Joe Levy Joins Executive Tans - TanToday - Helping Salon Owners, One At A Time, Since 2000!

rickmattoon · 10th June 2005, 04:21 AM

LAKEWOOD, Colo. (June 3) - Executive Tans today announced the appointment of tanning industry veteran Joseph Levy as the company's newly created vice president for education and training.

"Executive Tans is stepping up all our efforts to be a 21st Century indoor tanning organization. The addition of Joe Levy to our staff should send a message to our existing franchisees and to future franchisees that we are serious about being leaders in this market," Executive Tans Chief Executive Officer Wayne Smeal said today. "We have a solid organization - from our franchisees to our staff - and Joe is bringing another element to our team."

Levy - who served as vice president of International Smart Tan Network since 1992 - started full-time with Executive Tans June 1. He will work out of Executive Tans USA's national headquarters in Lakewood, Colo., as soon as he relocates his family from Florida.

The staff at American Tanning Institute would like to
wish Joe and his family all the best in his new position.

Ezliving_Jim · 12th June 2005, 12:39 AM

Joe Levy will be a valuable asset for Executive Tans.

This does not bode well for Smart Tan. One has to wonder what is going on at Smart Tan that would cause one of their most visible executives to leave after 13 years. There must be a "rest of the story" that has yet to be revealed.

Best wishes to Joe. And good luck to Smart Tan.

missmojorising · 12th June 2005, 01:48 PM

I wanna know the rest of the story..are we going to have to ask Paul Harvey?

Soo · 14th June 2005, 01:35 PM

There's definately a fly in the ointment....Hmmmmm......

Jancy · 20th July 2005, 12:12 PM

We purchased a ET franchise and had a falling out with ET over the nazi-like attitude of the upper management, our contract was broken and we NEVER got our money back! (I have no problem advertising this fact because the TRUTH is it's own defense.)
I'd never purchase another franchise after what we learned from the underhanded dealings we experienced.
Perhaps having this new guy come onboard is a direct result of some of the problem they are having at ET.
One can only question the birth heritage of such an organization.

tanu · 23rd July 2005, 02:23 AM

Does anyone know who the franchisee is for the ET Salon in DC Ranch, Scottsdale, AZ and how they can be reached?

Pink · 24th July 2005, 12:42 AM

It sounds like you had a bad experience Jancy.

The market is changing and franchise companies seem to be a big change in our industry.
I have been in the biz for a long time and I have done it on my own, this is not a big deal because our business was just mom and pop salons!
I know when we started there would be beds everywhere, we were the only "real salon"!
This industry is starting to get more and more sophisticated, and it is increasingly difficult to just make it as a small salon owner.

I understand if someone buys into a franchise and builds on the franchises buying power and reaps the benefits, BUT ...I would quiz them about their "after market" support!

I know they take in their fee...and there is a ton of work that will go in your initial start up, but what is their plan after your opening?

MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY SALON PLACED IN YOUR MARKET!

Jancy · 24th July 2005, 12:56 PM

http://www.executivetans.info/news/a....asp?a=164&z=3

This is from the ET salon locator section. This is reported as a "coming soon" salon. No other information posted on the official site. This is public information.

Pink · 31st July 2005, 07:15 PM

I have heard great things about Joe....Too bad he went to a franchise that I do not feel is doing a good job.

neon beach · 31st July 2005, 10:38 PM

After so much time with Smart Tan, and now moving to Exectutive Tans?? Good for the franchise, probably bad for Smart Tan and bad for "small time" salon owners as well.

TTeditor · 22nd August 2005, 10:09 AM

Hello, I'm new to this forum, and I am also the new editor of Tanning Trends magazine. I have been with Smart Tan for one year, now, previously working as an Account Representative for the Membership department. I saw the Smart Tan forumn, and thought it would be a great opportunity to introduce myself and get to know some more folks!

I'm interested in the talk about Joe Levy leaving Smart Tan, and also surprised to hear that many think it means bad news for Smart Tan. While Joe was a very visible person for our company and contributed in many ways to bring us where we are today, Smart Tan does not stand on one leg. Our staff of 30+ plugs away day after day to maintain Smart Tan's status as an industry leader and to advance in many different and exciting ways.

While Joe was a great asset to Smart Tan, his role over the past 5-6 years has changed dramatically. A journalist by training and profession, Joe has always been, and will continue to be, a contributor to Tanning Trends magazine. He was also an occasional project developer and, of course, has been involved primarily over the past several years in helping to dispel myths about indoor tanning through the press and in some cases in the political and legislative arena. Smart Tan has worked closely with the ITA over the past 5 years and they now, through their PAC and revenues from the ITA Expo, have appropriately taken the lead roll in monitoring and fighting negative press and potentially harmful legislation.

Joe will stay connected to Smart Tan as a Scientific Advisor and will still contribute to Tanning Trends. As the new VP for education and training for Executive Tans, I'm not exactly sure what that will bring for their franchise. As with any new position, the individual will likely define the role.

As for Smart Tan and the development of educaitonal programs, nothing changes: Kevin Sharp, Janet Paul, Steve Chaney, Dr. Marc Clark, Dale Parrott, and our CEO Matt Russell are just a few of our experts that remain with the company and will continue to be at the forefront of project development along with our staff and many off-premise consultants, such as Joe Levy.

While we will miss Joe, his involvement in building the educational institute of the Smart Tan Network has been limited to actual development of a very few new products, the latest being the Teenage Tanning package.

I hope that this helps restore some confidence in Smart Tan for those of you who have concerns. I'd love to hear from anyone who has questions or more comments. Also, I encourage you to check out Smart Tan's new Web site setup at www.smarttan.com . Thanks!

Carolyn Wilson, editor
Tanning Trends magazine
editor@smarttan.com

Angelique · 30th September 2005, 12:17 AM

Hello all and well met Carolyn,

I am new to this forum also but not new to the industry. I have been in business for 12+ years. I have been a devout follower of educational information and training of the Smart Tan Network as long as I have been in business. Smart Tan does great things for our industries image.
<O

My concern is this:<O

Joe was on top of things ... He fought hard for this industry and righting wrongs made by the press etc. I have always had utmost respect for Joe and his research and his efforts to combat negativity towards the tanning industry.
<O

Now that Joe has "bought into" (has a vested interest in) an actual tanning franchise corporation... his hard work and research will be seen as nothing more than a ploy to increase the revenues of the corporation he has become a part of ... Being part of an association that educates the tanning industry, researches and represents the tanning industry is one thing. Being part of a national tanning franchise is quite another, and I am afraid his opinions and representation of the industry as a whole will no longer be as respected.
<O

It makes me sad to hear Joe left Smart Tan

his 14 years in the industry as an "association representative" was a very valuable asset to our industry.
<O

I have faith that Smart Tan will be fine and still do great things for the Tanning industry and will continue to support the network.

Jancy · 30th September 2005, 11:52 AM

We know all about the company Joe is now associated with. When you bed down with the devil you can expect to get burned.

etstealsandlies · 4th October 2005, 12:37 AM

Unfortunately for Joe, he apparently didn't take time to chat a bit with Executive Tans franchisees across the nation to peel back some of the layers that their corporate office hides behind! I hate to think of the pipe dreams that may have been presented to him during his interviewing/recruitment process. Soon, the truth will be revealed -- in arbitration!!

Alan @ TanToday · 4th October 2005, 01:55 AM

WOW, this thread went South fairly quickly. Great job

debe · 25th December 2005, 11:57 PM

hi jancy,

you sent me an e-mail about sending you my e-mail address in order to send me a copy of your business plan. please feel free to do so! i could a little guidance. if feel so lost. thanks debe

Jancy · 26th December 2005, 12:26 AM

On their way, with attachment!

justcurious2know · 29th December 2005, 01:38 PM

According to a blog written by former experienced industry professionals, TT is nothing more than an advertising medium for the industry. It does not promote safe tanning, it seems, in fact, to promote the industries profits. The industry is fast becoming "owned" by several giants and the mom n pops are being squeezed out. TT is simply an amalgamation for the express purpose of increased profits for these giants and the sudden appearance of one of it's chief spokesmen, speaks volumes about integrity and credibility.

missmojorising · 29th December 2005, 03:00 PM

Do not hover always on the surface of things, nor take up suddenly with mere appearances; but penetrate into the depth of matters, as far as your time and circumstances allow, especially in those things which relate to your profession.
Isaac Watts

Pink · 15th January 2006, 08:50 PM

What in the hell are you talking about? Really "Just Curious"? What blog? Post a link. I would love to read a ranting of a weird tanning person.

10th June 2005, 04:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
rickmattoon Veteran Industry Trainer Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Phoenix Posts: 288	Joe Levy Joins Executive Tans LAKEWOOD, Colo. (June 3) - Executive Tans today announced the appointment of tanning industry veteran Joseph Levy as the company's newly created vice president for education and training. "Executive Tans is stepping up all our efforts to be a 21st Century indoor tanning organization. The addition of Joe Levy to our staff should send a message to our existing franchisees and to future franchisees that we are serious about being leaders in this market," Executive Tans Chief Executive Officer Wayne Smeal said today. "We have a solid organization - from our franchisees to our staff - and Joe is bringing another element to our team." Levy - who served as vice president of International Smart Tan Network since 1992 - started full-time with Executive Tans June 1. He will work out of Executive Tans USA's national headquarters in Lakewood, Colo., as soon as he relocates his family from Florida. The staff at American Tanning Institute would like to wish Joe and his family all the best in his new position. __________________ Rick Mattoon American Tanning Institute www.tanningprogram.com rick@tanningprogram.com

12th June 2005, 12:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
Ezliving_Jim Arbiter Elegantiarum Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Virtual Reality Posts: 4,147	Joe Levy will be a valuable asset for Executive Tans. This does not bode well for Smart Tan. One has to wonder what is going on at Smart Tan that would cause one of their most visible executives to leave after 13 years. There must be a "rest of the story" that has yet to be revealed. Best wishes to Joe. And good luck to Smart Tan. __________________ ObamaNation. Sing with the children. Drink the Kool-Aid. si vis pacem, para bellum "The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing." -Frank Zappa. "I inhaled frequently. That was the point." - Barack Obama. "Even if we win, we will have just eked out a victory, and we can't govern." - Barack Obama. www.GunBanObama.com *sui generis*

12th June 2005, 01:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
missmojorising Hall of Famer Join Date: May 2005 Location: Simplytantexas Posts: 1,645	I wanna know the rest of the story..are we going to have to ask Paul Harvey? __________________ "Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog: Nobody really enjoys it and the frog generally dies as a result." E.B. White Mojo's Motto; Hire A Professional Consultant. Last edited by missmojorising : 13th June 2005 at 12:50 AM.

14th June 2005, 01:35 PM	#4 (permalink)
Soo Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 1,548	Makes Ya Wonder.. There's definately a fly in the ointment....Hmmmmm...... __________________ What Other Profession Does The Sun Shine Everyday?? Enjoy It !!

20th July 2005, 12:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jancy "Does not play well with others." Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 197	Wouldn't give a rat's .... for ET franchise! We purchased a ET franchise and had a falling out with ET over the nazi-like attitude of the upper management, our contract was broken and we NEVER got our money back! (I have no problem advertising this fact because the TRUTH is it's own defense.) I'd never purchase another franchise after what we learned from the underhanded dealings we experienced. Perhaps having this new guy come onboard is a direct result of some of the problem they are having at ET. One can only question the birth heritage of such an organization.

23rd July 2005, 02:23 AM	#6 (permalink)
tanu Rookie Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 4	Does anyone know who the franchisee is for the ET Salon in DC Ranch, Scottsdale, AZ and how they can be reached?

24th July 2005, 12:42 AM	#7 (permalink)
Pink Princess Pink Join Date: May 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 792	It sounds like you had a bad experience Jancy. The market is changing and franchise companies seem to be a big change in our industry. I have been in the biz for a long time and I have done it on my own, this is not a big deal because our business was just mom and pop salons! I know when we started there would be beds everywhere, we were the only "real salon"! This industry is starting to get more and more sophisticated, and it is increasingly difficult to just make it as a small salon owner. I understand if someone buys into a franchise and builds on the franchises buying power and reaps the benefits, BUT ...I would quiz them about their "after market" support! I know they take in their fee...and there is a ton of work that will go in your initial start up, but what is their plan after your opening? MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY SALON PLACED IN YOUR MARKET!

24th July 2005, 12:56 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jancy "Does not play well with others." Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 197	To Tanu http://www.executivetans.info/news/a....asp?a=164&z=3 This is from the ET salon locator section. This is reported as a "coming soon" salon. No other information posted on the official site. This is public information.

31st July 2005, 07:15 PM	#9 (permalink)
Pink Princess Pink Join Date: May 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 792	I have heard great things about Joe....Too bad he went to a franchise that I do not feel is doing a good job.

31st July 2005, 10:38 PM	#10 (permalink)
neon beach The Good, The Bad, The Banned Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: North America Posts: 756	After so much time with Smart Tan, and now moving to Exectutive Tans?? Good for the franchise, probably bad for Smart Tan and bad for "small time" salon owners as well.

22nd August 2005, 10:09 AM	#11 (permalink)
TTeditor Rookie Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Jackson, MI Posts: 1	Feel good about Smart Tan Hello, I'm new to this forum, and I am also the new editor of Tanning Trends magazine. I have been with Smart Tan for one year, now, previously working as an Account Representative for the Membership department. I saw the Smart Tan forumn, and thought it would be a great opportunity to introduce myself and get to know some more folks! I'm interested in the talk about Joe Levy leaving Smart Tan, and also surprised to hear that many think it means bad news for Smart Tan. While Joe was a very visible person for our company and contributed in many ways to bring us where we are today, Smart Tan does not stand on one leg. Our staff of 30+ plugs away day after day to maintain Smart Tan's status as an industry leader and to advance in many different and exciting ways. While Joe was a great asset to Smart Tan, his role over the past 5-6 years has changed dramatically. A journalist by training and profession, Joe has always been, and will continue to be, a contributor to Tanning Trends magazine. He was also an occasional project developer and, of course, has been involved primarily over the past several years in helping to dispel myths about indoor tanning through the press and in some cases in the political and legislative arena. Smart Tan has worked closely with the ITA over the past 5 years and they now, through their PAC and revenues from the ITA Expo, have appropriately taken the lead roll in monitoring and fighting negative press and potentially harmful legislation. Joe will stay connected to Smart Tan as a Scientific Advisor and will still contribute to Tanning Trends. As the new VP for education and training for Executive Tans, I'm not exactly sure what that will bring for their franchise. As with any new position, the individual will likely define the role. As for Smart Tan and the development of educaitonal programs, nothing changes: Kevin Sharp, Janet Paul, Steve Chaney, Dr. Marc Clark, Dale Parrott, and our CEO Matt Russell are just a few of our experts that remain with the company and will continue to be at the forefront of project development along with our staff and many off-premise consultants, such as Joe Levy. While we will miss Joe, his involvement in building the educational institute of the Smart Tan Network has been limited to actual development of a very few new products, the latest being the Teenage Tanning package. I hope that this helps restore some confidence in Smart Tan for those of you who have concerns. I'd love to hear from anyone who has questions or more comments. Also, I encourage you to check out Smart Tan's new Web site setup at www.smarttan.com . Thanks! Carolyn Wilson, editor Tanning Trends magazine editor@smarttan.com

30th September 2005, 12:17 AM	#12 (permalink)
Angelique All Star Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 171	Credibility? Hello all and well met Carolyn, I am new to this forum also but not new to the industry. I have been in business for 12+ years. I have been a devout follower of educational information and training of the Smart Tan Network as long as I have been in business. Smart Tan does great things for our industries image. <O My concern is this:<O Joe was on top of things ... He fought hard for this industry and righting wrongs made by the press etc. I have always had utmost respect for Joe and his research and his efforts to combat negativity towards the tanning industry. <O Now that Joe has "bought into" (has a vested interest in) an actual tanning franchise corporation... his hard work and research will be seen as nothing more than a ploy to increase the revenues of the corporation he has become a part of ... Being part of an association that educates the tanning industry, researches and represents the tanning industry is one thing. Being part of a national tanning franchise is quite another, and I am afraid his opinions and representation of the industry as a whole will no longer be as respected. <O It makes me sad to hear Joe left Smart Tan his 14 years in the industry as an "association representative" was a very valuable asset to our industry. <O I have faith that Smart Tan will be fine and still do great things for the Tanning industry and will continue to support the network.

30th September 2005, 11:52 AM	#13 (permalink)
Jancy "Does not play well with others." Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 197	Out of the frying pan..... We know all about the company Joe is now associated with. When you bed down with the devil you can expect to get burned.

4th October 2005, 12:37 AM	#14 (permalink)
etstealsandlies Rookie Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: California Posts: 2	Pipe Dreams Unfortunately for Joe, he apparently didn't take time to chat a bit with Executive Tans franchisees across the nation to peel back some of the layers that their corporate office hides behind! I hate to think of the pipe dreams that may have been presented to him during his interviewing/recruitment process. Soon, the truth will be revealed -- in arbitration!!

4th October 2005, 01:55 AM	#15 (permalink)
Alan @ TanToday Checks and Balances Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,163	WOW, this thread went South fairly quickly. Great job __________________ Alan "America is too great for small dreams" - Ronald Reagan

25th December 2005, 11:57 PM	#16 (permalink)
debe Rookie Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: PA Posts: 3	hi jancy, you sent me an e-mail about sending you my e-mail address in order to send me a copy of your business plan. please feel free to do so! i could a little guidance. if feel so lost. thanks debe

26th December 2005, 12:26 AM	#17 (permalink)
Jancy "Does not play well with others." Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 197	On their way, with attachment! __________________ "Does not play well with others."

29th December 2005, 01:38 PM	#18 (permalink)
justcurious2know Rookie Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 6	credibility? According to a blog written by former experienced industry professionals, TT is nothing more than an advertising medium for the industry. It does not promote safe tanning, it seems, in fact, to promote the industries profits. The industry is fast becoming "owned" by several giants and the mom n pops are being squeezed out. TT is simply an amalgamation for the express purpose of increased profits for these giants and the sudden appearance of one of it's chief spokesmen, speaks volumes about integrity and credibility.

29th December 2005, 03:00 PM	#19 (permalink)
missmojorising Hall of Famer Join Date: May 2005 Location: Simplytantexas Posts: 1,645	Do not hover always on the surface of things, nor take up suddenly with mere appearances; but penetrate into the depth of matters, as far as your time and circumstances allow, especially in those things which relate to your profession. Isaac Watts __________________ "Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog: Nobody really enjoys it and the frog generally dies as a result." E.B. White Mojo's Motto; Hire A Professional Consultant.

15th January 2006, 08:50 PM	#20 (permalink)
Pink Princess Pink Join Date: May 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 792	What in the hell are you talking about? Really "Just Curious"? What blog? Post a link. I would love to read a ranting of a weird tanning person.

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