Pulse November 2017 | Page 73

PEOPLE OF ISPA Our ISPA community is full of interesting characters and inspiring stories. Visit PeopleofISPA.com to learn more about these incredible individuals. MEET Years in the spa industry: 11 Favorite spa treatment: Deep Tissue Massage Three words to describe himself: 1. Creative 2. Loyal 3. Determined Chris Birchby Founder/CEO COOLA Suncare • San Diego, California GUILTY PLEASURE Fantasy Football SECRET TALENT So Proud “I was a professional poker player for several years and have made it to the final tables of events at the World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour.” FUN FACT: Watch Out If Birchby had a warning label, it would say “Gambles.” He has a ‘Masters of Mixology’ from the Allentown Bartending School – “I love to make a mean cocktail!” Favorite Book Anything by Stephen King Birchby supported himself as a bartender, surf and windsurf instructor, artist, poker player and started COOLA shortly after graduating from grad school. Now Playing “Right now, I’m loving my weekly discove r music lists on Spotify.” Want to share your story? Visit peopleofispa.com and click “Share your story.” We can’t wait to hear from you! SOCIAL CONNECTIONS chris-birchby-39aa46a COOLAsuncare coolasuncare.com @ChrisBirchby November 2017 ■ PULSE 71