Pulse June 2019 | Page 4

from your chairman ISPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS elected officers chairman Garrett Mersberger Kohler co. vice chairman Scott Duncan Spa Gregorie’s secretary/treasurer Robert Vance Sensei retreats Lana’i directors Noel Asmar noel asmar Group, inc. throughout this issue of Pulse, you’ll find stories of spas and spa directors who have evolved alongside our changing industry. it was only five years ago that i entered this industry as a Spa Director of the Kohler Waters Spa in Kohler, Wisconsin after spending ten years in hospitality marketing and four years in private fitness and golf clubs. Like anyone new to an industry, the first year was spent soaking in as much knowledge and research as possible. i immediately joined the iSPa family and a signed up for an iSPa task force to learn more about the industry and expand my network of peers. not long after that, i took a leap of faith and decided to apply for the iSPa Board of Directors. for years i wondered how my prior career in marketing and membership clubs would ever make sense in the spa industry. after joining the iSPa Board, the way that my journey fit into “Our industry is one that’s all about connecting people...” the bigger picture became much clearer. our industry is one that’s all about connecting with people, where marketing and five-star hospitality are crucial to success. as an iSPa member, you get to play a role in helping people make those connections, whether you’re a new member or a board member. Those connections, in turn, help us grow and change. These past five years have been amazing and there are so many people within this industry to thank! We have all changed and evolved together through our connections with each other, our customers and this industry. We may not always understand change, welcome change or enjoy change, but change nonetheless makes us stronger. —GARRETT MERSBERGER, CHAIRMAN 2 PULSE jUnE 2019 Brennan Evans Trilogy Spa holdings Blake Feeney Living Earth crafts Patrick Huey montage hotels & resorts Kristine Huffman hutchinson consulting Kelleye Martin The Edgewater resort & Spa Laura Parsons The Wellspring Group Frank Pitsikalis resortSuite Todd Shaw Technogym Yvonne Smith La rive Spa at northern Quest resort & casino Michelle Adams Somerville Woodstock inn & resort Eric Stephenson Elements massage Jessica Timberlake Eminence organic Skin care ISPA PRESIDENT Lynne NcNees international SPa association it’s what makes us who we are today. ■ Jill Carlen hilton Worldwide MEDICAL ADVISOR Brent A. Bauer, MD mayo clinic