“ John Korpi was an original— a true spa leader and ISPA pioneer whose passion, professionalism and vision helped shape the early days of our industry.”

— MARY BEMIS

FROM HIS ROLE IN THE CREATION OF ISPA in 1991 to joining the board in 1992 and being elected chair just a year later, John Korpi brought a steady hand to a spa community needing a vision and direction. A former hotel executive, Korpi transitioned into the spa world when he joined Buena Vista Hospitality Group, managing renowned properties like French Lick Springs Resort and PGA National.

His influence didn’ t end with his board tenure. In 2002, Korpi joined the ISPA Foundation Board and was elected Foundation Chair in 2003. Korpi’ s commitment to education and leadership shaped the mission of ISPA’ s charitable arm. Under his leadership, ISPA created a groundbreaking series of textbooks— covering retail, financial and spa management— that continues to shape spa education to this day.

Korpi’ s legacy is not just one of professional accomplishment— he will be remembered for a deep human connection. He met his wife, Karen, through ISPA, creating what many fondly recall as the association’ s first love story. Together, they co-founded Korpi & Korpi and Associates and were honored with the 2010 ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award. Daughter, Erika Korpi, continues the legacy as director of business development at Skin Authority. John Korpi lives on: in the enduring mission of

ISPA and in the pages of its foundational texts, in the strength of the community he helped build, in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him. He leaves behind an industry better than he found it— and a legacy of leadership rooted in generosity, integrity and love.

FROM OUR HEARTS TO HIS: Reflections on the Life of a Leader and Friend

Those who volunteered alongside John Korpi remember his mentorship and warmth as vividly as his strategic insight.

JANE SEGERBERG, Past ISPA Chair I joined ISPA as a member in 1991 and attended the first ISPA Conference that year. John was among the founding members of ISPA and organized the first Conference. I joined the ISPA Board of Directors in 1992, and John later became the chair of the board.

At ISPA, it was said that we always appointed the right chairman at the right time, and John guided us through important decisions as the association established its values and objectives.

John maintained our focus despite numerous distractions during our development. After his tenure as chairman and board member, John remained very committed to ISPA and even took the initiative in researching and producing ISPA’ s many valued textbooks.

When John spoke, he did so with his heart and perspective aligned with ISPA’ s mission. As one of ISPA’ s great mentors, he will be missed greatly.

MARY BEMIS, Past ISPA Board Member John Korpi was an original— a true spa leader and ISPA pioneer whose passion, professionalism and vision helped shape the early days of our industry. A past ISPA board member and managing director of PGA National in Palm

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