JK North AmericaGears Up For A Busy 2005

by Judie Bizzozero

ORLANDO, Fla.—The 2004 ITA World Expo set the stage for JK North America, parent company of Sun Ergoline, Soltron, T.W. Tan, Global Sun Light, SunLync and JK Capital, to kick off what it predicts to be an exciting and successful 2005 tanning season.

LOOKING FIT® had the chance to sit down with Mike Hadjinian, president and CEO of JK North America, to discuss the company’s new products, enhancements and news for 2005.

Hadjinian predicts the 2005 tanning season to be very successful since many salons are upgrading equipment and growing their facilities.

“Last year, many salons did very well, but many remained steady or dropped off a bit,” he says. “This season will be better overall because tanning is still a lifestyle choice and many forward-thinking salon owners have plans to attract more customers and grow their businesses.”

Existing salon owners also are looking to set themselves apart from competition by investing in new equipment and adding new services to get more bodies through their doors. Additionally, new salon professionals opening shop are doing so with sound business plans and visions for long-term growth.

“The quality of salons is definitely going up,” he says. “Today’s salon owners are making their businesses more attractive—this not only means updating decor, but also selecting quality-engineered equipment that is appealing to the eye.”

JK North America’s mission is to help salon owners from Point A to Point Z. Whether it’s equipment, software, lamps, lotions, financing, supplies and marketing, the JK group offers it all under one brand.

“Our commitment is to be a full-line supplier and work with salon owners to strengthen their businesses,” he says.

The company offers three different brands of tanning equipment—Ergoline, Soltron and Sundash—all based on the same superior technology and engineering with different price-points and options. “We have a beautifully integrated product line that offers something for every level of tanning,” Hadjinian says. “We are selling a tanning experience and we accomplish this by providing the highest-quality performance and great equipment designs. This is backed by a company that is dedicated to customer satisfaction.”

JK North America also announced that the company’s new North American headquarters will be located in Plymouth, Minn., a suburb of Minneapolis. The facility, which will be fully operational by this month, houses offices for JK North America, Sun Ergoline sales executives and corporate staff. The facility also will have a multipurpose training room and a showroom for JK products.

“The new headquarters will help continue the successful growth of JK North America in the marketplace,” Hadjinian says. “While the new offices provide a focal point for our sales and support organization, our JK Products plant in Jonesboro, Ark., also will become a focal point for increased manufacturing. We expect to spearhead many initiatives for new-product development and modern manufacturing in the years ahead.”

The company also saved some exciting news for release at the expo. Mike Aponas, vice president of sales, announced that JK North America will continue to be one of the exclusive distributors of Mystic Tan products. Mystic Tan has renewed its agreement with JK North America, allowing Sun Ergoline and Soltron to be a distributor of its sunless products.

“We are pleased to announce our renewed partnership with Mystic Tan. JK North America’s business association and personal rapport with them has strengthened, and I’m confident that we will mutually benefit from our ongoing relationship,” he says.

Sun Ergoline also announced that it entered into a new agreement with Euroline to become the exclusive distributor of their products, giving Sun Ergoline the elite ability to offer Euroline room and counter systems to salons.

“The forging of this joint venture brings Sun Ergoline one of the final pieces of the puzzle to offer our customers a broader array of products for their salons,” Aponas says.

“Providing walls is a valuable aspect of our sales program and further differentiates us from the competition.”

With exciting new additions to its equipment lines, product and service offerings, a new headquarters, and new and renewed business alliances, JK North America is looking forward to a bright new year and successful season.