Exclusive Interview With Jeff Bozz
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles.Not many left of us!!! More specifically La Crescenta. It was a great place to grow up. No one locked there doors, kids were out riding bikes and playing all day. It was a great neighborhood.
Where do you live now?
I have a place in the Hollywood Hills. Myself and a good friend purchased this house a few years back to remodel and flip. We finished the house and it’s absolutely gorgeous but the only problem is the real estate market kind of tanked, so we have had a difficult time trying to sell it. I’m O.K with that, because I’m living in it while it’s on the market and it’s a great place!! I love the Hollywood Hills. My house has very peaceful views which I love and you would never think your only minutes from the hussle of the city!
How did you get into the tanning salon business?
I have always had an interest in the tanning business. One of my close friends in high school opened a salon just out of high school and did quite well for himself, so it started there. Years later I really wanted to start one in Hollywood but finding the right partner and location is not an easy thing to do. My business partner Devin and I met thorugh some mutual friends and we went to all the same events over the years and became close friends. He had always had an interest in tanning as well, so one day we decided to team up and look for a spot. We came across the Perfect location on Sunset and within 2 weeks of finding the location, we had a signed contract and we were on our way!
How long have you been doing it?
We opened our first salon in 2003 so this will be our 4th year in business. Our original goal was to open one salon every until we had six and then start franchising. Well we had no idea how quickly our business was going to take off and how popular it grew and within four years we now have 5 salons opened, and the 6th one being built in the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas!!! We are also within 60 days of launching our franchise division across the United States and within one month we will be launching our indoor products followed shortly by our outdoor SPF’s and oils and in home sunless lotion kits that we will be selling on QVC.
Who approached you in doing a tv show?
Funny story. Kind of a Cinderella story! I had done a full page article for 944 magazine talking about my salons and tanning in general. About a month later, I get a call from the senior vice president at E! asking me to come into his office. I went in and he told me he loved the look and loved the concept of my company and wanted to do a Tv show about my company. At the Time I had no iterest to be on TV, but the more I thought about it I thought to myself what a great opportunity to get amazing worldwide exposure for my company! So we shot a pilot episode in December 2006 and in January 2007 we went up against 12 other shows to fill one spot fror E! All the executives voted our show as the best and we started filming our first season in Feb. 2007. We shot six episodes to begin with. It was an amazing experience and a bit odd seeing that I had no idea of what to expect. It was awkward at first with all the cameras and people around, but after about a week or so I barely noticed the cameras and it became quite fun! We have since then became a hit show with E! (amazingly enough!) so they ordered an extension of season one with 6 more episodes which we are filming currently and will be airing mid August of this year(2007) after the new episodes of the Girls Next Door. And they are in talks about a second season which would be amazing!!! Its amazing how just after 6 episodes how much our business has grown. I love it!! I feel so fortunate and thankful!!
How has it changed your life?
My life has changed a little. People are starting to recognize me and asking for pictures which really trips me out!! I’m thinking why do they want a picture. I’m a businessman not some TV personality, but I guess America and the people that watch the show think different!! It’s weird but I love meeting people who watch the show and love it and are so excited to get a picture. I’m honered that they want a picture of me and it really makes me happy when I see how excited people get talking about the show or thankful they are for a picture. Which I take aweful pictures anyway!! Regardless of how popular the show gets and how many fans we have I will always stay grounded and real. I will never get caught up in that and start treating people differently. Not to mention my sister would kill me if it ever started getting to my head. And I kow my friends would never let it happen!! I love meeting new people and I feel very fortunate to do what I do and have a great time doing it.!!
Do you have a girlfriend?
I recently got out of a somewhat tough, drama filled relationship, so I am in chill mode!! My focus right now is on my company and its growth and I’m working so much I really don’t have time to get involved with anyone. Could it happen? Maybe, but I’m happy where I’m at at the moment!!
What type of girl do you usually date?
For some reason I seem to attract those jealous, insecure straight jacket type girls that seem great at first then I’m scared for my life down the road!! HA! Is that harsh?? Sad hugh?? Lol.. I have found it very difficult to find nice girls. I think being in the scene and going out all the time doesn’t help my situation. Its hard to find a good girl with great morals and family values in a nightclub!! I guess that’s my own fault!! I do date here and there, but I tend to keep it very light. I mostly enjoy grabbing a group of friends and going to dinner.
Where do you see “Sunset Tan” in 5 years?
I’m hoping within five years Sunset Tan will be at over 200 salons strong across the United States with our lotion line in every major super market. Our own tanning equipment, swimwear line and merchandise in full effect. In five years I want to be shopping for a yacht and a house in the Bahamas!! That is my goal!!
Is it hard managing so many young employees with strong personalities?
I have over 50 employees in my company and with that comes many clashing personalities!! I sometimes feel like I’m running a day care center!! It’s tough at times trying to get a handle on everything! Another tough aspect of my employess is that most are friends and it creates some clicky groups and teaming up on certain people. It’s a lot of the “he Said…She said” bullshit!! I have to constantly remind everyone of the big picture and to stay focused and not dwell on the small things, like the gossip!!! That is my biggest pet peeve!!! So far, I have been able to put out most of the fires with my employees, but sometimes it gets the best of me! Somehow through it all I have kept my sanity(well, for the most part!) and I love what I do and I would not change it for the world!!
Tags: Celeb Interviews, Jeff Bozz, Sunset Tan
