Last fall, thousands of salon professionals were invited to “voice their choice” in our Ninth Annual Industry Choice Awards, and the 2012 winners were announced in our December issue. Like the salon pros who voted, the manufacturers and industry veterans who represent this year’s winners also understand the importance of these awards. Honored to be named the “Industry’s Choice”, the members of this prestigious group were happy to express their appreciation. So, without any further ado, here are your 2012 ICA Winners all saying “Thank You” in their own, special way…
“Being chosen Person of the Year is so incredibly special to me. I’ve been a part of this industry for over 15 years now, and I’m lucky enough to not only enjoy my career, but to also work alongside so many people who I respect on a professional level and cherish as dear friends. I have learned so much from so many of you over the years, and that anyone would take the time to vote for me as Person of the Year is truly an honor. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart!” Maggie Curran Director of Sales, Supre Tan
“Thank you very much for the honor and recognition. I have received numerous calls, emails, etc. and I really appreciate this!” Jerry Deveney Executive Director of Sales, JK-North America
“We’re really excited and honored by this award because it illustrates that we’re able to give salon owners the kind of products they need and appreciate. On behalf of everyone at Cosmedico Light, Inc., I’d like to thank all of the salon owners for not only voting for the CosmoLux 9K90, but also giving the feedback and support that allows us to create and fine-tune products for their needs.” Kevin Apgar, President
“Wow! What a huge honor to win four Industry Choice Awards! We are so thankful to our loyal customers who recognized the hard work we do to support them and our industry. Being able to provide the best marketing and a user-friendly website has proven to be a huge asset to our customer support. To be awarded for that is indescribable. We also are so fortunate to have won two awards for packaging design and fragrance. Our cutting-edge packaging, popular fragrances and results-driven products have always set us apart and it’s an amazing feeling to be recognized for that. From the bottom of our hearts, from everyone at Devoted Creations, we are so thankful for these awards and your continued support. We promise to continue striving for excellence and providing the best possible service and support going into 2013.” Lewis Henry, President
Wink-Ease “WOW! The Wink-Ease team is THRILLED that our devotees have voted Wink-Ease their favorite eye protection! We know there are a lot of great choices available, and we are jumping up and down that we once again are the industry’s choice. All we do is eye protection, and it makes our year to know that our quarter-century of disposable eyewear focus is appreciated and on target. THANK YOU, SALONS and thank you, tanners for loving your Wink-Ease and wearing them, too!” Brenda Fishbaugh, President
“Winning the top two awards two years in a row, and an additional third one this year, makes me extremely proud to be a part of this winning Four Seasons’ team. Years of hard work have shaped us to be who we are today, our ethics in business earned us the respect of those who deal with us, and our people are the force that is making us the industry’s No. 1 choice, year after year. Thank you to all our vendors who helped us to become the most successful distributor and thank you to those who recognized that we are different and voted for us. We couldn’t have done it without the help of so many great people in the indoor tanning industry! Let’s celebrate now – and then try to do it a little bit better next year!” Ed Jerger, Executive Chairman
“I wasn’t really surprised by this award. When we acquired TanAmerica, our mission was to improve our presence in the high-pressure market. Mission accomplished! The booth, which features an open-air, 360º concept, has been by far the sales leader in our expansion into the high-pressure arena. And the professionals we inherited from TanAmerica have really shown they know how to sell the high-pressure booth and support it. Thanks to them, and thanks to the salon owners who voted for us.” Brad Henson, Vice-President
“I am beyond thrilled to learn that Helios has been voted ‘Favorite Salon Software’ for the ninth year in a row! It is gratifying to know that our customers appreciate everything we have worked hard to accomplish. Thank you all for your votes of confidence in Helios, both for 2012 and going forward! Thanks are due, as well, to IST Magazine for facilitating the Industry Choice Awards!” Rob Cochrane, President
“Everyone at JK-North America is thrilled to win these two prestigious awards. It is a testament to the hard work of our people in design and manufacturing – while it also acknowledges the strong support base we enjoy with our customers. The Ergoline Passion 34/3 is a top seller year after year, as it provides countless hours of consistent service in the most demanding commercial environments. And once again, the industry recognizes that there is no match for the Ergoline Open Sun 1050, as this system clearly defines the Level-5 product category. FYI: The Open Sun 1050 is featured in a key scene of the new movie ‘Pain & Gain’ starring Mark Wahlberg and the Rock, which is due out in Spring 2013!” Jerry Deveney, Executive Director of Sales
“Because the favorites are chosen by people who use our products in their businesses every day, we deeply appreciate this. It’s an affirmation that the hard work of everyone here at Norvell Skin Solutions provides products and training that allow tanning professionals to deliver the best results for their clients. This is truly an honor, and we will continue to do our very best to offer the best sunless products and education to this industry. Thanks again!” Rick Norvell, President/CEO
“It is an honor to again be selected by our salon industry partners to receive this award. As a longstanding tanning product innovator, it is our objective to watch, listen and learn what is happening in our customers’ salons so that we can continue to develop and deliver market-leading products. As such, this recognition means a great deal to all of us at Sunless, Inc. We are immensely proud of your belief in VersaSpa®, and thrilled to be named an industry favorite. We share this award with you, our partners, as a thank you for your support and feedback throughout the years.” The Sunless, Inc. Team
“To win the Industry Choice Award five years in a row is actually more humbling than maybe a certain euphoria would allow. It truly puts pressure on me, my team, distributors and the guys in manufacturing to not just maintain status quo, but also to excel and become an ever better organization. Supra Brands Group is, of course, a company whose humble beginnings go back to the very start of our industry 36 years ago, when I arrived in San Francisco ‘fresh off the boat’ at the age of 26. Those who have been in the business for a while have seen several ups and downs, which is consistent with any industry – bumps do occur – small and big. Even though at times things appear tough, as businesspeople we have to forge forward, stay positive and always strive to better ourselves, our products, our services and above all project a more professional stand for our industry.” Leif Vasström, Principal
“I’m very excited that Hempz was again chosen the industry’s favorite moisturizer. To offer amazing products that our industry continues to love is an honor in itself, but to be able to do it with a great team is truly remarkable. Maggie Curran, named 2012 ‘Person of the Year’, is a joy to work with, she always has a smile on her face and her positive attitude is contagious. She has truly bonded with our industry and created some real friendships along the way, and I appreciate her hard work, dedication and positive impact on our company and brands. My thanks to all of the salon owners, managers and industry members who voted for us and for continuing to make Supre Tan a success.” Bruce West, Jr., Owner/CEO
“In 2011, we acquired TanToday, now the industry’s premier Discussion Board, with two consecutive wins in this category. This means that we not only have an obligation to the industry, but also a responsibility to show in an open forum what our industry is all about. Our job at TanToday is to consistently and thoroughly offer help to current and new salon owners through the various forums. I believe that we and our Moderators – in collaboration and with continuous help from salon owners, distributors and manufacturers – can accomplish this. Both Supra and TanToday are also supporters of any organization that works for the industry, and will continue to be so.” Leif Vasström Principal, Supra Brands Group
“Wow, what an honor! First, to IST Magazine, we’d like to say ‘thank you’ for this opportunity. Secondly, to all the salon owners who voted for Twilight Teeth as Favorite Salon Accessory, we’d like to say ‘thank you for the wonderful recognition.’ I guess it’s true that when you apply hard work, customer service and a fresh, new product that delivers, it really does make it a winning situation for all parties involved. This news comes as a great way to start our 10th anniversary year!” Jerry Baughman, Vice-President
A 14-year industry veteran, John "Ribby" Ribner has written hundreds of articles for IST Magazine and, as Director of Editorial Content, has also helped guide the publication's evolution. Ribby is a graduate of Central Michigan University's journalism program and has brought many years of newspaper reporting experience to his position of Head Writer. He is also the author of three novels, "Legacy of the Bear," "Prophecy of the Bear" and "World So Dark."
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