TAMPA, FL - At just 19, Dawn Quinlan has accomplished what takes most entrepreneurs a lifetime. In less than five months, Quinlan has managed to secure more than 900 "regulars" to her new Executive Tans tanning salon in the Kash & Karry Shopping Center at 2517 State Road in Valrico - making her the youngest and fastest-growing franchisee in the system.

Quinlan, who had been working at an Executive Tans salon in Denver since she was a high school sophomore, had always dreamed of one day owning her own tanning salon.

Shortly after she graduated from high school, her parents recognized their daughter's potential to be a successful business owner, and provided her with the financial means to open an Executive Tans franchise - the first one of its kind in Florida.

"While most of my friends are gearing up for another year of college, studying and exams, I'm gaining real-world experience every day running my own tanning business," said Dawn Quinlan. "When you have a solid concept like Executive Tans and a commitment to providing customers with the best experience, you're going to be a success."

Established in 1991 in Colorado, Executive Tans now has 72 open locations in 16 markets throughout the United States and an additional 31 in development. Attracting men and women alike with a professional, upscale mindset, the fast-growing franchise has tripled its units in the past two years and boosted total sales from about $1 million in 2000 to more than $10 million in 2002.

"We're so excited about having Dawn in our franchise system," said Wayne Smeal, CEO of Executive Tans. "With so much energy and a fresh approach to business, she's an ideal franchisee for the tanning industry and Executive Tans."

If it's true that consumers place a high priority on image and status, then Executive Tans is playing right into their game with an upscale branding approach. Its name and logo intentionally imply the professional, slightly sophisticated image that the chain strives to obtain - and it's working.

"Unlike many of the existing tanning salons, we are a sophisticated refuge for busy, tan-starved professionals, or anybody who wants to feel like they're professionals. Our customers pay slightly more for the technology, cleanliness, service and the reputation. They can brag about where they tan - it's definitely a status thing," added Smeal.

Executive Tans is poised for explosive growth throughout the United States, projecting 300 franchises by 2006. Currently, Executive Tans averages a new salon opening every six days and projects $22 to $25 million in gross revenues system wide for next year.

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