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Business name: SunSpot Tanning Resort.

Business address: 7968 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester Twp. and 6678 Tri-Way Drive, Mason.

Owners' names: Terry and Adrienne Cox.

Terry works in medical sales and attends to the business when needed. Adrienne oversees daily operations.

Job title: Owners.

How long have you been in this position? "We started and have owned SunSpot for 10 years this past March."

What education or experience do you have? "Terry and I both graduated from Miami University, Oxford. Terry currently is in medical sales as a district manager and Adrienne was in consumer and retail sales for 15 years before opening SunSpot."

What are its hours of operation? 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to

5 p.m. Sunday.

What does your business do/offer? "We offer indoor tanning and indoor tanning lotions. Our Mason location has 32 beds and our West Chester location has 21 beds. We also offer the Mystic Spray-on Tan (UV-free) at both locations."

How long has the business been open? "Mason has been open

10 years and West Chester has been open 5 years."

How did you get started in your business? Adrienne was working as a sales representative and was traveling a lot with her job and wanted to stay home with her two small children, but still wanted to have an income. "We did not have any experience in the tanning industry but we both managed sales territories with our sales jobs and knew we could manage our own business."

What sets your business apart from others in the same industry? "The one thing that sets us apart from other businesses is most definitely our staff. I am told that every day by our customers."

What are your plans for the future of your business? "Continue safe tanning and the best customer service. We want to be Mason's No. 1 tanning salon. We are a local family and we hope that local residents support us."

How many are employed by your business? "Twenty-four employees. A lot of our employees are seasonal and some may only work two shifts a week. I would rather hire many quality people who can only work a night or two rather than a few average people who can work 25 hours plus."

What's the biggest trend affecting your business today? "When we first entered the industry there were several small tanning "mom and pop" salons. The industry has become more professional by establishing more state guidelines and strict rules for owners to follow and everyone working in a tanning salon now needs to be certified. We think this has been a great change and it does make this industry more professional, safe and better for the tanning customer. By the State of Ohio enforcing these rules, many small salons have gone out of business and have been replaced by large tanning chains with several locations. Over the last five years, I know of at least four privately owned local salons like us that have closed their doors. With the continued support of Mason and West Chester residents we hope to be here another 10 years, but we need the residents to support small business owners."

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start/run a business? "We have really enjoyed owning our own business; it has allowed us to meet so many people in the community."

What is your business philosophy? "To provide the best customer service possible by providing a safe and friendly environment."

What is something the average person probably doesn't know about your product/services? "Every one of our employees have been trained and certified by the State of Ohio to work in a tanning salon."

How long have you lived in the community? "We have lived in Mason for 15 years. Although Terry grew up in Middletown and Adrienne grew up in Franklin, we consider ourselves natives."

Family: "We have two children that attend Mason High School. Derek is a junior, and Madeline is a freshman."

Hobbies: "We both enjoy watching our kids in their many activities. This keeps us very busy."

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