Co-operation makes good business sense

BY BILL BRADLEY

Don St. George, owner of Tropical Breeze tanning salon, and Doug Hepworth, owner of The Computer Nook, find co-operating on expenses makes their business ventures more viable. They operate two — but connected — businesses at 1885 Lasalle Blvd.

The two owners not only share the same space with a prefabricated wall between their stores, but they share the same phone system (with private lines) and even the same wash bucket and mop.

“I have known Doug for six years. Five months ago we decided to go into a new location and share some of the costs so we could grow our businesses,” said St. George.

How does that help his tanning business? “Well, when I am out for he watches my place through the interconnecting door at the front of our premises. The biggest benefit is that it allowed me to move from 800 sq. feet to 1,200 sq. feet, which means I can have more tanning rooms. That doubles my profit ability while cutting down administrative space,” he said.

In fact, Hepworth said that he has been trained by St. George to run his business when St. George is out.

“Because our businesses are so different (tanning as opposed to electrical and computer equipment repair) there is no competition between us, so I help out at times,” said Hepworth.

St. George has placed his photocopying machine on Hepworth’s side because he has more room. St. George brews a delicious pot of coffee on his side, which Hepworth’s clients use.

Hepworth does a good trade in servicing insurance claims — seven per week. He also does a brisk business in cleaning computers, including removing computer viruses, charging $60 for the service. Because the rent is shared, that helps Hepworth’s bottom line. The new location is in a higher visibility location which has been good for his business, he said.

For more information on Tropical Breezes phone 566-1739. The Computer Nook can be reached at 566-7885.