Over the past 14 years, IST Magazine has offered tanning professionals the opportunity to cast their votes and choose the people and products they feel were the season’s “best of the best.” The Industry Choice Award honorees consider it a tremendous honor to be recognized, whether they are a nominee or a winner. Here are some thoughts from the 2017 winners about being voted “the industry’s choice.”
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Person of the Year
Lisa Parsons, Director of Brand Development Devoted Creations
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“To say I am humbled, honored and floored to win this prestigious award again would be an understatement! I don’t think I could possibly put into words how much this means to me. Everyone in this industry works extremely hard day in and day out in their respective careers, but to be recognized for your work and dedication means you have impacted other people in the process. For me, that’s the biggest achievement. Being in this industry for 16 years has been a blessing … I get to have fun with people I love, while doing what I love every day and for that, I am grateful. I am more grateful to all of our salon and distribution partners who allow us to continue doing what we love to do. Also, a HUGE ‘thank you’ to everyone who voted for me, voted for our company and for your continued support! You all made me feel extremely special!”
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Favorite Bronzer Lotion
Favorite Tingle Product
Favorite Ad Campaign
Devoted Creations
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“On behalf of the entire Devoted Creations team, I would like to thank our loyal customers and friends who thought enough of us to take the time to vote. I remember the first-ever Industry Choice Awards, which was the year Devoted Creations entered the industry, so to say we are humbled by the recognition would be a vast understatement. Our team is the best in the business and I truly believe our customers, from the tanner to the salon owner, see how devoted (pun intended) we are to our lotions and the service we provide. These recognitions are very meaningful and appreciated. This year will be even better, and we’re excited for salons to see our newest lineup of the best tanning products in the world!”[gap height=”5″]
Lewis Henry President
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Favorite
Non-Tingle Product
Swedish Beauty
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“First and foremost, a tremendous ‘thank you’ to everyone who took time out of their busy lives to vote for Swedish Beauty, and for our Love Boho Bronzer. The only way that we can be successful as a brand and produce fan favorites such as Love Boho is through the ongoing success of our industry, and I am inspired and humbled by the dedication I see every day with our industry partners and leaders. When YOU win, we all win. With your support, I am beyond confident that we will continue to provide products that you love, year after year!”[gap height=”5″]
Carly Griffin, Brand Manager
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Favorite
After-Tan Product
Sun Evolutions
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“At Sun Evolutions/Hempz, we consider our customers’ opinions the most important ones of all, which is why winning your votes for favorite after tan moisturizer is so special. Thank you so much for this honor! We are looking forward to bringing you even more of the products you love for 2018!”[gap height=”5″]
Maggie Curran, Director of Sales
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Favorite Package Design
Designer Skin
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“On behalf of the Designer Skin Team, thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for our products! We are driven each season to bring our customers the most innovative, eye-catching and must-have products. I am so thrilled to know that our industry feels we have done just that with Designer Skin Visionary this past year! We look forward to continuing to provide exceptional products for our loyal Designer Skin devotees and we are honored to be recognized by our industry!”[gap height=”5″]
Meg Rosenbaum, Brand Manager
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Favorite Airbrush System
California Tan Sunless
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“We are delighted and honored to have won another IST award! We truly believe in our products and brand, so it’s flattering and humbling that the industry agrees with us. Thank you for trusting your customers’ spray tans to California Tan!”[gap height=”5″]
Ashley Wottring Associate Director
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Favorite Eye Protection
Eye Pro
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“Eye Pro is thrilled to once again have our disposable eye protection, Wink-Ease, voted Favorite Eyewear! We’ve focused solely on one-time-use eyewear for three decades, and we’re delighted that our focus and dedication shows. Thank you so much for your support and for protecting your vision while tanning!”[gap height=”5″]
Brenda Fishbaugh President
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Favorite
High-Pressure Lamp
Supra Brands Group
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“We have worked very hard for many years to position Supra as a market leader. However, now that we have won ten years in a row, it is just as humbling as it is rewarding to see that salon owners, distributors and manufacturers appreciate our products and services. After 40 years in the industry, I have learned that customer loyalty comes from not only great products, but also customer service and prompt follow-up, quick deliveries and also product and equipment knowledge. We pledge to be here for a long time to come and aid salon owners across the board. Thank you!”[gap height=”5″]
Leif Vasstrom Supra Brands
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Favorite Low-Pressure Sunlamp
Wolff System
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“Thank you, IST. We are pleased to be recognized as the provider of one of the sunlamp products that is important for our salon friends. I’ve lost track of the number of times a Wolff System product received this honor. Best holiday wishes to you and your teams, and to their families, of course. Keep up the good work!”[gap height=”5″]
Michael Stepp
Executive VP-Sales & Operations
JW North America
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Favorite Software Program
Helios
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“On behalf of our team at Helios, thank you for choosing our product as your favorite! We are so grateful for our clients and are thankful to be able to serve you day in and day out. As Helios continues to grow to meet your needs, we’re looking forward to great things in 2018!”[gap height=”5″]
Chad Hankinson Vice President
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Favorite Low-Pressure
UV System
Favorite High-Pressure
UV System
JK North America/Ergoline
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“We are thrilled to be chosen by our customers as their preferred tanning equipment and to be the recipient of the Industry Choice Awards for both low-pressure and high-pressure systems this year. Our customers drive every facet of our business and it’s our highest honor to be chosen as their favorite!”[gap height=”5″]
Brynn Scarborough, Executive Director: Sales, Business Development & Marketing
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Favorite Retail
Tanning Accessory
Twilight Teeth
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“Twilight Teeth is excited to receive this Industry Choice Award 2017. We are honored to have been involved and do successful business in this industry for 15 years now. Keep buying ‘The Original Teeth Whitening Product for the Indoor Tanning Industry.’ Thank you so much.”[gap height=”5″]
Jerry Baughman President
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Favorite Salon Operation Product/Service
Sun is Life®
Training & Certification
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“So much went into the creation of this program over seven years ago – decades of industry experience and a goal of providing salon operators with an easy, effective way to train their staff. In addition to offering a professional experience to every salon guest, a team that is well-trained in industry best practices can propel a salon to a new level of success and profitability. And, Sun is Life salons operate their facilities in keeping with industry regulations regarding health claims. We’re proud to be recognized for empowering thousands of salon owners and staff to be the best they can be.”[gap height=”5″]
Vince Lorraine Publisher
IST Magazine
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Favorite Distributor Partner
Four Seasons Sales & Service
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“Cheers and celebrations may be heard in every department at Four Seasons upon hearing the good news. ‘We must be doing a few things right!’ as testified by winning the Favorite Distributor Partner in the IST Industry Choice Awards for 13 consecutive years. The one thing our team is particularly proud of is our dedication to our customers. Every day, we want them to feel that they are the primary focus of Four Seasons. Your feedback, given in this survey, assures us that we are on the right track. Your appreciation for how we do things at Four Seasons makes us proud. Thank you for your votes, and your trust in us. It is greatly appreciated.”[gap height=”5″]
Ed Jerger, President
