This month’s Salon of Distinction just happens to be a “neighbor” down the road from our IST headquarters. Rob and Pam Ploof together with Shawn and Michelle Spishak own Mega Tan in Flint, MI. This was a perfect time of year to catch the salon owners at ease with some mild summer weather for my interview.
[gap height=”15″]IST: Of course, I’ll start off with some background. So many of us didn’t really plan to go into the tanning industry. Tell me how you got your start.
[gap height=”15″]Mega Tan: We didn’t plan to get into this business, it was pure luck! The people who originally owned the salon were retiring and selling it with everything – the building, equipment, inventory, etc. Our family happened to be customers and we were interested in the business at that time, because we thought it would be a great opportunity to become entrepreneurs.
[gap height=”15″]IST: Your staff has just recently completed IST’s Sun is Life® Certification. How important is having a trained staff at your salon?
[gap height=”15″]Mega Tan: Staff training is not just important for our business, it’s important for our customers. If our staff is well educated, we can inform our tanners with factual information and provide a fantastic guest experience.
[gap height=”15″]IST: The U.S. tanning industry has witnessed several significant “peaks and valleys,” yet now approaches our fifth decade. From your perspective, what has been your biggest challenge?
[gap height=”15″]Mega Tan: For us, it’s been learning about all the equipment and how to repair and take it apart. We don’t have a maintenance person for our salon, so it’s all done by the owners which has proved to be challenging.
[gap height=”15″]IST: So following up my previous question, what do you feel is the tanning industry’s biggest obstacle?
[gap height=”15″]Mega Tan: The perception is still out there that indoor tanning is the leading cause of skin cancer. We’ve learned that through education about moderation, this can be avoided, and we need to keep educating the public.
[gap height=”15″]IST: Okay, let’s look to the future. Where do you want to be in the next five years?
[gap height=”15″]Mega Tan: We hope to see our business thriving and expanding with more services and new equipment. We plan to continue on a successful path with friendly staff and great customer service.
[gap height=”15″]Thanks for taking time for the interview and all the best to you and Team Mega Tan!
[gap height=”15″]Location: Flint, MI
Owners: Rob & Pam Ploof, Shawn & Michelle Spishak
Staff: 7
Tanning Units: 13
Lotions: Australian Gold, Designer Skin, Swedish Beauty, Devoted Creations
Best-Selling Lotion: Designer Skin Visionary
Software: Helios
Other Services: Sunless, FIT Bodywrap
Training: Sun is Life® Training & Certification
Distributor Partner: Four Seasons
Most Popular Package: VIP Membership
“Staff training is not just important for our business, it’s important for our customers.”
