Dear Readers,
Many feelings come with reaching this type of milestone – 25 years of doing ANYTHING is a long time! But, time certainly flies when you’ve been doing something well, and it’s time well spent when you can say you’ve left your mark. In those respects, I feel very fortunate.
As a veteran salon chain operator back in 1997, I realized a need for a valuable tanning trade magazine. My success in the industry afforded me the opportunity to pursue magazine publishing, so I jumped in head-first and launched Island Sun Times. As it grew, the magazine evolved into a trade event producer, filling another need with our Solar Seminar Executive Retreats. Finally, I decided to create what has become the industry’s preferred salon operator education, the award-winning Sun is Life® Certification. The goal has always been to foster and support the industry that has been near to my heart and provided a great life for my family for over four decades.
Of course, I didn’t achieve these goals alone – survival in any business requires a team effort. From sales to editorial to graphic design, many talented and dedicated people have helped this venture succeed from the get-go. It’s so rewarding to know that even in this day of “online everything,” I still hear from salon operators how much they look forward to receiving their printed magazines. And, I frequently find myself learning something new from our contributing writers – yes, even an old dog like me!
Things have certainly changed since 1997, and we’ve been through a lot together. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved with IST Magazine and look forward to providing a top-quality publication for many years to come.
I hope you can attend one of this month’s events provided by two top tanning product providers: Heartland Tanning’s Product Prep & Retail Coaching Bootcamp (Sun is Life Training is available) in Blue Springs, MO on February 4-5; and Expo 2022 hosted by Tanning Supplies Unlimited in Indianapolis, IN on February 25-26. Take advantage of these great opportunities to up your game for the coming season!
Thanks for reading
