The TanWall Blog

In December 2009 Sunset Tanz LLC President and Owner, James Harton set a new goal for his company: Branding and Expanding.

Harton was looking to move his business from a local multi city venue to a multi state venue. Although the right timing for moving into a multi state venue was still unknown, Harton knew that branding would be a key to success. With branding comes recognition, and with recognition comes high expectations from clients. One hurtle that Harton faced was build out. Although metal studs and sheet rock can recreate a location, time and time again, it was costly and time consuming. Harton recalled a modular wall set up at the Smart Tan Expo in Downtown Nashville back in October ’09 and decided to call up the little gal that he met there by the name of Kristina Admire. Admire and Harton conversed and quickly came to a conclusion: whether Sunset Tanz was to be 9 locations or 90 locations, Modular Walls would help with the brand recognition and professionalism of each and every store!

Harton and Admire quickly went to work on the details and standards of Sunset’s build out. Time was running short as January had come and gone in the blink of an eye and they had to work fast. At this point Harton knew that with deadlines, hefty regulations, and the feet dragging of city inspectors there was no way this salon location could be up and running by March using a conventional style build out. It was now that Harton knew the choice he had made was the correct one! After endless conversations with Admire, Harton was confident that the build out would take no more than 5 to 7 days tops. And that was going to be with only 2 men working full time and a 3rd man working part time. Admire and her trusty architect (who’s real name has been omitted due to the fact that he’s a spy for the CIA… [LOL, just kidding]), worked daily on the setup created as a rough drawing by Harton. Admire and Mr. Architect worked tirelessly until the job was done.  

February and March both came and went like a whirlwind with only minor issues arising; but they were quickly taken care of. Soon, the 9th Sunset Tanz location went from a dream to a reality…this dream was not only Harton’s, but also a dream that tanners in Athens, AL had been hoping would some day come true: the first professional tanning salon chain to come to Athens, AL! A sign of growth in tough economic times, not just for Sunset Tanz, but also for the city of Athens!

Now present day, Harton and the Sunset Tanz Crew continue to serve the people of Athens. The location that they had all waited for wouldn’t have been possible without Kristina Admire and the gang at Tan Wall. You might ask yourself, “What do modular walls have to do with the success of a tanning salon chain?” The answer: they have everything to do with success.

Here are reasons why you should use Tan Walls, just to name a few:

1. Tan Walls allow for better use of space (why waste space that you’re paying rent for?).
2. Tan Walls are quick and easy to construct (time is of the essence, time is money and time will pass you by!).
3. Tan Walls are less expensive (not to mention, they will save your crew from a vast majority of the inspection process in many areas of the country).
4. Tan Walls are re-usable (many times tanning salon chains will expand or relocate stores; why waste material and money?).
5. Tan Wall creates modular walled salon build outs at an affordable price (dare to compare, you’ll be back).

In short, if you need walls for your salon, whether it be 1 location or 100, use Tan Walls!

The Venture:
Michael Loomis began working on a business plan for a new tanning salon, soon to-be- called Tantations. As a first-time salon owner, Michael wanted an easy, efficient, and cost effective solution for his build-out needs.

The Challenge:
Tantations needed to be more then just a one-store-wonder. Michael wanted a build solution that was so cost effective he could see himself expanding his business from one salon to a multi-location operation. Conventional construction methods for his rooms and walls just wouldn’t cut it, once he considered time and money. So Michael started exploring the possibility of using a modular wall system instead. And that’s when TanWall came into the picture about 6 months ago, when Michael approached us to consider the construction of a healthy number of rooms for his brand new tanning salon.

The Solution:
TanWall’s Modular Wall System was exactly what Tantations needed. TanWall proved to be faster, easier and less messy then other construction methods. After some careful and thorough research, Michael soon discovered that TanWall’s system provided the flexibility, efficiency, and cost effectiveness in order to expand and develop Tantations into a competitive brand.

“I chose [TanWall’s Moduar Wall System]…” Michael explained, “…because they look amazing, pave the way for possible franchise opportunities and save money as you do not have the added expense of a contractor, building permits, or [missing] your deadline due to construction delays.” He went on to finish by saying, “Overall, TanWalls are one of the smartest investments you can make when building a salon!”

For Tantations, Michael chose Rosewood TanWalls with Bronze framing and stained the doors an upscale color to compliment the Rosewood walls. Michaels order, from approved to layout to manufacturing, took 2-3 weeks.

The Conclusion:
We can’t argue with Michael. TanWall’s Modular Wall System is the best investment you can make into your tanning salon.

Kristina Admire, National TanWall Design Manager, had this to add, “I hope many more entrepreneurs in the tanning industry may come to see TanWall as a simple way to build out a salon that creates a brand image along with a fast and repeatable process for future stores.” She also had this to say to Michael of Tantations, “I was so happy and excited to help you develop Tantations. I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing the growth of your business and brand.”

iTAN Solarium is a rapidly growing tanning franchise that is poised to take the lead in the Southern California tanning market. With headquarters in San Diego, California, iTAN Solarium is successfully catering to a growing group of happy clientele while expanding to keep up with rising demand.

iTAN Solarium is a first class industry model distinguished by its core competencies: skilled and knowledgeable staff, exceptional product, and luxurious, upscale look. iTAN Solarium holds its salons to the highest standards of cleanliness, professionalism, and technological advances – including the most elite beds in the industry. Each iTAN location offers fit body wraps, teeth whitening, and hydration therapy/photo facials to meet the diverse needs of its discerning customers.

iTan’s growth and expansion plan necessitates a solid and consistent construction method. iTAN Solarium uses a modular wall system manufactured by TanWall to create each private room. This system utilizes colors custom matched by TanWall that are available exclusively to iTAN franchisees. This repeatable, reliable construction process – and its stunning final result! – is fundamental to the success of the iTAN Solarium franchise.

If you are interested in exploring franchise information, please visit www.itansolariums.com. 

TanWall’s choices, options, problem solving and good ol’ fashioned customer service have driven us straight into the lead in the salon wall industry. It is no surprise that time and time again we satisfy the many salon owners that cross our path. Like, Robert, Director of Sales and Marketing at Sun Factory. Here’s what he had to say about TanWall:

“I have personally built out 15 salons as an owner or manager. My newest location was a challenge. I needed a fast turnaround to be open in time for season. The city required full building plans for permanent walls. This involved architect fees, construction costs, inspections, etc. The costs and time associated did not work with my plan so I explored modular walls as an option. I stumbled across TanWall. After speaking with Kristina, who is extremely personable, as well as knowledgeable, I chose to go with their modular product. I opted to lease my walls for the low initial investment and the tax benefits of leasing.”

Robert made the right choice indeed.

“Kristina rushed us through the process to make sure that we would have our salon open on time,” Robert explained.

For Sun Factory Robert chose our Rosewood wall panels, Silver framing, and upgraded to Diamond Plate doors. 12 rooms of various sizes, to meet bed specifications, were designed by our wonderful engineering department. Only 3-4 weeks later, after approving the final layout plan, Sun Factory received its walls ready to assemble. “Our walls were delivered as promised and we were able to fully assemble 12 rooms in 3 days,” Rober added.

In the end, how did it all turn out once it was assembled? Why don’t we have Robert tell us himself?

“Our salon gets rave reviews from our clients. It is the nicest salon in our chain and I look forward to using TanWall for all future salons. In fact, we are preparing to franchise, and TanWall will be featured in all new corporate as well as franchise locations.”

Kristina Celebrates her 4th year at TanWall

Jan 3, 2009 marked the fourth anniversary of Kristina Admire as the National TanWall Sales Manager with TanWall.

Kristina received her bachelor’s degree from University of Colorado, where she double-majored in Business and Communication. She has always loved working with people and has an incredible drive for success.

“Working in the tanning industry has been a dream for me! It’s allowed me to combine both my love of business and my passion for being creative. It’s so great helping salon owners create their unique vision for their salon and then seeing it play out into reality,” Kristina says.

Growing up in Orange County, or—as some affectionately call it—“the OC”, tanning was always a part of Kristina’s life. Kristina says, “These four years have flown by! I honestly love what I do! The best part of my job is when my salon owners send me pictures of their completed salons. It is such a great feeling to know I helped them create their dream!”