IN AN INDUSTRY DRIVEN BY METRICS and performance, we instinctively strive to optimize every number, every trend, every opportunity. But in the pursuit of business excellence, we risk overlooking our greatest asset: our people.

When we review some of the research funded by the Foundation— the ISPA

TODD SHAW WILL SAY WHATEVER IT

TAKES TO GET YOUR ATTENTION.

Consumer Snapshot and the ISPA U. S. Spa Industry study are two significant examples— we must remember that behind every data point is a human being. Without investing in the well-being, development and fulfillment of our teams, the numbers lose their meaning.

When we analyze research, we are not just identifying trends— we are seeing the fingerprints of the thousands of spa professionals who make it happen. Our people are the future of our operations and our industry. Every innovation we implement, every experience we design, every goal we strive to reach— they are powered by the hands, hearts and minds of those who show up every day to deliver it. They are not just part of the business, they are the business.

As an industry, we have all contributed to the creation of this incredibly rich data set. Let’ s use it. Let’ s mine every insight. But let’ s also recognize that behind every successful metric is a person who made it happen. Let’ s find ways to invest in them first— so they can multiply that impact across the next generation of spa professionals. Our industry’ s success depends on it. n

— Todd Shaw, ISPA Foundation Chair

ISPA FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR Todd Shaw Fountain Life

VICE CHAIR Ella Kent The Spa at Sea Island

Kelleye Martin ISPA Chair Trellis Spa, The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

Jennifer Holzworth ISPA Vice Chair Montage International

Lynne McNees International SPA Association

HONORARY FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER Deborah Szekely Rancho La Puerta

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