coNvErsatioNs
WITH
JEFF KOHL
A dedicated contributor is not just someone who gives their time and skills to
support an organization, but someone whose life’s work has been devoted to
furthering the industry you all love. JEFF KOHL is the former COO of Spa
& Club Ideations, former business development consultant to the mayo
Clinic, COO at Elizabeth Arden Red door Spas, and current Area manager
at Barrett Business Services, Inc. (BBSI). And those are just his job titles!
Kohl also served as chairman of the ISPA Foundation, chairman and
treasurer of the ISPA Board of directors and led ISPA’s implementation of an
association reserve fund along with international restructuring and
membership enrichment programs.
For over 25 years, Kohl has been using his expertise in hospitality management, marketing, sales,
retailing, operations, and programming and services to further the mission of ISPA and lift the entire
spa industry to unprecedented levels. He is the definition of a dedicated contributor, which is why
ISPA is proud to present him with the dedicated Contributor Award this September at the 2018 ISPA
Conference & Expo.
For this month’s Conversations, we chatted with Kohl about what being a member of ISPA has
meant to him and what he sees in the future of the spa industry.
Pulse: When did you first hear
about IsPA and what prompted
you to join?
Kohl: Twenty-five years ago, in 1993,
when I was opening the Disney Institute.
We had not started construction and
needed to figure out what to do, so I
attended my first ISPA Conference & Expo
and I knew I wanted to contribute to and
become part of the spa industry.
P: Why is giving back to IsPA so
important to you?
K: The spa industry is a giving community
and ISPA’s members and staff have given a
lot to me. So, I felt it was important to
give back to the association and the
community. When someone has the
means and the corporate support, it’s their
duty and privilege to help others grow.
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July 2018
P: What was the most rewarding
part of serving as IsPA Chairman?
IsPA Foundation Chairman?
K: The most rewarding and enjoyable part
of serving as ISPA Chairman and ISPA
Foundation Chairman was the ability to
help forge the direction of the industry for
those working in the industry and for
future leaders. It is truly humbling when
you can make an impact that defines an
industry. I always enjoyed working with
the ISPA team and forged long-term
relationships with many of them,
especially Lynne McNees.
P: Why is IsPA memb ership so
important for spa industry leaders?
K: ISPA membership is critical for spa
industry leaders for two main reasons:
education and camaraderie. ISPA’s
research is invaluable and continues to
improve our industry knowledge with
every study. The camaraderie is felt
throughout the ISPA community—from
new members to those who have been
around for years—it’s a very nurturing
and welcoming family.
P: What do you think is one of the
biggest hurdles the spa industry
currently faces?
K: In my opinion, there are two big
hurdles facing the spa industry. First, the
lack of business knowledge at all levels,
which contributes to the need for qualified
management and staff. Second, I feel the
industry is pricing itself out for most
consumers. There have been conversations
about both topics for years and it’s
something that needs to be thoughtfully
addressed.