Client Spotlight: Brian Racosky, Owner of OC Tanning LLC
About Me
I am originally from Pennsylvania and moved to Ocean City in 2009. I worked as a Walgreens store manager for 12 years before realizing in 2016 that there wasn’t a tanning salon in Ocean City. By the end of that year, I started my business and officially opened in February 2017.
Getting started wasn’t easy — three banks declined to fund my idea, so I took out six business credit cards totaling $40,000 and used my Walgreens 401(k) for the buildout. I invested in all luxury tanning beds and added a VersaSpa spray tan machine, which is an organic, chemical-free spray tan and one of our most popular services. Our luxury beds include three laydown bronzing beds, which are especially popular since their technology allows clients to tan without burning.
Long-Term Goals
My salon is now expanding into wellness services. By the end of the year, I plan to introduce offerings such as peptide complexes that can be sprayed on the face and body. The industry is shifting toward wellness, and I believe this direction will be the best choice for both my clients and my business.
Experience with MCE
At the beginning of 2018, I found out about Maryland Capital Enterprises and began working with Tanya. Through MCE, I received a $35,000 loan to pay off credit cards that were about to expire from their zero-percent promotional period. Later, Maurice visited me, and I received another loan when no one else would help.
Looking back, I would advise new business owners that relying on credit card promotions is not a good idea — I was fortunate that MCE was there to help. I paid off that first loan in three years and later received another loan from MCE to add more beds. MCE has been incredible to work with, and I’m grateful for their support.
Best Way to Contact OC Tanning LLC
Phone: 443-373-2106
Email: racosky@octanningmd.com
Advice for New Business Owners
Learn everything you can about your business. You need to understand every detail, including how much money you’ll need to get started and an estimate of monthly bills so you know your break-even point. From there, figure out your annual needs and build a solid business plan to present to your lender — hopefully MCE, since many banks present too many roadblocks.
Most importantly, make sure you love what you do. People who love their work are often the most successful. When I opened, I worked eight months straight without a break — and I didn’t mind because I love being part of the community. Helping people feel great for their prom, wedding, or just everyday life is rewarding, and building those relationships has been the key to my success. I hope to continue growing while staying true to that mission.
