| Maple Grove, Minnesota (March 25, 2010) Travis | | | | partnered with Weidholz, a former employee of |
| Hills, CEO of the newly franchised tanning | | | | and franchisee with Anytime Fitness, to create a |
| business, iBeach TanSM, announces the opening of | | | | business that provides a "business in a box" to |
| its first salon in Waite Park, Minnesota. Hills and | | | | the franchisee, all at an affordable cost. |
| iBeach Tan Vice President Scott Weidholz plan on | | | | "We've structured iBeach Tan to be both efficient |
| a rapid expansion for the business, hoping to | | | | and affordable," says Hills. "First of all, our salons |
| reach 75 plus units sold by the end of 2010. | | | | offer 8-10 beds but require only 1500 or less |
| The iBeach Tan concept is a first for a franchised | | | | square feet of space. We will help the franchisee |
| tanning salon. Salon customers will be issued a key | | | | with site selection and market analysis and can |
| card and can use the salon at hours convenient to | | | | also help negotiate the building lease. Often, we |
| them: early morning, after work, or even the | | | | can obtain several months free rent for the |
| middle of the night if they wish. iBeach's propriety | | | | franchisee. In addition, the equipment can be |
| software and security system coupled with | | | | leased, meaning the up-front costs are very |
| biometrics (fingerprint) at a self check in kiosk | | | | reasonable." |
| allows for convenient 24 hour access. | | | | As former franchisees, both Hills and Weidholz |
| The advantages to franchisees are numerous. | | | | kept the interests and profitability of their future |
| First, the salon is basically self-service (once the | | | | franchisees first and foremost while building the |
| new member has been signed up and instructed in | | | | framework for iBeach Tan. "Sometimes it pays to |
| the use of the provided services). The self | | | | offer more than expected in a business deal and I |
| check-in kiosk eliminates the cost associated with | | | | believe we have done that for iBeach Tan |
| multiple employees. The owner or a hired | | | | franchisees," says Weidholz. "We have branded |
| manager will work convenient hours to sell new | | | | high end products from our suppliers and |
| memberships or tanning packages but the salon | | | | negotiated unbeatable prices for our franchisees." |
| will remain open all day, every day, to maximize | | | | For consumers looking for a bronze spray tan or |
| use and income. The salons even have product | | | | a golden glow from a state-of-the-art tanning bed, |
| vending machines so customers can buy goggles | | | | iBeach Tan salons can provide these services in a |
| or lotions whenever needed, increasing revenue. | | | | safe, convenient and modern facility – one |
| Hills and wife, Miranda, former multi-unit | | | | that's open 24/7, 365 days a year. This could |
| franchisees of Anytime Fitness, saw the value of | | | | translate to income gold for the self-driven |
| consumer convenience paired with a lower-cost | | | | entrepreneur who wants to experience business |
| business model first hand and wanted to bring the | | | | ownership without the usual pitfalls. |
| idea to the $6 billion tanning industry. They | | | | |