Eye Pro, Inc.

July 2011

Research shows that only HALF of indoor tanners wear protective eyewear during a session. These tanners understand that they may be damaging their vision, but they still don’t wear eye protection. When asked why they don’t, they say, “I don’t want to get raccoon eyes!”…click here to view or download PDF of entire article.

June 2011

Many salons that are fanatical about “clean” have switched to only selling eyewear, and don’t provide “community” (loaner) eyewear. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to get goggles truly clean so they don’t spread disease…click here to view or download PDF of entire article.

May 2011

If you’re experiencing deja vu, yes, I’ve written about MO-based distribution company, Heartland Tanning, and their history of rescuing stray dogs (May, 2010). This fall, when visiting Heartland’s Atlanta facility, I was happy to see those two dogs are happy and healthy! When I visited the Missouri office, I was met by a  number of staffers who wanted me to know they had also rescued animals. It seems to be a company-wide policy! Here are a few stories of the “big hearts” on Team Heartland.  Click here to read more or view or download PDF of entire article…

April 2011

In my January column, I wrote about the passing of John Ratliff and how his wife, Sara, donated his organs to benefit others. At a January tanning trade event, I met North Carolina salon owners Robin and Steve Setliff who wanted me to know that living people can donate organs, too; the couple is learning about live organ donation the hard way. Read on to learn about their story…Click here to read more or view or download PDF of entire article…

The Setliff family includes (from l-r) Brittany, Steve, Robin & Brandon. The couple has co-owned two Island Tans salons in Winston- Salem, NC for 12 years

March 2011

EYE PRO President Brenda Fishbaugh recently interviewed Katie Dyer, Manager at GLO Sun & Shades salon in Muskegon, MI about their innovative “Eyewear Day” concept to raise eye protection awareness. Read on for how they did it….Click here to read more or view or download PDF of entire article

The Glo Sun & Shades team includes (from l-r) manager Katie Dyer, Leah Dalson, Samantha Elliott, and Lindsay Jacobs

February 2011

If you’ve been a regular reader of my column, you know that I’m a big supporter of businesses that do good works. Of course, it’s helpful for your public image; but I believe you should choose a cause you personally believe in, and get involved because it’s the right thing to do.

I’m thrilled to highlight several tanning industry companies – a service provider, a product distributor and two salons – whose operators are doing the right thing for their communities…read more…

Click here to view or download PDF of entire article

January 2011

On June 24, 2010, Sara Ratliff’s worst nightmare came true. Her wonderful husband, John, was dead of a heart attack at 39 years old. “That night, the organ transplant office called me at 2 am,” Sara recalled. “They asked if I would consider donating John’s organs – he hadn’t designated it on his driver’s license. Right then, I answered, ‘Yes’.”…read more…

Click here to view or download PDF of entire article 

December 2010

This spring, Greg Leone at JK Capital found a stray terrier-mix puppy wandering around the company’s office building in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The dog had a collar, but no tags or other identification. When he brought the pup into the JK-North America offices, Nina Neuschuetz, Director of Marketing, decided that they would try to find the pup’s original owner or find her a good home themselves…

Click here to view or download PDF of entire article

November 2010

These days, we’re all hunting for new customers – but the Total Tan salons in New York State recently utilized an innovative cross-promotion idea to drive traffic at their 30-store chain. After some brainstorming, the Total Tan staff decided to promote the fun of indoor tanning to moviegoers in the Buffalo, NY area. Working with the management at a local movie theater, Total Tan created a prize wheel and exhibit table to set up in the lobby…

Click here to view or download PDF of entire article

October 2010

Yes, times are tough out there … that’s what makes Canadian salon franchise Palm Beach Mega Tan’s recent “Miss Palm Beach Mega Tan 2010” contest even more impressive! While other salons and franchise companies are cutting back, Marie and Harry Jones chose to host the Miss Palm Beach Mega Tan Model Search sponsored by their Palm Beach Mega Tan Franchise Corporation in Ontario, Canada…

Click here to view or download PDF of entire article