go-get·ter
noun, Informal. A person who works very hard and who wants very much to succeed; someone who is very energetic, determined to be successful, and able to deal with new or difficult situations easily; an ambitious, enterprising person
Synonyms: achiever, high flyer, success story, person of action
In this special feature, we are profiling a group of women who certainly meet the definition of “go-getter” – they are known to be energetic, determined, and they all very much want to succeed in their tanning business careers. These gals describe themselves as “persistent,” “compassionate,” “hard-working,” and “loyal.” They took some time to share a few bits of advice – both taken and given – as well as some “fun stuff.” Enjoy!
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Kandra Covert
International Sales Trainer
Devoted Creations
On Team DC for 3.5 years, Kandra’s days consist of speeding to airports, finding her gate and the coffee shop, praying she’s not seated next to a grumpy baby, hoping her bag arrives (in one piece), hunting down her rental car and after all the craziness, arriving somewhere in the world where she gets to enjoy time with salon owners and staff. “I’ve created long-lasting friendships while teaching and training them how to increase sales and product knowledge,” she says.
Kandra believes the greatest assets an employee can have are motivation, being knowledgeable, and being positive. “I bring the party – literally – with me, everywhere I go,” she says. “#YOLO.”
The best advice she has ever received was from Devoted Creations co-worker, Lisa Parsons: “When checking into your hotel, pull back the shower curtain to check for murderers, and then it’s okay to pee. No, but for real: ‘Take everything with a grain of salt. Don’t let it bother you.’”
Kandra’s sales tip for others in the tan biz: building customer relationships and bonds is very important in retail; it creates a sense of trust and friendship. When a customer feels comfortable with you, they value your opinion even more.
What song best describes your work ethic?
“Work” by Rihanna
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare?
This might come as a shock, but probably pizza that I ordered via text message. But, I did get the new Bob’s Burgers Burger Book cookbook with some pretty off-the-wall recipes that I want to try. Dinner could be awesome, or not … it could go either way.
Pick two celebrities to be your parents.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
What’s your favorite sport/sports team?
Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey #BETHETHUNDER
Complete this sentence: “My best qualities are …
… compassion and loyalty.”
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Shelby Giard
Customer Relations Manager
Evolv Tan
For the past year, Shelby’s arrived at the office by 7am to spend the first hour preparing for her day, checking emails and processing orders that came in the night before. Her team arrives by 8am, and they conduct their “morning huddle” to discuss priorities and goals for the day.
Depending on the day of the week, the hours fly by between communicating with customers, processing orders, preparing and executing marketing plans, social media content creation, working with their engineering and tech teams on R&D, new product development, and more. “The days are busy and continue to get busier,” she shares. “Growth is a beautiful thing!”
Shelby believes an employee’s greatest assets are willingness to take initiative, a sense of humor, and the ability to build and maintain customer relationships. A co-worker once told her, “Never settle; always strive in both your professional and personal lives. Whether you’re hiring, working on a new product, solving a customer issue, drafting a marketing campaign, never settle – go for the best.” She adds, “Something else I’ve been told and have had to learn is to not try to do everything. It’s necessary to delegate when work starts to pile too high.”
Shelby’s tip: remember that it’s not what you say; it’s what your customer believes. “No matter how good your sales presentation or pitch is, you won’t have a chance if your customer doesn’t truly believe.” She advises taking time to engage a customer, ask questions so you understand their needs and wants, talk less and listen more, and always make sure to analyze your sales approach from their shoes.
What song best describes your work ethic?
“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, and “Titanium” by David Guetta feat. Sia.
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare?
Bring your sombrero; we’re having enchiladas & margaritas!
Pick two celebrities to be your parents.
Diane Keaton and Liam Neeson
What’s your favorite sport/sports team?
Off-Road Racing – huge fan and follower!
Complete this sentence: “My best quality is …
… my work ethic – though I’m also proud to have a great sense of humor, respect and compassion for others.
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Joann Lyon
Senior Sales Professional
Interlectric Corporation
This August, Joann Lyon will celebrate 19 years with Interlectric. On any typical day, she is soliciting new business, as well as maintaining existing customer relationships. She helps salon operators doing business in regulated states re-lamp their systems with the proper lamp for their area, and helps with training new staff.
A co-worker once advised Joann, “Don’t give up; ‘no’ is hard to hear, but it happens. Just keep going forward.” She believes that the greatest asset an employee can have is persistence. “It’s difficult for me to take ‘no’ for an answer,” she says.
Her advice for IST readers is to not be afraid to ask questions; the more knowledge you have and provide to your team, the smoother your business will run. “Probably most important,” she says, “and my favorite tip: purchase products made in the USA whenever possible.”
What song best describes your work ethic?
“Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare?
Wow…that is a tough one. Depends on the season – my favorite meal to make is homemade vegetable beef soup and homemade bread!
Pick two celebrities to be your parents.
Robin Williams and Kathy Bates
What’s your favorite sport/sports team?
Buffalo Bills
Complete this sentence: “My best quality is …
… my dedication to my family and to Interlectric.”
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Lisa Parsons
Director of Sales & Education
Devoted Creations
For Lisa Parsons, a typical workday is never dull. She does everything from flying around the world to train DC salon and distribution partners, working the tradeshow circuit with her “Road Family” and answering customer service emails, to writing new product concepts, selecting lotion fragrances and visiting new salons, to helping find ways to improve the revenue of DC customers and writing her column for IST Magazine, “and at some point, making my way to Starbucks for some coffee. “I feel like after writing this job description, I need one right now!” she exclaims.
After eight years on Team DC, she has learned that the greatest asset an employee could have is loyalty – loyalty to your company, co-workers and customers. Additionally, Lisa is always 100% herself. “I am loyal to who I am and what I bring to the table,” she says. “I always – and will always – have everyone’s best interest at heart.”
The best advice Lisa has ever received from a co-worker is to always check for bed bugs at a hotel. “I don’t remember who said it,” she says, “but I do it every time!” Her tip for IST readers: smile and be happy! “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life; and if for some reason you’re not happy that day, fake it ‘til you make it.”
What song best describes your work ethic?
“Everyday I’m Hustlin’” by Rick Ross
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare?
A glass of champagne and a frozen pizza. If I really like you, I’ll add extra cheese to the top.
Pick two celebrities to be your parents.
That’s easy! Jay Z and Beyoncé!
What’s your favorite sport/sports team?
Seattle Seahawks & University of Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
Complete this sentence: “My best qualities are …
… my willingness to help and my efforts to see the good in everyone.” ■
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Brynn Scarborough
Business Development & Marketing Director
JK North America
On the JK North America team for four years, Brynn Scarborough’s days consist of travel, meetings, training, and cultivating new business. She is currently focused on creating new training and marketing materials, and pursuing new client relationships and key accounts. In addition, she works to create momentum in brand direction, social media platforms, event planning, and strategy.
Brynn believes that the greatest assets an employee can possess are determination and initiative. A colleague once told her that the secret to success is being a life-long learner, and to always pursue opportunities for continued learning and growth as an individual. When it comes to advice for IST readers, she offers, “Ask the questions that others won’t, know what you have to offer a potential customer, and be prepared to present the value of your brand, your product and yourself.”
What song best describes your work ethic?
“War Paint” by Fletcher
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare?
I love to cook, so the options are limitless …
Pick two celebrities to be your parents.
My mom is going to read this … I’ll keep the parents I have.
What’s your favorite sport/sports team?
You don’t have to know me well to know that I don’t do “sports.” Go Team!
Complete this sentence: “My best quality is …
… being a self-starter.” ■
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Brook Taylor
CEO
All Hours International
In her 16 years leading the team at the successful tanning product distributor, Brook can honestly say that her typical workday consists of “anything and everything.” This all-encompassing job description explains why she feels that a good employee must be hard-working. “At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what it is – if the job needs to be done, then I’m going to find a way to do it,” she says.
A co-worker once gave Brook a piece of advice that she considers significant. “We tend to undervalue the knowledge that we already have in an attempt to seek more,” she says. “While growth is essential, don’t forget to use the tools that you already have. As for advice to share with IST readers, she can sum it up with one word: confidence. “It’s the key to success in any sales situation, which applies to every sector of the tanning salon business.”
What song best describes your work ethic?
I can’t come up with a song; but I would say the motivational speech that fuels me most is by Eric Thomas – his message is about wanting to succeed as bad as you want to breathe … do yourself a favor and give it a listen.
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare?
As much as I’d like to say Brussels sprouts, lean protein and a nice glass of wine, that would be a lie. It would be straight comfort food: chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, corn, salad and beer. I wouldn’t want you to leave hungry!
Pick two celebrities to be your parents.
I am going to stick with my own! I will give credit where it is due and say that, to me, both of my parents are in multiple ways my biggest inspiration.
What’s your favorite sport/sports team?
New York Yankees
Complete this sentence: “My best quality is …
… perseverance.”
