Located in Avon, OH Suntan Supply was founded in 1994 by brothers Marty Gallagher and Bill Gallagher. The company had humble beginnings operating from Marty’s garage, and nearly 30 years later is one of the largest full service distributors of new and used tanning equipment and related parts in the United States.
The Gallaghers have also actively supported the tanning industry as legislators in Washington, D.C., as well as becoming experts on legal government language and taxes that impact the industry. In addition, they educate Ohio salon operators with their training and certification program – Train Ohio.
While these veteran tanning community members are well known to many, IST talked them into sharing some “personal stuff” with our readers, just for fun.
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1. What was your very first job?
BG: I was a bagger at a local store called Danny Boy Farm Market in North Olmsted, OH. I was 12 years old, made $2 per hour and loved every minute of that job.
MG: At age 14, I worked for our family’s miniature golf and ice cream store called Dairy Tee, helping to build a mini-golf course. I started out forming concrete, shoveling dirt, operating a heavy construction backhoe and planting grass. When the course was complete, I had real fun working the counter and serving ice cream to customers.
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2. What’s something people would never guess about you?
BG: I am a high school bowling coach. I have studied coaching the sport (my hobby) ever since my kids began picking it up. They all bowled in high school and one is now competing on the team at Notre Dame.
MG: I’m uncomfortable in the spotlight. I like being involved behind the scenes and letting the light shine on others really doing the heavy lifting. Characteristically, it is even hard for me to answer these personal, yet simple questions.
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3. What’s your favorite quote from a TV show/movie/book?
BG: “Rob, you were there.” – from the movie “Tommy Boy”
MG: “Put it on the Underhills’ tab!” – from the movie “Fletch”
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4. What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen?
BG: Niece, France – the waterfront and beach on the French Riviera are stunning. The people are amazing and the food is incredible.
MG: Lisbon, Portugal by far. It is filled with stunning architecture, panoramic ocean views, exciting culture and extremely friendly people.
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5. What are you most excited about in your life right now?
BG: I am thrilled to be able to give my kids what I couldn’t have when I was their age. Being able to send them to college feels like I accomplished many of my life goals. Seeing my kids succeed is all I’ve ever wanted.
MG: My youngest daughter Erin is entering the next chapter in her life and will start college soon. After successfully raising four children, my wonderful wife Joanna and I will be “empty-nesters.” Other than business travel, we paused any long-awaited trips – both short getaways and extended travel, plus making time to spend with friends boating on Lake Erie. Additionally, years back when I was a lobbyist, PAC Chairman and Legislative Chairman for the Indoor Tanning Association, I found tremendous value and satisfaction being the voice of so many industry members. I have had a decade-long dream of returning to this level of involvement; so today, I’m excited to be running for the Ohio House of Representatives.
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6. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
BG: Crab legs/lobster with steak and asparagus, a glass of Cabernet and crème brûlée for dessert.
MG: Hands down: surf and turf; however, always being mindful of my health, I am not sure my body would agree with that choice.
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7. What advice would you give your 17-year-old self?
BG: Study hard and get excellent grades in school. Don’t quit college! Wake up on time and deliver on every promise and commitment you have. Do more than is expected and expect nothing in return. Always find a way to make someone’s day better.
MG: I would tell myself to become extremely proficient in IT, make sure to learn from all your experiences and most importantly: never give up and always give back!
