Looking Fit 02/2004: Professional Tan Distributors

Q & A PROFESSIONAL TAN DISTRIBUTORS
EVERYTHING UNDER ONE ROOF

Professional Tan Distributors was formed in January 1992 in Hartselle, Ala. Led by President and CEO Jodi Friend, the company is more than just a distributor of indoor tanning products and equipment. “We are committed to the development of the indoor tanning industry, the education and support of salon operators and their staffs, and to providing outstanding customer service,” she says. Professional Tan Distributors carries approximately 40 different product lines, including an extensive inventory of lotions from the major manufacturers, as well as tanning beds, parts, Formostar—an infrared body-wrap system for weight loss—and salon sales and merchandising supplies. Friend took time out of her busy day to speak to LOOKING FIT® about Professional Tan Distributors’ past, present and future.

HOW DID PROFESSIONAL TAN DISTRIBUTORS BREAK INTO THE I N DOOR TAN N I NG I N DUSTRY?

I worked as a manager for a combination video store/tanning salon where I learned the importance of skin typing, lotions, eye protection and exposure times. In 1992, I saw the opportunity to go into the distribution business and jumped at the opportunity.

Having worked in a salon, I understood what salon operators needed to be successful. I built Professional Tan into a strong company with offices in Alabama and Minnesota by offering more than just great products. My team is dedicated to providing outstanding customer service, educational training seminars on products and equipment, and promotional ideas for salon operators. I also am actively involved in promoting the indoor tanning industry.

HOW HAS YOUR COMPANY EVOLVED TO MEET THE INDUSTRY’S CHANGING NEEDS?

From the beginning, my goal was to provide salon operators everything they needed to operate a successful business. In a proactive fashion, we are involved with salon operators and the industry itself to help anticipate trends and the changing needs of customers. To support salon operators, we added ancillary products to offer opportunities for cash income during slower times of the year.

We insist that our staff members are NTTI and Smart Tan certified trainers, offer ongoing product training for operators and their employees, and have offices in Alabama and Minnesota to provide more efficient service.

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND PROFESSIONAL TAN DISTRIBUTORS’ SUCCESS?

We provide excellent, unprecedented customer service and support to salon operators, and innovative, fresh ideas. We are dedicated to providing education and sharing our knowledge and experience of the indoor tanning industry. We strive to develop a personal, one-on-one relationship with each and every customer. This provides a large network of resources for ongoing knowledge and experience sharing to help salons grow their businesses.

WHAT EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS ARE TAKING PLACE THIS YEAR AT PROFESSIONAL TAN DISTRIBUTORS?

We have added personnel to our team of knowledgeable sales professionals and increased training symposiums to include the Minnesota area. We’ve also added Byrd Baggett, a nationallyrenowned author and motivational speaker, to the Birmingham training seminar. Baggett is a leading motivational speaker on customer service and leadership. Also, the 2nd Annual Suzie Sunshine contest will be going on throughout 2004 with monthly cash giveaways.

YOUR CATALOG IS A BIG ENDEAVOR. CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT PRODUCT LINES YOU CARRY AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER?

Our award-winning catalog is a full-color publication that features everything that we sell. It really has become a favorite in the industry because we carry a large selection of lotions from the leading manufacturers.

What you don’t see in our catalog, though, are the long-term, knowledgeable sales employees who go above and beyond to provide up-to-date information on products and trends in the industry. These dedicated individuals also help salon operators professionally develop their businesses no what matter how big or small the salon.

WHAT DO YOU WANT INDUSTRY NEWCOMERS TO KNOW ABOUT PROFESSIONAL TAN DISTRIBUTORS?

Salons that do business with Professional Tan Distributors always will receive the latest industry products; excellent, knowledgeable and friendly customer service; same-day shipping and tracking; and manufacturer rebates. We provide a full package of services and support to help salon operators grow their businesses.