Before he opened his first full-service tanning salon, Bryan Hipps bought a small airbrushing studio. He worked full-time as an engineer in the wireless industry, but thought that the enticingly affordable venture could be a smart way to diversify without making a drastic career change.

Later, as the business, proved to be both stable and consistently busy, Bryan considered the idea of expanding into a larger space. His wife, Hannah Hipps, spent the last four years managing a health club and knew Bryan would need extra help. When she offered to run day-to-day operations, it was the deciding factor that convinced him to move forward. Her managerial and customer service experience paired with his detail-oriented, project0 focused engineering background made them the perfect team for executing a vision. In 2006, they opened Sun Station Tanning Studios.

Nine years and four locations later, their business is thriving. Bryan focuses on the back end of the business, heading up any build outs or major purchases; Hannah works with her managers and salespeople to ensure their success and her customers’ happiness. By creating a focus on their local community and constantly seeking out opportunities to grow, the couple has cultivated a winning mindset for succeeding in a competitive market.

Click here to read the entire article in the latest issue of Smart Tan Magazine online.