The businesses featured in our JK Salon Spotlight have achieved success by partnering with the team of professionals at tanning and wellness system manufacturer and worldwide industry innovation leader, JK Products & Services. This month, we talked to industry veteran Ron King, Owner of Tanning Unlimited in Quincy, IL. Along with photos of the newly-remodeled facility, he shared his thoughts about the relationship with Team JK and the ways it benefits his business.
IST How did you find yourself in the tanning industry?
RK: We owned a Curves for Women franchise and of course, we were looking for an additional revenue stream. We thought tanning beds would be a perfect fit for a “women’s only” workout facility. After doing our research, it became apparent that we needed to offer a standalone tanning salon next to the Curves facility, which we opened in 2001.
IST: What do your tanners love about the Ergoline systems you offer?
RK: Customers have been praising the deep, sun-kissed tan they get from the Ergoline hybrid beds since day one. The added features such as Aqua Fresh and Aroma, red and blue LED light truly make these beds exceptional. Ergoline gives every customer the ability to choose the best tan for them and their skin needs. Without a doubt, Ergoline has far exceeded everyone’s expectations of a typical tanning bed.
IST: How has the team at JK/Ergoline helped you grow your business?
RK: The JK/Ergoline team has brought a wealth of information and support to our business. Bill Neiscuir, our tanning rep and equipment sales representative, has been a tremendous help. Having owned and operated his own tanning salon, he comes with great knowledge. His sales experience and knowledge of the business has been the backbone of our salon’s success. He understands not only the equipment, but also the day-to-day planning that is required to run and operate a successful tanning salon. The sales advice on which beds to purchase and delivery of new beds have been made exceptionally easy and user friendly, and a lot of that credit goes to Bill.
IST: You attended the 2022 Experience JK event – what were your impressions?
RK: The 2022 Experience JK event and new equipment reveal in Clearwater, FL was the most informative experience we have had within the tanning industry! When I was invited to attend, I was very hesitant, wondering if this would be beneficial to us and the goals we wanted to achieve for our year and going forward. The strange thing was that our sales representative (Bill) did not have any information to share about what I would see there. I thought we would see a well-upscaled and “redone” tanning system with the same electronics. Boy, was I wrong! The groundbreaking, new UV light technology that JK introduced was nothing we expected. The hybrid total light technology – a new way to tan! The Vitality, Prestige 1600 and Sunrise 7200 stand-up hybrid units have set our salon apart from our competition.
IST: What is your favorite Ergoline tanning system?
RK: Our Prestige 1600, Vitality, and Sunrise 7200 hybrid stand-up are our most-used units. Our customers enjoy being able to customize the session settings to the features they enjoy most. The hydrating aqua mist has been the most-liked feature – not only do you get a mist to cool you, but you also get the hydrating benefits. Tanners enjoy the option to adjust the UV output on these beds by choosing from the sensitive, medium and intensive options. This allows for the Vitality bed to be used by people of all skin types, and even those wanting to get more benefits from the red-light option.
IST: What advice would you offer to new salon owners?
RK: I think the three most important factors in running a successful tanning salon are location, equipment menu and staff. The most critical is our staff – we want to create an environment that makes our guests feel welcome and comfortable. Tanning salons should be a place where one goes to relax, and our team goes above and beyond to make this happen for our customers. One major thing that stuck with me from a previous job 40 years ago was PSP philosophy. “PSP” stands for people, service, profit. Our most important commodities are our staff and customers. People: Hire very pleasant people. I have found through experience that you cannot teach people to be pleasant! Good workers and good customer service comes within certain personalities; finding your own salon’s philosophy and hiring staff to those standards will make it work. Service: Take care of your customers. We sell an experience – make your customers’ visit to your facility the highlight of their day. Finally, Profit: Do the first two and profit will take care of itself!
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