Tips of the Trade Expert Panel It's All Here!

A year ago, several loyal readers told us they wanted to see more articles with a “best practices” focus in the pages of ist Magazine. By that, they meant proven examples of successful sales, marketing, promotions and human resources techniques that other salon operators use to remain successful. Since we’re the tan biz publication that aims to please, we responded to those requests by creating our “Tips of the Trade” series. Launched last February, this monthly article offered advice from salon owners covering a wide variety of topics – lotion sales, EFT retention, etc. – which are relevant to operating a successful salon in today’s market. The series was such a hit, we decided to bring it back.

Our “Tips of the Trade Compendium” contains a year’s worth of solid business-building advice from the folks on our industry’s frontlines – hardworking salon owners just like you. You’ll find this collection divided into two sections – Sales and Marketing, and Human Resource Management – each beginning with an intro by a knowledgeable industry veteran – Jerry Deveney of Four Seasons Sales & Service, and John Farr of consulting firm, The Power Group. Following is a year’s worth of solid business-building tips that continue to work for salon owners across the country and can work for you, too. (It’s so good, we suggest you include this section in your handbook/training manual!)

As always, we thank all of the hardworking tanning pros who made this series possible by sharing their valuable business-building advice.

This “Tips of the Trade” special is filled with valuable and relevant info gathered from experienced tanning pros across the country. Representing nearly 140 years of combined industry experience, these salon operators were kind enough to share their insight:

Adrienne Aaron, Co-Owner Electrik Beach – Monroe, MI 22 years industry experience	Lisa Brooking, President True Colors Tanning – Jeffersonville, IN Experience: 10 Years	Mike Blore, CEO California Sun – Sacramento, CA Experience: 20 Years
Roy & Nadene Coronado, Co-Owners Tan Las Vegas – Henderson, NV Experience: 6 Years	Jack & Rhonda Culligan, Co-Owners Body Heat Tanning – Coral Springs, FL Experience: 2 Years	Kristin D’Ambrosio, Owner Barefoot Beach Tanning – Marietta, GA Experience: 9 Years
Daniel Mann, Co-Owner Tropical Tan – Seattle, WA Experience: 31 Years	Shelly Michelbrink, Owner BramaSolé Tanning Salon – Prescott, AZ Experience: 5 Years	Sandy Stipes, Owner Speed of Light – Knoxville, TN Experience: 3 Years
Gary Strong, Co-Owner Sizzle Tans – Morris Plains, NJ Experience: 3 Years	Steve Swarts, Co-Owner Sunsational Tans – Fresno, CA Experience: 16 Years