Midas Touch Golden Tans
Raising the Standard

The businesses featured in our JK Salon Spotlight have achieved success by partnering with tanning and wellness system manufacturer and worldwide industry innovation leader, JK Products & Services. This month, we talked to veteran Kansas Salon Manager Amy Ringler about the relationship and its many benefits.

IST: How did you find yourself in the tanning industry?

AR: My dad (Darrell Ringler) opened the salon in April of 2002. I was a senior in high school and would help clean beds after school or softball practice. During college, I’d catch myself jotting down promotional ideas or marketing plans during chemistry lectures! Eventually, I switched to a business management major, taking my role at the salon more seriously. As time goes on, I’m still eager to learn more about business, consumer behavior, management, behavioral psychology and marketing.

IST: How has your partnership with JK/Ergoline helped Midas Touch grow?

AR: The JK Team – Billy and Tom Neisciur, Tom Tarpoff, Jerry Deveney, Greg Majac, Henry Mitchell, Lateef Kahn, Hans Both, Brynn Scarborough, Lynetta Pilkinton, Bobby Wagner and Terah Sheer – have all been instrumental in our industry longevity and success.I remember many years ago, as Midas Touch was just getting started, Billy taught us the power of “giving” and how it leads to business success. Dad had gone to Jonesboro, AR to visit the JK crew at an open house. While he was away, I started a sales promotion that Billy had taught us: a free bottle of lotion with every tanning package. Dad ordered the product before he left for Arkansas and it was delivered while he was gone. Excited to try what we had learned from Billy and without advertising the sale, I started selling it to customers who walked into the salon.

The next day, Dad called the salon while I was working to ask how things were going. “Great!” I told him. “We need to order more of that lotion, though.” He didn’t understand. “Oh, we’ll be fine for a while – I ordered 100 bottles,” he said. “I know, we sold them already,” I told him. “I started a ‘backorder list’ so we need to get more ASAP because customers are waiting for it!”

I still remember his shock and response: “You’re shi*ting me!”

And over our last 21 years, we’ve been blessed to have many more iterations of this because of relationships with industry partners. As JK/Ergoline evolves, we continue to develop working relationships that facilitate our growth. It’s been very reassuring to know that if we need help, someone at JK is willing to see that we get it.

IST: You attended the 2022 Experience JK event – what did you love most about it?

AR: Books and podcasts help me keep learning and growing in the business, but nothing beats in-person events. Swapping ideas with industry friends breathes new life into the mundane aspects of running a business. Last year’s Experience Ergoline show in Clearwater Beach, FL was so much fun! The show-stopping equipment reveal was so exciting and JK paid attention to even the smallest detail. Attendees were treated like stars – swag rooms, cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, and the 360° photo booth made the conference feel like nothing else in the industry. My favorite element, however, was the lineup of presenters who truly took a “beauty and wellness” approach with their information. I was honored to contribute to a panel discussion titled, “Women in Business.” I took away many great insights that helped our 2022 season beat every one we’ve had over the last 21 years. This year’s Experience JK event at the Gaylord Resort in Orlando will no doubt be a highlight!

IST: Your salon offers many Ergoline tanning systems. Which is your favorite?

AR: By far, it’s the Vitality TLT – it caters to every tanner’s wish! From the adjustable UV to the hybrid beauty light, to the LED comfort and Bluetooth connection, it’s easy to get lost in the features. Our guests love the phone-charging port, the touchscreen display and instant “pop of color” they get from the Activating Blue Light. I love that the bed marries three of our services – UV tanning, Beauty Angel skin enhancement and POLY LED red light. This saves our customers time and money and that’s how we stay competitive! We love that the bed also draws less power, saving us on utility bills.

IST: What advice would you give to new salon owners?

AR: Get involved! Attend any and all trade shows, get yourselves and your entire staff certified. Maintain the cleanest, most professional salon possible. Most importantly, network; learn from your peers and share ideas. Raise the standard of what it means to be a part of our industry.

The Midas Touch Lineup