JK North America Returns To Its Roots
JONESBORO, Ark.—Hans-Juergen Kreitz, CEO of JK North America, announces company changes that will reinforce its ties with salon owners and distributors. A leadership team of current, long-term employees with the return of former well-known colleagues highlights these changes.
Industry veteran Jerry Deveney has an extensive history with JK companies and is the new Director of Distributor Sales. Greg Nehrlich, who started his career in the U.S. tanning industry with Sun Ergoline, brings back his wealth of experience to the position of Director of Key Accounts West. As the daughter of the company's founder and ITA board member representing JK, Brigitte Kratz will use her detailed and essential product knowledge in her role of Director of Key Accounts East. Dr. Frank Richarz, Executive Director of Technology, will head R&D, Service and Manufacturing. Lateef Khan and Kevin Hart return to be the new Director of Service and U.S. Manager of R&D, respectively. Rounding out the team is Donald Feltham as Chief Financial Officer.
This winning combination will benefit salon owners and have a direct impact on the relationship of JK North America and its distributors. "For JK North America to be successful, our customers must be successful," says Deveney. "This is the philosophy that built this company, and I am glad to be working with a team that embraces this ideology."
Leading these changes is Kreitz, who worked with Ergoline in Germany as a professional business partner since 1996 until he accepted the position at JK-Holding in early 2003 to be worldwide head of marketing. Now also CEO of JK North America, he will guide the company in a customer-focused direction for growth.
"The U.S. market is of particular importance, which is why I have brought back former employees who are admired by our customers and respected for their vast amount of tanning knowledge and expertise," he says. "The success of JK North America depends on our commitment to our customers, advancements in UV technology and foresight into emerging trends in the market."
The cornerstone of these changes is the move of JK North America headquarters back to the manufacturing facility in Jonesboro. The Plymouth, Minn. office is closed. Sales administration also is based in Jonesboro, bringing all aspects of the company together to ensure effective communication with customers. For more information, call (800) 643-0086.
See You In Nashville
For more information, visit www.tanningworldexpo.com.
Top, left to right: Hans-Juergen Kreitz, Jerry Deveney, Greg Nehrlich, Brigitte Kratz.
Bottom, left to right: Donald Feltham, Dr. Frank Richarz, Lateef Khan, Kevin Hart
BREAKING NEWS: Australian Gold, ETS Sold
INDIANAPOLIS—Sunshine Holdings, Inc., umbrella company of ETS,Inc.,Australian Gold and Helios LLC, has sold its interests to its current sales executives and MH Equity, a local area investor.
According to the announcement, Leslie Hartlieb, Bill Pipp and John Keiffner also have invested into the new Sunshine Holding group and will continue to manage the companies as they did before the transaction. Steve and Tomisue Hilbert of MH Equity will join the Sunshine executive group. Steve will serve as the chairman of Sunshine Holdings and will oversee all individual companies.
The formal letter from company founders Trevor and Edna Gray was posted on Australian Gold and ETS Web sites.
The breaking news occurred at press time, and company representatives were not available for an interview. Please look for detailed coverage in next month’s issue.
FILL OUT THE 2007 TOP 250 SALONS SURVEYS ONLINE
This new tool allows salons to enter the 2007 Top 250 Salons survey any time of the day from anywhere in the world. It's just another service LOOKING FIT is providing you to keep you up on the latest technologies to help your business grow.
The 2007 Top 250 Salons will be published in a special Feb. 15 issue of LOOKING FIT magazine.
To be considered, salons must fill out a comprehensive survey about their businesses and return it to LOOKING FIT no later than Nov. 3, 2006. Operators of multiple salons must fill out a separate entry for each location. Salons are considered individually to allow for a broad spectrum of factors, including the level of business in light of the size and type of salon. Eligible salons must be in business for one year by Nov. 3, 2006. Staff also will review surveys for new salon innovations.
For more information about the Top 250 Salons listing, contact Janet McCombs at (480) 990-1101 ext. 1603, or e-mail her at jmccombs@vpico.com.
RIDGEFIELD, N.J.—PC Marketing is offering a monthly e-mail highlighting current news, specials and promotions. The company is offering 12 pairs of Peepers and a roll of body stickers for everyone who signs up for the monthly e-mail.
Call (800) FAST TAN or visit www.pcmarketinguwe.com for more information.
Vitamin D Deficiency Common In U.S.
HOUSTON—A study published in the Journal of Nutrition (135:2478-2485, 2005) found vitamin D intake inadequate in certain U.S. populations. Researchers estimated intake levels of vitamin D based on age, sex and race/ethnicity. They found vitamin D intakes highest among children and teenagers and lowest among the oldest age categories.
Among children ages 1 through 8, adequate intake levels for vitamin D from food were met or exceeded by 69 percent of Mexican-Americans; 59 percent of non-Hispanic whites; and 48 percent of non-Hispanic blacks. However, only 4 percent of adults over age 51 or women ages 19 through 50 were estimated to consume recommended vitamin D levels from food. Mean dietary intakes of vitamin D from food and supplements were consistently highest among non-Hispanic white populations, although only small proportions of all those over age 51 had intakes above the recommended levels.
The researchers concluded the large discrepancy between vitamin D intake by older individuals from food and supplements and recommended levels warrants intervention, especially for non- Hispanic black and Mexican-American adults.
For more information about vitamin D, check out the Vitamin D Series of Good News articles from industry veterans Don Smith and Pat Reykdal. The five-part series—"UVR-Induced Vitamin D: The Elephant Sitting In The Living Room"—began in the June exclusively in LOOKING FIT magazine. The series provides salon owners with information to become knowledgeable about UVR-induced vitamin D so they can play a leading educational role in the vitamin D revolution that is just ahead. Turn to page 36 for the fourth installment of the series.
MUSTANG, Okla.—Duane and Teresa Keel, owners of Yucatan Tanning Salon in Mustang, Okla., recently celebrated their salon's 9-year anniversary, however, they have more on their minds than just tanning.
The Keel's 15-year-old son Jake, aka "Moose", so called for his 6'4" frame, is a big boy who races little cars called Mini Sprint Cars. Though the cars themselves are only 70 inches long, they pack quite a punch topping out to 80 mph. While Jake's passion lies in racing, he also has a bright future with Mustang High School's top-notch football program.
Keep the pedal to the medal!
N.J. Governor Signs AB 2936
TRENTON, N.J.—Gov. John Corzine signed AB 2936 into law on July 19. The new law, which will become effective Nov. 19, institutes statewide tanning salon restrictions for tanning salons and customers. The law now prohibits minors under age 14 from using tanning facilities, and prohibits minors between ages 14 and 18 from using tanning facilities without the written authorization of a parent or legal guardian.
The prohibition does not apply to emancipated minors.
The law requires that a tanning facility operator conspicuously post a sign in the reception area stating: "PERSONS UNDER AGE 14 SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED TO USE THIS TANNING FACILITY. PERSONS BETWEEN 14 AND 18 YEARS OF AGE SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED TO USE THIS TANNING FACILITY WITHOUT WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION OF A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN."
Penalties for violating the provisions of this law will be the same as for other violations of N.J.S.A.26:2D-81 et seq.,—$100 for the first offense and $200 for each subsequent offense.
The law includes technical amendments to update references to the Department of Health and Senior Services resulting from the Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 001- 1996, and reference to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999."
For more information, visit http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/Default.asp.
Insurtec Gives Away Over $2,500 In Las Vegas
RICH HILL, Mo.—Insurtec gave away more than $2,500 in prize money to eight lucky show attendees at the 2006 Today's Image Las Vegas Tanning Expo held June 28-30 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Show attendees had the chance to guess the amount of cash in the company's grand prize jar, and the guess closest to the actual amount won the money.
The grand prize of $1,925 went to Ron Vaughn of Tropical Island Tanz in Henderson, Ky. Seven salon owners won $100 in cash. The winners were Art Herr, Ghostbuster Tanning, Pikeville, Ky.; Karen St.Angelo, Hollywood Tanning Systems, Inc., Sewell, N.J.; Jennifer Kendall, Club Tan, Gulf Breeze, Fla.; David Passmore, Suntime Indoor Tanning, Alea, Hawaii; Diane Schomer and Coby Klingonsmith, Sunz Tanning Salon, Henderson, Nev.; Sheila Barreras, Paradise Beach,Paradise, Calif.; and Jeannine Olsen, Ultra Tan, Sandy, Utah.
Stop by Insurtec's booth at ITA World Tanning Expo in Nashville for another chance to win.
Heartland Tanning Shows Appreciation
LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo.—On June 23, Heartland Tan celebrated its Customer Appreciation Day with product freebies, lotion specials, a drawing for $1,500 in Heartland credit and drawing for four salons to receive free orders.
"I feel like I've won 'American Idol'," a winning customer commented after being notified of the free product order.
The special day concluded with a random drawing for the $1,500 credit for Heartland manufactured equipment, which was won by Juicy Tan & Massage in Aberdeen, Wash.
The next Customer Appreciation Day is Sept. 29. For more information, call (800) 554-8268.
Are You Getting Your LOOKING FIT e-newsletter?
PHOENIX—Are you current on all the industry news and getting valuable marketing tips and business solutions? Sign up to get LOOKING FIT's monthly e-newsletter. Log on to www.lookingfit.com and fill out the "Sign Up For Free e-News" section to receive the monthly e-newsletter.
ORANGE, Calif.—TanWall Modular Salon Wall Systems was enthusiastically received at the 2006 Today's Image Las Vegas Tanning Expo in June. Salon owner Laura Simpson was the winner of a fax machine that was raffled at the TanWall booth.
"What a great experience!" says Sheri Allen, national sales manager. "I look forward to TanWall's presence at the 2006 Tanning World Expo in Tennessee in October."
JA Vogues In Vegas
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.—John Abaté International™ reports a successful time at the Today's Image Las Vegas Tanning Expo in June. Offering complimentary product samples and show specials, the JA booth attracted both industry veterans and entrepreneurial new businesses.
As in previous years, the majority of booth educators were JA VIP salon owners. Chief among the volunteer corps were Kathi and Greg Baril of Ultra Tan in Wisconsin, who assumed their now-customary role of booth managers. The finance manager was JA's own multifaceted Steve Schneider. Other booth volunteers were Linda Campbell, Destination Tan, Ariz.; Melinda Robertson and Shannon Russell, Tan Studios, Fla.; Sheri Roy, Atlantis Sun Studio, Indiana; and Doris Young, Sunny Daze Tanning, California. Mel Johnson, a former JA employee, also consulted and assisted in the preparation of the JA booth.
HOLLYWOOD SUN A CELEBRITY HIT
CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Hollywood Sun's new Cellulite Simple is a hit with Fergie, popular music celebrity from the Black Eyed Peas.
The new advanced cellulite treatment hits the U.S. market this month. For more information about the company, visit www.hollywoodsun.net.
FORT WAYNE, Ind.—Eye Pro, Inc., makers of Wink- Ease® disposable eye protection, has been a longtime supporter of exotic and endangered animals. In addition to special events like the "Jungle Jack" Hanna fundraiser it recently sponsored, the company has been a regular contributor to four endangered animal sanctuaries worldwide, purchased animals, and sponsored events to help people learn about exotic animals. Last year, its efforts helped save the lives of three endangered Bengal tigers.
"We're very proud of our continued commitment and support of the conservation of exotic and endangered animals," says Brenda Fishbaugh, company president and long-time animal activist. "It's especially rewarding to have the loyal support of so many of our customers. Together, we're making a difference."
A portion of every sale goes to help exotic and endangered animals around the world.
For more information or to view a gallery of rescued and endangered animal photos, events and customer photos, visit www.eyepro.net and click on Photo Gallery or call (800) 726-8322.
Mystic Tan On EW's 'The Must List'
FARMER'S BRANCH, Texas—Mystic Tan was selected as the "Must Fake Baker" in the Style section of 'The Must List,' Entertainment Weekly's special summer double issue.
Recognized as "the go-to spray tan" in Hollywood, Mystic Tan received glowing praise in this feature thanks to the new MyMyst System, whose revolutionary application design and individual tanning cartridges have made it an instant favorite among celebrities like Paula Abdul.
For more information, call (877) 668-8826.
NORTH MIAMI, Fla.—LOOKING FIT sends its deepest sympathies to Miami Tan Indoor Tanning Centers in Florida on the sudden passing of its store manager Kenneth O'Cain, 37, on July 12. According to Miami Tan's owner Jack Hays, Ken not only was his best friend and a store manager, he also was an inspiration to others.
Ken started out as a customer and loved tanning so much that Jack hired him six-and-a-half years ago. Ken helped build the salon's business and was instrumental in the opening of a second location.
The following was his memorial:
"Genuine to the core and a man of integrity, Ken's spirit touched the lives of many. He was a gentle giant with a contagious smile and immense heart of gold. He was the ever-generous friend you could always count on, quick to come to the rescue of those in need of help. He had an innate ability to make people around him feel special and was liked instantly by all who met him."
LOCKPORT, N.Y.—Eurowalls/Euroline "A Salon In A Box" congratulates Kris Hart and Graham Galka of Relaxed and Marysia Chaves of Captive Tan, winners of the Eurowalls, "Pix Trip Sweepstakes." Both salons were awarded an expenses-paid vacation package, including flights for two to a destination of their choice.
Relaxed, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., offers clients a sophisticated feel with top-of-the-line equipment and the unique Eurowalls Reception and Wall system.
Captive Tan, located in Belle Plain, Minn., boasts a clean, bright atmosphere that keeps clients relaxed and serene.
For more information, call (866) 589-9255 or visit www.eurowalls.biz.
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.—The Fall 2006 edition of thebeautybook is now available from The Industry Source, a division of The Nailco Group. This edition includes furniture brands Belvedere, Collins and TISPRO Elite; skincare lines Pharmagel and DermaNew; aromatherapy brand Tisserand; Epil Lyss hair removal; Mystic Tan sunless tanning products and Sportarredo tanning equipment.
The company does not have a minimum order requirement and can deliver within 48 hours or less to most areas on orders received by 5 p.m. EST. To order a free copy, visit www.theindustrysource.com or call (800) 362-6245.
Growth & Development
BreeZe Products
(North Largo, Fla.) recently completed a move to a larger location thanks to its substantial growth of its private label division and contract manufacturing division. The new location enables the company to handle higher volumes of mass production, features greater space for the production team of blenders and factory workers. BreeZe Products sends a warm "thank you" to its customers for helping it grow over the years. The company's new address is 7207 B 114th Ave., North Largo, Fla. 33773. All phone, toll-free and fax numbers remain the same. (888) 330-8570Red Lime Products (Jacksonville, Fla.) recently updated its Web site, www.redlimeproducts.com, with a fresh new look that features easier navigation. "We wanted our new Web site to be a better representation of our company and its vision," says Scott Johnson, company CEO. The site focuses on the company's four product divisions and has a free and secure online reordering site. Additional salon friendly functions will be added soon. (888) 851-0480
CTS, Complete Tanning Source (Farmington Hills, Mich.), a division of The Nailco Group, announces the opening of TNG's Global Logistics Center in Lyon Township, Mich. The 165,000- square-foot completely automated facility brings CTS clients high-quality, state-of-the-art distribution capabilities second to none in the tanning industry, the company says. (888) 528-5463
People On The Move
Noel Aviles, a seasoned industry sales consultant, has joined the CTS (Farmington Hills, Mich.) team to provide sales coverage primarily in the western United States. (888) 528-5463
