Industry Provider Finds New Home

Salon owners deal with a variety of “space” issues, including leases, landlords, square-footage restrictions and of course location, location, location. This week, one of the industry’s service providers underwent a huge transition with some of those same business decisions. On August 2, Universal Insurance Facilities Ltd. began operations in a new corporate headquarters.

Universal had been in its previous facility – a high-rise in the downtown Phoenix area – since 1996. Company owner Randy Tipton, who is always looking for ways to take the agency to the next level, was keenly aware of a perfect storm of variables. First, Universal’s lease agreement was coming up for renewal. In addition, the economy has yielded low interest rates and great prices on commercial real estate: This is simply a great time to buy. Tipton embraced the opportunity for major change. She put the offer in March 2010, accepted April 2010 and closed in May 2010 – wow!

Rather than rushing to get situated in the new digs, Tipton made the place her own, hiring a general contractor to remodel (of course, anyone who knows Randy realizes that she was the real project overseer!). She put her time-management and organizational talents to the test during the renovations, keeping the business running smoothly while also preparing for the big move.

Account Executive Jenny Bortman is thrilled about the new facility – especially with all the special touches, such as new furniture. Looking Fit is actually headquartered in the same building that Universal moved out of, so Jenny was quick to point out some of the things she won’t miss that I’m still stuck with. For instance, on her daily elevator ride to the 15th floor, there were many days when she’d have to stop at every floor for someone else to get on or off. We also have a five-story, one-way parking garage that forces you to meander around and around whether you’re coming or going. It’s quite dizzying! Jenny says willing to give up the bird’s eye view of the city in exchange for a simpler “park and enter the work area” experience. Of course she can always visit me if she misses the view.

As Central Phoenix continues to thrive (not to mention, the staff loves it), finding a place in the same area was important to the Universal family. Tipton checked out about 100 locations before deciding on the company’s new home. The new physical and mailing address is:

1220 E. Osborn Ave., Suite 101

Phoenix, AZ 85014

All other contact information remains the same: Phone 800.844.2101, Fax 602.222.8300, E-mail: uiftanning@univins.com, Web: www.uitanning.com.

Tipton is excited about the increased opportunities for Universal’s growth, as afforded by their new corporate headquarters. Bortman agrees: “Everyone at Universal Insurance takes pride in the company. We have a committed staff that is dedicated to our growth. What makes it even more interesting is the dynamics between everyone.”

Looking Fit wishes sincere congratulations to Randy and everyone at Universal Insurance. Welcome home!

–Karen