Don Hirsch found his way in to the tanning industry as many of us do; by accident. In the midst of a successful career in marketing and advertising, Hirsch was presented an opportunity. A friend in the fitness industry told him about a tanning salon owner that just purchased two tanning beds, but unfortunately couldn’t pay for them. Rather than come to the rescue and become a part owner, Hirsch decided to open his own salon near the campus of Northwestern University. Soon, this salon was the steppingstone for other salons – and by 1987, he owned three. As salons are not maintenance-free, Hirsch began not only to service his own salons, but his competitors’ as well. Within a short time, he opened Tanning Supply Outlet (TSO), a tanning bed service and distribution company based in the metro Chicago area. He then sold TSO in 2007 to focus primarily on his chain of salons, Ultimate Exposure Tanning Centers.
As a 26-year veteran of the indoor tanning industry, Hirsch furthered his involvement by successfully running for the board of directors of the ITA in 2007. He was just recently re-elected. “I find it so important to help other salon owners,” Hirsch shares. In addition, he has a passion to help “support the effort to protect everyone’s right to tan.” In short, he attests, “The ITA helps me achieve both goals.”
Hirsch and his wife have been married for nine years and have two sons, Stone (age 8) and Jett (age 6). Stone is enjoying his first year of tackle football, where his father serves as a coach. Stone isn’t the only one to keep his dad hopping – younger brother Jett enjoys practicing the martial art of Tai Chi with him. Hirsch and his wife love to travel, and one of their favorite pastimes is experiencing restaurants of the world. He currently serves on the ITA’s membership development committee. Thanks for all of your efforts, Don!
