One on One: Gary Robie, President and CEO, Ready Care Industries

gary-robie-ready-care-industries[Image: Courtesy of Ready Care Industries]What is the brand’s hero product and why?

Pure Fiji is our hero brand! Ready Care Industries (RCI) took over distribution 10 years ago, and we love what the company stands for, in addition to its wonderful products. The brand is a family business that formulates its skin care with locally harvested ingredients, not to mention that it supports its nearby communities and employs 200 locals. Pure Fiji is a pioneer, having brought coconut oil to spas more than 20 years ago, and the company gives back as much as possible in the process.

Who or what inspires you?

My two daughters—as parents, we all want our children to do better than us, and that in itself is all the inspiration I need to be a better father and businessman.

What’s your favorite part of the day?

The morning. Sunrise marks the beginning of a brand- new day, with new opportunities to positively reach people—a fresh outlook.

What makes your company unique?

Our ability to customize products. At RCI, we have many manufacturing capabilities that allow our clients to look fantastic. In fact, our most requested products are silkscreened vanity and shower dispensers with a spa’s logo. We can help them generate revenue via the sale of their own tailor-made products.

RELATED: 2019 Professionals Choice Awards Winners – Body and Supplements

What’s the most fun part of your job?

I get to meet great people and develop long-lasting relationships with our spa partners. It’s always a treat to visit properties and offer insight from our vast experience that will make their businesses better. Of course, it’s always a bonus to get a massage or play golf at these magnificent resorts! One of my favorite memories was meeting Arnold Palmer, who invited us to play a round at Bay Hill. What a fantastic ambassador for golf and our industry!

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I’d like to learn how to relax more and quit smoking.

What keeps you up at night?

My constant desire to be able to grow our business and continue to strengthen our company so I can enrich and better the lives of my staff and give them the constant security they currently have.

What part do you find most challenging?

Our ever-changing environment and keeping up with the industry. As spa trends evolve, we must constantly come up with fresh ideas, add new products and work with up-to-date manufacturing equipment in order to meet customer demand.

Tell us something most people don’t know about you.

I have climbed El Capitan in Yosemite National Park seven times.

RELATED: Why Mushroom Is Sprouting Up in Spa Services

What’s your favorite family activity?

Going on vacation with my daughters!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ReadyCare (@readycare) on

Rapid Response

Personal mantra: Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
Hobbies: Rock climbing (retired) and golf
Guilty pleasure: Reality TV
Favorite city: Yosemite Valley, California
Pet peeve: Selfishness
Can’t leave the house without: My to-do list!
Would most like to meet: Jack Nicholas, golfer

 

This story first appeared in the February issue of Dayspa magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

More in Industry Experts