We’re expecting our first child in November and both of us are extremely excited!” he exclaimed. “Family has always been important to me, and adding another member to ours is sure to be a wonderful experience.”

---

Greg Klesius • Owner • GSK Resources
My hobbies include: Hold ‘Em Poker, Golf, Exercise
My favorite sport is: Football
In my CD player right now: Blue October: “Foiled”
My favorite food is: Grilled squid
My favorite way to ìchill outî: Having a beer on the top deck of the Hurricane Bar in St. Pete Beach, watching the sunset on the Gulf of Mexico.

Inventive and intelligent, Greg Klesius is a guy who cares about his salon clients.
Greg’s name is well known in the tanning industry; he founded Soakin’ Up The Rays in 1992, and operated that for many years. After a two-month hiatus, Greg returned to the industry he loves so much in January 2005, expanding his business from tanning product manufacturing to also sell high-pressure lamps and other products. “In essence, the companies are the same; they operate on the principles I’ve always applied in my business – diversion free lotions that tanners can afford sold directly to salons, while providing as much training and education as I can,” commented Greg. “This is what I’ve been known for and it’s the only way I do business, because I enjoy having direct relationships with salon owners.”

GSK Resources is, essentially, a one-man operation – Greg handles everything from sales and marketing to customer service. “My favorite part of my job is working on and sending my weekly e-newsletter to all GSK Resources customers,î” he said. “I keep them informed about industry trends, product specials, training, and sales and marketing tips to give them an advantage over other salons. This puts me in direct contact with my clients without harassing them on the phone, which is something I strongly believe in. As a private label manufacturer, I enjoy helping salon owners succeed by designing their own personal tanning product brands.”

While he admits that having ìa yacht in the Caribbeanî would be nice, Greg is more down-to-earth about his goals and accomplishments. “Life has been a strange and fascinating adventure and I’ve been blessed with fantastic family and friends,” he commented. “Often, what I initially feared as the worst possible situation became the best opportunity to learn, grow and succeed. I plan to keep my positive and upbeat attitude every day and be the best father to my daughters, son to my parents and friend to the people in my life.”

 

---

Dennis Ligon • President • Sundays Blue Box Tanning Resorts (Nominated by Devoted Creations)
My hobbies include: Coaching youth football & baseball, playing with my kids, concerts, & Green Bay Packers football
My favorite sport is: Football
In my CD player right now: Sugarland
My favorite food is: Seafood
My favorite way to “chill out”: Playing sports, movies, relaxing at the beach, spending time with my kids.

Blessed with business savvy, Dennis Ligon keeps his eyes on the prize – his goal to turn his six-salon chain into an empire of 20-stores…or more.

Dennis was inspired to open a tanning salon about 15 years ago. “I had some bad experiences at other tanning facilities, so I thought that I could create a salon model that offered much better customer service,” he recalled. “I actually invested my life savings to open Sundays Blue Box Tanning Resort in 1993, and we’ve added five locations over the years. My ultimate goal is to have 20-30 Sundays salons in the Virginia Beach area.”

As President of a growing salon chain, Dennis’s duties vary. His days are spent working on the business, implementing systems for its growth, marketing and promotions and scouting areas for future development. “What I love most is the interaction with our staff and clients,” he said. “It’s very rewarding to watch individuals grow into their positions and see their confidence improve over the years.”

Dennis was nominated for “Tanning’s Guys On The Go” by Lewis Henry, president of lotion maker, Devoted Creations. “We think the Devoted Creations product lines are fantastic, and we’re even more impressed with Lewis’s dedication to the salons that carry the lotions,” Dennis commented. “When our staff required training, Lewis personally came to our salon. Our team was so motivated that they sold over 1,600 bottles of Devoted Creations products in two weeks!”

As for the accomplishment he’s most proud of, Dennis is quick to mention his tanning business. Perhaps that’s why friends and family call him the “Tanman.” “The decision to leave a business that required extensive travel and devote 100 percent of my efforts to growing the tanning business was a scary proposition at first, but I was motivated by wanting to spend each day with my two children – Josh and Jordan,” he explained. “The business grew, and it turned out to be the best decision I could ever have made.”

---

Rick Mattoon • President • American Tanning Institute
My hobbies include: Hiking & running
My favorite sport is: Watching my kids in karate & ballet
In my CD player right now: Merle Haggard
My favorite food is: Prime rib
My favorite way to “chill out”: I love to spend time with the kids at the park.

Friendly and outgoing, Rick Mattoon is dedicated to helping tanning salon owners everywhere.
Rick is no stranger to the indoor tanning industry – he got involved with the business 10 years ago as an educator for a salon operator training program. “I did that for about six years, then decided I needed a little break from all the traveling, so I took some time off,” explained Rick. “I came back to help form the American Tanning Institute (ATI), and for the past three years, we’ve been focused on our mission to train salon pros.”

As President of Arizona-based ATI, Rick’s duties include monitoring salon participation in the organization’s online training program. He also answers tanning pros’ questions by phone for at least 10-15 hours each day. Although it keeps him busy, Rick truly loves what he’s doing. “It’s very fulfilling to help salon owners become strong and successful through training and education,” he commented. “And it’s very exciting and rewarding to hear their stories about the ways our program has helped them.”

Rick is all about American Tanning Institute, and considers its success to be his biggest accomplishment. “Our program has been growing by leaps and bounds – participation has increased 200 percent each year for the past three years!” he exclaimed. “To keep up with this growth, we’ve opened satellite offices in New Hampshire and Ohio, and may need more as the need grows. All of this is very exciting for me.”

---

Grant Miller • Owner • Sun Your Buns (Nominated by EuroWalls)
My hobbies include: Golf & bicycling
My favorite sport is: Baseball
In my CD player right now: Jay Abraham marketing program
My favorite food is: Filet mignon
My favorite way to “chill out”: Stay home & watch a movie

An upbeat and easygoing nature and a good eye for what’s to come have helped make Grant Miller a successful tanning salon owner.

Before starting his Sun Your Buns tanning salon chain in 2002, Grant owned a video rental chain with stores in and around his Erie, PA home. It was during his days as a video entrepreneur that he began to see something. “About six years ago, I noticed that the video rental industry had peaked and we saw a small decline in our sales,” recalled Grant. “The next year saw even bigger declines, and I realized it was time to get out of that industry. Because of the connection between tanning and video, we started installing stand-up tanning systems at our stores until we morphed all of them into stand-alone salons and got out of the video business entirely.”

Today, Grant owns and operates a total of four Sun Your Buns facilities where he does everything expected of a successful salon chain operator. “I handle everything from paperwork and personnel issues to the day-to-day stuff such as equipment maintenance and employee training,” he said. “The most important thing I can do as a salon owner, though, is strategic marketing and advertising. I’ve always believed that I’m not in the tanning business, I’m in the marketing business because it won’t matter if I have the best salon in town if nobody’s heard of it. That’s why I do all I can to try to drive traffic into our stores.”

Raising his son, G.T. Miller, to be an intelligent, responsible young man is what Grant counts as his greatest accomplishment. “My son just graduated from high school and is preparing to study law at Gannon University, and we’re all very proud of him!” he exclaimed.

---

Cory Myers • Territory Manager • ETS, LLC
My hobbies include: Golf, watching my daughter play college volleyball & watching my two sons play football.
My favorite sport is: Football (Go Bears!)
In my CD player right now: Earth, Wind & Fire
My favorite food is: Lobster with a side of fish sticks
My favorite way to “chill out”: Crawl down into the “Man Pit” (my basement), pop some cold ones & watch NFL football with friends.

Friendly, outgoing and eager to make the most of every moment – that’s Cory Myers.
Cory’s career with ETS is long and distinguished, spanning 17 years; but he’s been familiar with the equipment maker for much longer. “My father started selling ETS tanning equipment when I was in high school and I got to know [former ETS owner] Trevor Gray and many other people who worked there,” explained Cory. “After graduating from college, I also worked in tanning and toning table distribution, and I ran into the folks from ETS at an industry tradeshow. They asked me when I was going to come work for them. I knew it was a good career opportunity so I took it, and I’ve been there ever since.”

The daily duties of an ETS Territory Manager have Cory contacting tanning salon operators in his seven Northeastern states to assist with their equipment, lotion and tanning accessory needs. He also offers business plans and various sales and promotional ideas designed to make salons more profitable. “The best thing about this job is when my clients call me back to thank me and tell me they’re successful,” Cory said. “It makes me feel good when I hear that.”

A friendly, uncomplicated person, Cory’s life’s goal is equally straightforward. “I just want to do the best I can to put a smile on someone’s face each day, and always give more than I take,” he commented.

---

John Overstreet • Executive Director • Indoor Tanning Association
My hobbies include: Camping, boating & photography
My favorite sport is: To watch – college football; contact sport – fighting with the AAD!
In my CD player right now: I like the old stuff – Allman Brothers Band, Grateful Dead & Eric Clapton
My favorite food is: Seafood, & it has to be fried, deep-fried
My favorite way to “chill out”: Going to the beach with my two good friends, Jack & Ginger.

Hardworking and conscientious, John Overstreet is just the guy the indoor tanning industry needs to defend its future.

Nearly six years ago, John was given a very important task – to head up the Indoor Tanning Association. “My background is in public policy, with 14 years working on Capitol Hill and another 14 years lobbying for corporations and trade associations, with additional experience in state legislative programs and association management,” explained John. “I was one of the candidates for the position who was chosen by the search committee, which included ITA president Dan Humiston and Board member Bill Pipp.”

What John does for the ITA all depends on what time of year it is. “From January to May is the states’ legislative season, and we’re busy working with our representatives in each state to try to stop unnecessary regulation of the industry,” he said. “March typically kicks off the time of year the industry’s detractors choose to attack tanning in the media, so we’re busy handling press inquiries and interviews during that time. In the summer, we begin gearing up for the ITA World Expo show, and once that’s over, we have a little breather before it all starts up again.” John says his favorite part of the job, by far, is succeeding in stopping unbearable indoor tanning regulations from being passed at the state level.

For all his accomplishments both in and outside the tanning industry, John is most proud of setting up the ITA’s current system of combating proposed regulations. “It’s been a challenge because in many states, the stakes have been very high; but it’s always great when we achieve a victory for indoor tanning,” he said.

---

Bill Schmidt • National Sales Manager • T.W. Tan
My hobbies include: Camping, grilling, playing with my kids, projects around the house
My favorite sport is: Football
In my CD player right now: Big & Rich
My favorite food is: Steak or Peanut M&M’s
My favorite way to “chill out”: Sitting in the garage, having a cold one & grilling

Bill Schmidt’s hardworking and determined nature is balanced by his outgoing personality and healthy sense of humor.

Seven years ago, Bill was in need of a change. Working in sales and distribution for a construction business, he commuted over 70 miles each way to and from his job every day. Wanting something still in the sales arena yet closer to home led him to apply for a job at Minnesota tanning distributor, T.W. Tan. “I started as the Sales Administrator and worked my way up to my current position of National Sales Manager,” explained Bill. “I wear many hats – I’m responsible for leading our national sales team, working with our logistics manager with product ordering, and assisting our executive manager with coordinating our symposium and tradeshow presence. And since I choose to lead by example, I have a list of sales accounts, as well.”

Coming from the stressful construction industry, Bill says he’s glad to have found a home in indoor tanning. “This is such a fun and relaxed business – I love it!” he exclaimed. “Everyone at T.W. Tan is great to work with. We’re like one big extended family, and the salon owners I talk to every day are also some excellent people. Dealing with them is easily my favorite part of the job.”

A devoted family man, Bill is proud of what he and his wife, Kristin, have accomplished together. “We built a home and started raising our family – our son Brady, who is 5 and daughter Kaileigh, 2 – when we were in our early 20s,” he explained. “It wasnalways easy, especially when I had such a long commute for work, but we always seemed to work together and pull through, and I’m very proud of that.”

---

Eric Spangler • Director of Operations • Magnum Sun
My hobbies include: When I have time, working out & playing volleyball
My favorite sport is: Football
In my CD player right now: Gospel music
My favorite food is: Steak
My favorite way to “chill out”: Yard work

Experienced and steadfast, Eric Spangler is a man of principle who’s committed to improving not only his business but the entire indoor tanning industry, as well.

After 30 successful years of opening and managing tanning salons, Eric Spangler sold those business interests to do something he’d wanted to do for a long time – help salon owners be more profitable. His plan was to design what he knew to be the perfect tanning unit, based on his years of experience. “We partnered with a Belgian tanning unit manufacturer to bring Magnum Sun to the industry,” said Eric. “We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved with our equipment brand.”

As director of operations, Eric has many duties at Magnum Sun. He handles marketing, promoting and selling the company’s popular tanning systems, as well as working closely with salons to help them succeed. This, he says, is his favorite part of the job. “I just try to give them the benefit of my 30 years of experience so they avoid the heartaches and headaches that I’ve endured,” he laughed.

Thirty years in indoor tanning is nothing to scoff at, and Eric says he’s proud to be a part of it. Still, he feels the industry’s image needs improvement in the public’s eyes, and that’s something he’s dedicated to. “Because of all of the negative press it’s received over the years, some people compare indoor tanning to cigarette smoking,” he commented. “I will continue to do my best to help this industry be as professional and successful as it can be. If we can do that, we will have done a lot.”

---

David Steele • Parts &Service Manager • All Hours Distribution
My hobbies include: Motorcycle riding
My favorite sport is: Football & NASCAR
In my CD player right now: Train
My favorite food is: Steak & potatoes
My favorite way to “chill out”: Whiskey & ice

David Steele is a real go-getter who also happens to know how things go together.
Since 1985, David has been lending his services to All Hours Distribution, but he’s worked for the company’s owner, Leo Taylor, much longer than that. “I used to work at a scrap yard Leo owned and one day, I made the mistake of telling him I could fix a tanning bed of his that was broken,” David laughed. “I was able to fix the tanning unit, so he started me out working at All Hours and I’ve been there ever since.”

As the Parts & Service Manager, David admits his days at All Hours are very busy. In addition to assisting salon clients with sunbed maintenance issues on site and over the phone, he also handles bookkeeping duties, inventory and anything else that’s needed to keep things running smoothly. “I truly enjoy working for Leo,” David commented. “I’ve known him for a long time – he’s a good guy and I look up to him.”

David has always been good at fixing and repairing things, as evidenced by what he considers his greatest accomplishment. “I’m most proud of my 1978 Harley-Davidson Low Rider that I purchased as a scrap vehicle and completely restored by hand,” he commented. “I got the bike, or what was left of it, about 10 years ago and it took me about six years to complete the restoration. I still ride whenever I can.”

---

Vince Lorraine • Publisher
Island Sun Times
My hobbies include: Golf, sports cars, riding my Harley
My favorite sport is: College football
(Go, Blue!)
In my CD player right now: Hinder
My favorite food is: Crab legs (found out I’m allergic!)
My favorite way to “chill out”: Lying on the beach with a frosty beverage

 

 

---

John Ribner • Head Writer
Island Sun Times
My hobbies include: Playing guitar, mixed martial arts
My favorite sport is: mixed martial arts
In my CD player right now: Wolfmother, The Bags
My favorite food is: Chicken Tosca
My favorite way to “chill out”: Playing “Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter” with friends

 

 

---

Roy Carrasco • Marketing Director
Island Sun Times
My hobbies include: Computers, water sports, watching UFC
My favorite sport is: Hockey
In my CD player right now: Seether
My favorite food is: Italian
My favorite way to “chill out”:
Relaxing on the lake

 

 

---