| Location: | Salt Lake City, UT |
| Number of Stores: | 4 |
| Years in Business: | 17 |
| Owner: | George |
| Staff: | 18 |
| Tanning Units: | 47 |
| Lotions: | MR International, Devoted Creations, Hempz |
| Software: | SalonTouch |
| Other Services: | Sunless Spray Tans, Red-Light Therapy, Leg Tanner |
| Training: | Sun is Life® |
| Distribution Partner: | All Hours, Heartland Tanning |
| Best-selling Lotion: | MR International Intelligent Tanning Line |
| Most Popular Package: | EuroClub Membership |
What better time than summer to head out to the mountains of Utah for this month’s Salon of Distinction profile? Plenty of great food, hiking, mountain biking, sunrises, sunsets, and a breath of fresh air at the tops of those mountains. Although it was quite some time ago, I have spent some time in Utah, and the vistas alone are worth the trip.
When I contacted European Tan in Salt Lake City to inform them that their salon would be featured this month, Manager, Jodi Nelson, was bursting with enthusiasm. We had a great chat and I shared some of my escapades on the Utah slopes. “Joe, come on out and we’ll show you how to really ski!” she offered. Jodi put me in touch with owner, George, who was kind enough to find time for this interview.
IST: George, tell me about your start in the industry. You have several facilities in Utah – which was the first to open?
George: One of my good friends had a girlfriend who worked at a tanning salon. I was working for my dad at the time, and I had just recently become a father, myself. I was looking for something different to do when my friend asked me, “Hey, what about tanning salons?” I did a copious amount of research and spent a lot of time talking to other tanning professionals online in forums and chat rooms. I opened the first European Tan in May, 2001. Wrong time of the year to open! Hindsight and experience tell me that a fall opening would have been more successful, but you live and learn! Joe, we built European Tan from the ground up. Our first location now actually serves as our corporate offices.
IST: What was your biggest hurdle to overcome?
George: Having the right team in place has been a challenge. The dynamic now is fantastic, because our managers and the team are working together to make things happen. As a result, I don’t feel like I always have to be involved in the day-to-day, and I can delegate. This really gives me a lot more flexibility to focus on the bigger picture. I’m always on the lookout for people with passion, a thirst for success, and the drive to achieve their goals.
