Dear Readers,
Can you hear it …? Busy Season is ramping up! Are you ready?
In January, hundreds of salon operators prepared for the season by attending “Industry Happenings” that offered great education and networking opportunities. Check out our coverage of the events hosted by PC Tan (NJ) and Four Seasons/Forever Tan (NC), starting on p.16. All reports indicate that participants and attendees were energized by the positive atmosphere at these first-class events.
Four Seasons and Forever Tan co-hosted the Southeastern Tanning Expo, where dozens of salon operators fulfilled North Carolina’s certification requirement with our Sun is Life® program, presented by Joe Schuster. For me, it’s gratifying to see the result of several years and hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in developing the program. But, this is what IST has always been about: helping you be more successful.
I have always been amazed to talk with salon owners at industry events and learn that they operate without a business plan, or even a basic tool such as a budget. Well, IST is here to help again! In this issue, we introduce our new Business Support Program. This valuable business tool will help you analyze and review the vital aspects of your business model, including a calculation of operating costs of each tanning system (UV & Sunless), and analysis of the cost and contribution of lotions, accessories, sunless and additional profit centers to your bottom line.
More good stuff – we had to make room on our “Contributors” page for three new columnists, including members of the New Sunshine team – Scott Eggers and Katie Phillips – with more great info you can share with your staff. This brings the number of experts offering you advice each month to 15! Their columns are required reading for my management staff, and I urge you to do the same.
Don’t miss Joe Schuster’s coverage of the recent merging of sunlamp giants, Wolff System and Cosmedico Light (“The Evolution Continues,”). He offers some history, and talked with the company leaders about their goals for the future.
Joe also penned a Spring Break piece that includes a fun look at the past, as well as input from salon operators all over the country who share their current strategies for making the most of the season.
I hope you’re ready to make 2017 your best year ever!
Thanks for reading.
