Robin and Marty Eason, SunSeekers Tanning Studio

Work hard, play hard: That’s how Robin and Marty Eason live life. But by choosing their employees wisely and empowering them to adopt the same philosophy, they create a dedicated workforce of employees who are happy and well equipped to serve others.

Q: How do you approach the hiring process?

A: The starting point is the interview. For hiring, we have a series of prepared questions that we ask, just like everyone else. But we go back and analyze the answers and kind of have a post-interview with ourselves. We think about how they were dressed, if they looked us in the eye, if they got off the subject or answered the questions straight on.

After employees are hired, we have an orientation for them. It’s so important because you’re bringing a lot of young people into their first job. It’s a way to tell them what your expectations are, what the requirements are, and lead them down the right path from the starting point.

Our employee manual has been an organized way for us to get new hires all of their federal forms, store policies, dress code information and everything. It’s really that simple.

Q: How is your company culture unique?

A: I have a very strong work ethic, and I expect my staff to have a strong work ethic, too. But it’s important to relax and get balance.

That’s why my full-time staff has four weeks of vacation pay. Sometimes they can’t use it all up within a year, but it’s important. I stay on them until they at least take off a few days in a row. We want people to come back with renewed energy. People who don’t do that are missing a great opportunity to renew their spirit. I think it affects them in a positive manner.