ist magazine March 2023

From the Publisher

Dear Readers, I wrote last year’s March letter following Winter Storm Landon; tomorrow we’re pushing 60 degrees in some parts of Michigan. It feels like I talk about the weather a lot, but in the tan biz, spring is bread-and-butter time – I hope you’re preparing your facility and your team to kill it this busy season! One way to prepare is (of course) to read your IST Magazine ! In addition to the variety of industry-specific content from our great contributors, we tap into resources for articles about general business practices. This month, read about ways to refill your team’s “energy tank.” It’s easy to let the mundane tasks of daily business put everyone in a sluggish mindset; there are ways to break out of service fatigue and return to delivering excellent customer service in every interaction. See pg.48. Preparing for the upcoming season should also include an assessment of your staff training process – are you stuck in a “rinse and repeat” cycle year after year? We have an article with tips for avoiding mistakes starting on p.52. When it comes to salon operation, getting everyone on the same page is important for many reasons, including the safety of your guests. Make this the year you equip your team with the tools they need to offer a premium guest experience, sell with more confidence AND enjoy their jobs. What’s the easiest way to do this? Just ask our Salon of Distinction operators who found Sun is Life ® Salon Operator Certification to be affordable and accessible 24/7. Investing in your team will set them up for success and lead to business growth – that’s what it’s all about, right? Visit sunislife.com today! This month’s Salon of Distinction – Electric RAYS Tanning & Spa based in Boise, ID – purchased four existing salons last year. It’s great to hear about this kind of growth in our industry! We have a feature on pg.54 about myths and mistakes to avoid when pursuing business growth. Also in this issue, we highlight a salon founded more than two decades ago: Midas Touch Golden Tans in Emporia, KS. This is the first in a series featuring business owners who credit JK Products & Services for helping them thrive and grow. Decades ago as a salon operator, I also learned first hand about partnering with the world tanning equipment leader – it was key to my business growth. Check out the “JK Salon Spotlight” on pg.18. Happy Spring! Thanks for reading, Success is 90% Preparation ...

Publisher Vince Lorraine Editor In Chief Vince Lorraine Managing Editor Sherron Barden Assistant Editor Peter Hinterman Editorial Advisory Sherron Barden

Staff Writer Joe Schuster

Graphic Design Daria Akulova Hailey Worrell

Accounting/Circulation Kim Davis

Senior Account

Executive Terese Allen

Contributing Writers Grant Cardone Melissa Damiani

Gary Lipman Lisa Saavedra Leif Vasstrom

HOW TO REACH US 14165 FENTON RD., FENTON, MI 48430 810.230.1735

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March 2023 | Volume 27 | Issue 2

IST Magazine ISSN#2329-8545 (USPS 023149) is published monthly by IST Magazine, Inc., 14165 Fenton Rd., Fenton, MI 48430. Canadian Mail Agreement #41971515. Periodicals postage paid at Flint, MI and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to IST Magazine , 14165 Fenton Rd., Fenton, MI 48430. For back issues, inquire for availability. Editorial Correspondence: Address product information and inquiries to: Editorial Department, IST Magazine , 14165 Fenton Rd., Fenton, MI 48430, phone 810.230.1735. To authors, photographers and people featured in this publication: All materials, articles, reports and photos published in this publication are the property of IST Magazine and cannot be used without written permission. The opinions and conclusions recited herein are those of the respective authors and not of IST Magazine . IST Magazine is not responsible for returning unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials. Every effort will be made however, to return rejected manuscripts, etc., if they are accompanied by sufficient first-class postage, but the publisher will not be responsible for loss of any such material.

If there’s something you’d like to see in your IST, please email vince@istmagazine.com. Vince Lorraine, Publisher

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