Owners: Dan Rocha & Neil Shapiro
Locations: Woodland Hills & Encino, CA & Studio City & West Hollywood, CA (Sunset Tan Salons)
Number of Stores: 4
Years in Business: 15
Staff Members: 30
UV Tanning Units: 40
Lotions: New Sunshine Products
Salon Software: SunLync
Other Services: 360° High-Pressure Beds, Infinity Sun Spray-Tans, Mystic Tan, Leg-Tanners, Red-Light Therapy
Training: Sun is Life®
Distribution Partner: Four Seasons Sales & Service
Best-Selling Lotion: Designer Skin Elusive
Most Popular Packages: EFT, 10-Packs, 1-Month Unlimited
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Our “Salon of Distinction” this month comes in from the “Left Coast” and some fashionable areas around Los Angeles.
Dan Rocha and Neil Shapiro are co-owners of the Insatiable Sun chain with locations in Woodland Hills, Encino, West Hollywood and Studio City, CA. I initially met Dan with a large group of his managers and staff in 2014 at the Four Seasons Expo in St. Louis, MO, on hand for my presentation of Sun is Life® Certification. Dan returned in January to the Four Seasons event in Winston-Salem, NC ready to gain more information, education and get Sun is Life certified.
Dan and Neil found their way in to the tan biz back in 2001. As friends, they shared a mutual drive to start a business that would combine their enthusiasm and passions delivered through superior customer service. Both were indoor tanners and knew that they could deliver an outstanding business model to “The Valley.” They saw an opening and went for it! However, passion and enthusiasm sometimes can’t outweigh the harsh reality of pursuing a business venture. In the early struggle, they were maxing out credit cards to keep the salon going. But that drive was soon rewarded with the opening of their second location and subsequently, obtaining a third and fourth.
I asked Dan what he sees as the biggest hurdle that salons currently have to overcome. “Without a doubt, it’s the negative media that surrounds us,” he asserted. “Every spring, the media pounds us with information that ultimately affects current and future tanners – and not all of the information is accurate. However, we feel it’s so important to arm our staff with factual information to counter what is being thrown around by the media. That’s why we keep current by training with Sun is Life.”
Dan also explained that a wide range of state-of-the-art products keep them front-and-center with their salon guests. “We offer both low- and high-pressure sunbeds, custom airbrush tans, Mystic Tan spray-booths, leg-tanners and red-light therapy. We want to be a ‘one-stop-shop’ for our customers. If they want it, we usually offer it.” Dan and Neil’s salons are located near some very high-end real estate out there in “Tinsel Town” and I had to ask if their customer database perhaps included any popular movie or singing stars. “You never know who you might see at Insatiable Sun!” Dan smiled. I also asked him what the future looks like for his business. “Hey, we’re in it to win it!” he exclaimed. “We strive to be the best and may even add another salon or two to our current lineup.”
