American Sun and Four Seasons

PR’s FOR TRADE MAGAZINESLooking Fit ~ Island Sun Times ~ Tanning Trends
For Immediate Release

Paris, TN – Four Seasons is proud to announce the expansion of its operation through the recent acquisition of American Sun Systems in Greensboro, NC effective July 21st, 2008. American Sun was established in 1985 by Chip & Cathy Stroud; Four Seasons in 1984 by Ronnie & Johnny Allen. Both companies share common goals of providing quality products and superior service, development of deeper relationships with businesses in the marketplace, ensuring total customer satisfaction, and partnering with salons as they continue to grow.

Quotes Ronnie Allen, Chairman of Four Seasons, “Having known Chip and Cathy for most of the 24 years I have been in the tanning industry, there was no doubt in my mind about merging with American Sun Systems; it’s a perfect fit. I have the highest respect for them and their level of integrity and believe this union will benefit everyone involved”.

This simply translates into giving customers more – an even greater selection of equipment, retail and everyday products, lamps and parts, knowledge, education and solutions in a broader market base; all backed by two prominent names within the industry. Both companies have a rock solid relationship with all the major suppliers; the JK group (makers of Ergoline, Soltron & Sundash equipment - you can count on years of continued sales, support & service of the world’s finest indoor tanning equipment), Sunshine Holdings (makers of Australian Gold, Designer Skin & California Tan) and many, many others as well. Also, more salons will now benefit by having full access to Four Seasons interactive website, www.fsaccess.com; a convenient 24/7 shopping and educational resource.

“We have enjoyed an excellent working relationship over the years with the fine folks at Four Seasons – they are like family. And because of that comfort level, we knew this was the right thing to do for both our customers and our staff. We are sure everyone will quickly establish that same comfort and confidence level under their leadership. This union will create tremendous opportunities for all salons”, says Chip Stroud, President of American Sun.

American Sun Systems will continue to operate as usual from their Greensboro, NC facility ultimately providing uninterrupted sales and service in the mid-Atlantic area. Simply call your rep at 1.800.537.9113 with any need you may have. As usual, their annual Expo will be held on Jan 30 – Feb 1, 2009 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC.

Staff Member Achievements

American Sun Systems recently recognized several of their staff members for accomplishments during the year of 2007. "This is always a special time of year" quotes Cathy Stroud, VP of the company. "When people excel in any area, they should be recognized for their accomplishments & contributions. This is such a fun event. Chip & I are overjoyed by the tears that are shed when someone is unexpectedly acknowledged. It is a blessing to witness the applause and see the support this group has for each other".

Acknowledgements were made during a Saturday evening dinner banquet in mid-January that included both staff members and their "better halves". Such recognitions were for Salesperson of the Year (all divisions), Best Support Team, Department of Excellence, Years of Service and the highly coveted Employees Choice Award. Christine Chapman was acknowledged for her repeat performance as Salesperson of the Year (Special Products Division). Rodney Pitts (Installation Division) received the Employees Choice Award for the second time as well. Meredith Tomlin & Bruce Atkinson received the honorable Extra Mile Award. Ann Dingman has been with American Sun for 14 years and her husband, Al, has been on the Best Support Team for 10 of those years.

You can reach the American Sun team at 800.537.9113 or visit us at http://www.americansunsystems.com/.

ASSI Welcomes John Lambert!

American Sun Systems is honored to announce John Lambert as the newest addition to our Equipment Sales Team. John is an icon of the tanning industry and has served in both management and sales capacities for many years now. American Sun represents the JK Group; the world's largest manufacturer of tanning equipment featuring Ergoline, Soltron & Sundash. John has a strong background & affiliation with the JK family and their brand of equipment. He is located east of Nashville, TN and will be servicing clients primarily in TN & KY as well as other exclusive American Sun territory.

"Having a veteran like John Lambert in our division is a rare opportunity for most. His decades of experience in the industry and vast knowledge of JK equipment are a huge plus for our company. He is deeply committed to long-term relationships with salon owners and their overall success. His business savvy will be a tremendous asset for American Sun, The JK Group and John's clients. We are blessed to have such a veteran on our team!" comments Chip Campbell, Equipment Sales Manager.

John just celebrated his 31st anniversary with his wife Carolyn. They have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. You can reach John at 800.537.9113 or jlambert@americansunsystems.com.

~People on the Move~

American Sun Systems (Greensboro, N.C.) - American Sun Systems recognizes one member of its staff for an outstanding achievement and welcomes another to the team. Christine Chapman, senior products specialist and team leader at American Sun Systems, recently was recognized for record-breaking sales. In other company news, Christopher Litchfield is the newest member of the American Sun Systems’ marketing force and will serve as marketing coordinator. Litchfield will be involved with every aspect of the department and work closely with all sales departments to continue to further the expansion and support of American Sun Systems’ internal and geographical marketing and sales efforts. He can be reached at (336) 885-0093, ext. 126

Originally posted here

Buyer Guide Released

Hot Off The Shelf: American Sun’s Buyers Guide

GREENSBORO, N.C.—Industry veteran distributor, American Sun Systems, announces the release of its 2008 Buyers Guide. This 108-page, oversized catalog includes all the essentials for setting up and operating a tanning facility. Located in the mid-Atlantic, American Sun has been supplying the industry since 1985 with Ergoline, Soltron, Sundash and Mystic Tan tanning equipment as well as all major lotion brands, unique retail items, parts, service and operational supplies.
Call (800) 537-9113 to get a free copy of the guide, or visit http://www.americansunsystems.com/.

This press release was originally posted here

How we became American Sun Systems and the 15th Annual Southeast Tanning Expo

How we became American Sun Systems

and the

15th Annual Southeast Tanning Expo

About 25 years ago, my husband and I decided to start a new business together. I had left the banking industry, working only part time jobs for friends and raising our 2 year old daughter. He was working extensively on the west coast and happened upon a new beauty trend that was gaining tremendous popularity – indoor tanning. He was in Seattle at the time and noticed people with tans in an area that was predominately cloudy and rainy. A typical skin type 2, he was curious and bought a tanning package, a bottle of accelerator and within 2 weeks he had his first head to toe tan.

When he returned home, he was ecstatic about the experience and I was impressed with the results. We did a little research to find a distributor of tanning beds in our area and after a lot of discussion and research, we proceeded to open our first tanning salon; one of the very first in our area of roughly one million people. We met with our banker and a builder and after about 3 months, we open Sun Sations. Because there was basically no education or support at that time, we were on our own. We gave it our all, diving head first into the challenges of uncharted waters so to speak.

With a lot of perseverance, we grew the business tremendously. It was an amazing and rewarding process; to create and nurture a business when there was relatively no track record on this brand new industry. Within a year, we were selling and servicing our brand of equipment; shortly after that we added lotions and accessories as well thus becoming the first full service distributor on the east coast – American Sun Systems. As if that wasn’t enough, we opened another Sun Sations in a neighboring city which was a huge success as well.

Soon, we were instrumental in starting the first educational and training programs in our area. The organization was ITAC (Indoor Tanning Association of the Carolinas) which later came to be known as the ITAA (Indoor Tanning Association of America). We worked closely with the state as they began implementing regulations. That organization was disbanded several years later & replaced by other national efforts.

Around 1990, we made a choice to move into distribution exclusively. Because of our experience with our salons, our commitment was to help other entrepreneurs be equally successful. Our business was expanding as customer needs increased. Technology was rapidly developing; tanning lotions and equipment were becoming more sophisticated. Thus, building the best team possible was key to enabling future growth along with top notch service. Around this time, we started doing annual symposiums which allowed education, training & new product introduction to local salons and prospective business owners.

Today, we are preparing to play host to approximately 1500 salon owners, managers and staff at our 15th annual expo in historic downtown Winston-Salem at the Benton Convention Center. What a progression, from a small meeting room in a local hotel to a convention center! Contact us to register for this event. You can make room reservations directly with the hotel; we’ll give you those numbers upon registration. It is very heart warming to see our customers, hear their individual success stories, and watch their interactions with other business owners as they share stories. I can say we truly are a part of one of the most rewarding and exciting industries in the world. Did you know tanning has been around for almost three decades now on the cosmetic level; originating in Europe from a simple way to treat skin disorders. It has been amazing to watch an industry mature and transform and know that there is still a lot of growth and development to come.

While we have had our challenges with the media over the years, we now have a huge PR movement to educate the public about tanning via television. Rick Berman and company will headline this effort, funded in whole by the ITA (Indoor Tanning Association) and its members. Chip Stroud, president of American Sun Systems and our entire sales staff were a the ITA show in Nashville, TN on October 12, 2007 as concerned salon owners and vendors banded together financially to protect what we work for each day; protecting our rights to tan by exposing the positives about indoor tanning. If you are not a member of ITA, please join so we can keep these efforts going. Visit http://www.theita.com/ or call 1.888.377.0477 for details. You can even call our sales reps.

I sincerely hope that if you are looking for a new business opportunity or want to grow your existing salon, please give us a call or visit our website at http://www.americansunsystems.com/. As a full service distributor with a background in salon operation & ownership, we are prepared to walk you through the process of initial salon development or even a simple add-on. Our team of industry professionals have a lot of knowledge and skill and are eager to assist with your purchase, service any equipment issues or simply answer your questions. Also, our 2008 Buyer’s Guide is now available. If you are not on our mailing list, please contact us for your copy today.

Welcome to ASSI on the web

Welcome and thanks for visiting us in the online world. American Sun Systems is an active participant in the tanning industry. Our commitment to the promotion of safe tanning and quality tanning products has helped us become a market leader in the industry.

Join us at our annual expo Feb 1st-3rd in Winston Salem. More on that in a few weeks