As a franchisee in the Planet Beach system, you have a lot of contact with the home office staff. We are in this business relationship together and everyone at the home office is interested in your success. With that in mind, we want you to get to know our management team:
Stephen Smith, CEO and Chairman
Stephen P. Smith, Chief Executive Office & Chairman
Mr. Smith is the Co-Founder of the company and has served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors since April 1996. He received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Mississippi, a Masters in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, and the Distinguished Certified Franchise Executive Designation from the International Franchise Association for his work and study in the Franchise industry. Mr. Smith has an extensive business background, which includes being an entrepreneur since 1986. He opened and operated Bodyplex Fitness Center from 1986 through 1989, Bay Street Tanning Boutique from 1988 Through 1989, and was a licensee of three Gold’s Gym locations from 1989 Through 1995. Mr. Smith also opened the original Planet Beach location in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1995, which was first called Electric Beach; he still owns this store today. In 1996, Mr. Smith founded Planet Beach Franchising Corporation and began franchising that same year.
Craig M. Berner, Chief Financial Officer
Craig Berner, Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Berner has served as our Chief Financial Officer since August 2007. Prior to that time, Mr. Berner served as Associate Controller and Director of Accounting for Tulane University from October 1999 to August 2007, where his primary responsibilities included overseeing all financial reporting, developing and monitoring internal controls, managing the operations of the accounting office, and preparing cash forecasts and capital budgets. He was also Manager of Budgeting and Financial Reporting for Tidewater Inc. from March 1998 to October 1999, and was responsible in that position chiefly for all budgeting and financial reporting, preparing quarterly and annual SEC filings, supervision of accounting staff, and custody of corporation and insurance reserve general ledger accounts. Mr. Berner, who is a Certified Public Accountant, has a B.S. in Accounting from the University of New Orleans and a M.B.A. from the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University, with a concentration in Finance and Management.
Nancy Price, Senior Vice President of Sales
Nancy Price, Senior VP of Sales
Mrs. Price has studied Health and Physical Education while attending Southeastern Louisiana University from 1986-1990. She has 12 years experience in the Health Club Industry and a total of 29 years experience in Membership Sales, Health and Wellness. Additionally, Mrs. Price acted as the National Marketing Representative for Sydney Frank Importing Company, Inc. from 1988 – 1992 and also served in the role of National Corporate Trainer for the Outside Field Staff of Models and Promoters. Mrs. Price has served as the Senior Vice President of Sales since 1996. She received the designation of Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) from the International Franchise Association for her work and study in the Franchise Industry. She has also Been a Top 10 Franchisee for Planet Beach Franchising Corporation for 13 Years.
David Q. Mesa, Vice President of International Development
David Mesa, VP of International Development
Mr. Mesa served eight years in the Unites States Marine Corp as an Air Traffic Controller, receiving an Honorable Discharge. Additionally, Mr. Mesa also served as Director of Business Operations for Allegis Group, a personnel staffing company, for eight years. In March of 2005, he received the designation of Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) by the International Franchising Association for his work and study in the Franchise Industry and has Maintained that designation to date. Mr. Mesa is also a member of the International Institute for Franchise Education (IIFE) Mini MBA Club. In October of 2007, Mr. Mesa became a Director of Planet Beach International, LLC and is currently Acting Vice President.