Your Regional Managers & Designers

Paul Dillon – Regional Manager – Boston Showroom

Paul started with Takara Belmont in 1988 after obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He has spent years developing his expertise in salon design and project management. Paul’s ability to guide his clients through budget planning, concept and design, to construction and installation is thorough and organized. “We provide the complete package. Every salon is customized to meet our client’s needs and budget. A great design keeps construction costs down while giving the salon owner the look they want at a price they can afford”. Paul’s 21 years of experience in salon design and space planning have been recognized in several Salon of the Year projects over the years.


Andrea Egan - Sales and Interior Designer - Boston Showroom

Andrea started her design career attending Miami-Dade Community college in Miami Florida and The Boston Architectural Center in Boston Massachusetts majoring in Architecture and Building Construction. Ultimately, she earned her degree in Interior Design from the International Fine Arts College in Miami Florida. With experience in Commercial / Contract Design, Residential Design and Yacht Interior Design, her skills have been focused within the many facets of space planning, budget planning, project management and execution. Andrea has been with Takara Belmont since 2003 and coupled with her 17 years experience in Salon Design, has been able to bring her talents and expertise to many notable projects throughout the East Coast including assisting clients to achieve Salon-of-the-Year status.


Jason DeSantis – Regional Manager - New York Showroom

Jason has been an integral part of the success of the the New York Metro Region since 2007. With over 10 years experience in the beauty industry as a distributor salon consultant, hair stylist, and current salon owner he is an industry veteran. It is a combination of his unique industry experience and his passion for the craft that make him an asset to Takara Belmont and a valuable resource for your salon. Jason believes that great design and equipment is not only for show, but if done correctly can be used as a tool to build a culture, increase client retention, and grow revenue. He looks forward to sharing his knowledge and experiences with all of you as you work together to design and build your dream space.

Luba Kanzas – Industrial Designer - New York Showroom

Luba earned her Master’s Degree in Engineering and additionally completed advanced coursework in design and construction. Before joining Takara Belmont in 2003, Luba was employed at a large architectural firm in New York where she was in charge of interior space planning for the Residential & Commercial division. Since coming to Takara Belmont, Luba has designed and worked on New York City’s finest and most exclusive salons and spas. It is her ability to maximize the space and effectively meet the client’s needs that has made her one of New York’s’ most sought after salon and spa designers. Luba is an expert in salon and spa schematics, conceptual space planning, consulting clients on interior finishes, as well as custom furniture and cabinetry design. Luba works with each client on an individual basis to meet their specific needs and help create the optimal work environment.

Tetsuya “Tim” Ito- International Designer - New York Showroom

Tim received his Masters of Architecture and Engineering shortly before joining Takara Belmont Corporation of Japan in 2004. His career began in the dental and medical design department, but was quickly promoted to the beauty division because of his flair for creative and dramatic perspectives. His conceptual and innovative designs earned him first prize in both 2006 and 2007 for the coveted Takara Space Design Competition. After reaching the pinnacle of his profession in Japan, Tim was promoted to Sr. International Designer, and moved west to Takara Belmont USA, Inc. in 2008. Since his arrival, Tim has been the lead designer for special events and trade shows including: The International Beauty Shows in California, Chicago, Orlando, and New York, has been published in international trade magazines, and has worked collectively with each region in the US to design leading salons and spas.

Michelle Koster – Regional Manager – Iselin, New Jersey Showroom

Michelle Koster is a Senior Designer / Sales Manager who brings 21 years of experience to the salon industry. She has been working with Takara Belmont USA since 1989. She started her career as an Interior Designer in the Residential Design and Corporate Design community working with clients through-out the state of New Jersey. There are no punches pulled with this vivacious individual who has high expectations of herself, her designs and of the people who work along with her. She has won Salon of the Year Awards, written for magazines and has been asked to write for other manufacturers. Her passions are people, design and beautiful things and believes no matter what the budget there is beautiful design and a perfectly finished project for everyone.

Melissa Silva – Design Assistant - Iselin, New Jersey Showroom

Melissa earned her BFA in Interior Design and quickly started her career creating display designs for almost four years. After she came on board with Takara Belmont USA, Melissa was able to develop her expertise in salon design, space planning, and custom cabinetry design. Melissa earned the "Salon of Distinction" award from Salon Today Magazine for the David Michael hair studio in 2008. With the “secrets of the trade” and the latest design techniques under her belt, Melissa can take any space to the level that anyone would expect from Takara Belmont. “Functionality and beauty is what we do best… we know how important it is for a salon and spa to be functional and keep up with industry trends.”

Rick Golden – Regional Manager - Maryland Showroom

Rick Golden has had a career in salon design all of his working life. Having begun his career in 1976, Rick has gained much experience establishing himself as a talented design consultant. He is recognized for his talents as one of the preeminent authorities in salon design and development. Having worked for large beauty product suppliers over the years, Rick's attention to detail and customer satisfaction are his strong points. For 10 years as owner of Tensalon Development Company, Rick developed working relationships with noted architects, engineers, lighting and design specialists. With contributions on design direction for premier salons on both the west and east coast's his credentials as design director and project coordinator are well recognized. For the past 7 years Rick has been regional sales manager for Takara Belmont based in the Washington D.C. area assisting hundreds of salons with design advice and business consultation. Rick is proud of his many award winning salon projects. His expertise has helped many achieve designer looks within reasonable budgets. Innovative, work efficient salon environments = successful salons!

Jeff Holmes – Regional Manager – CBS Territories & North Carolina Showroom

Jeff Holmes began his career in the beauty industry in 1993 as a sales assistant to his father (Alan Holmes) who had already worked for Takara Belmont for 10 years. While attending CPCC College for Architectural design in Charlotte NC he was also learning the beauty industry from the inside out. In 1994 Jeff was hired for a Sales territory with Columbia Beauty Supply in Atlanta GA. During his tenure with CBS he was an integral part of 5 prestigious Salon of the year award winning projects, Including, Jeff South (Intrigue salon), Van Council (Van Michael Salons) and Brian Perdue (Salon 124). In 2000 Jeff came to Takara Belmont as our Southeastern Regional sales manager and to this date has been a part of an additional 13 Projects which have achieved Salon of the year status including, Max Varji’s (Varji & Varji salon) 2008 second runner-up, and Jeff south’s (Intrigue salon) 2009 First Runner-up awards. “My design style would be considered Sophisticated Southern. Many salons in the southeast want that big city feel without sacrificing the southern charm. I also encourage the use of the latest technology in the salon wherever possible.”

Steve Hughes – Regional Manager – St. Louis Showroom

Regional Sales Manager of Takara Belmont's St. Louis Showroom, graduated from Roosevelt University with his B.S. Degree in Business Administration: major in Marketing. Since graduating he's worked for large corporations managing and growing a select portfolio of key accounts including Harley-Davidson, Mitsubishi Motors and other major OEM companies. Steve found his home with Takara Belmont in 2003. Still working with local and national salons/chains, his expertise in project management takes the stress out of creating your salon or spa. His knowledge of the latest trends, building materials and furnishings offers endless possibilities and ensures your salon or spa is a reflection of your unique personal style. Clients appreciate his ability to provide creative design solutions and deliver on his promises. "Designing salons is not just what it looks and feels like. Design is how it works. I learn from what's worked in the past, but I plan for the future by focusing exclusively on the client sitting across from me. That's when the fun starts."

Jonathan Pugh – Regional Manager / National Spa Product Director – Chicago Showroom

Leading Takara Belmont’s Spa Product Division, Jonathan Pugh’s ability to provide dynamic products to some of the highest end clients in the world is surpassed by none. An Interior Designer by trade and proud graduate of Michigan State University’s acclaimed Interior Design program, his projects have been featured in articles with American Salon, Salon Today, American Spa, Day Spa and Interior Design magazine to name a few. Jonathan has worked in many areas of the beauty and spa product industry including distribution, consulting, and manufacturing. Now as the head of the Spa Product Division for Takara Belmont USA, Jonathan is responsible for providing the best products to our customers that seek top of the line equipment, furniture and technological solutions for the Day Spa, Medical/Dental Spa and destination Spa markets around the world.

Carolyn Collins – Sales/Interior Designer – Chicago Showroom

Carolyn received her BA from Michigan State University and started her career in retail environment design. She got her start in the salon & spa design world through a distributor where she was the Senior Designer for many years. Working on projects through out the Midwest and having been featured in countless trade publications, Carolyn’s out of the box thinking and clean sophisticated design style is in demand! Functional design and space profitability are her top priority for all of her clients as well as her desire to make the process a fun one.

Kate NicDao – Corporate Designer - National

Catherine has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fine Arts, Major in Interior Design. She has gained more than 20 years of experience in the field of Interior Design / Store Planning in Singapore, the Philippines and now the United States. An expert space planner and interior designer, Kate has worked on numerous salon, spa installations both small and large. As Takara Belmont’s corporate designer Kate is responsible for aiding our regional offices and corporate offices with any interior design needs that they may have.

Kate Thompson – Regional Manager - Minneapolis Region

Kate Thompson joined the Takara Belmont team in August of 2005. She came to us with a degree in Interior design and two years experience with an engineering firm specializing in water park and pool design. Her knowledge of the design process and experience with Takara Belmont, allows her to offer the best equipment in the industry and beautiful, yet functional spaces. Kate prides herself on creating successful, long lasting business relationships and offering a customer service ethic that exceeds expectations.

Phil Pohl – Regional Manager - Dallas Showroom

A Texas native, Phil Pohl is a designer and artist who has worked in the field of Interior Design since 1994 after receiving his BS in Interior Design from Texas Christian University. Phil's career has focused on commercial interior planning and he spent many years as a designer for Herman Miller. He has been successful as a gallery artist and carries his eye for composition, color, and balance from the canvas to the salon and spa world. Phil Pohl currently is the regional sales manager of Takara Belmont’s Dallas showroom and has helped many salon owners in his region realize their dreams of salon ownership. With sales designer Justin Joyner and office administrator Yolanda Smith, the Dallas team continues to be a strong part of the national team of Takara Belmont USA. inc.

Justin Joyner – Sales/Interior Designer – Dallas Showroom

Justin Joyner graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburg with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design. For the past 7 years, Justin has worked on many residential and commercial design projects in the Dallas metroplex and surrounding areas. Being an abstract artist at heart, Justin is able to share the client's vision of what their space can become. He incorporates a unique mix of modern and traditional design into the spas and salons he designs, so that the finished product conveys the luxurious experience it was intended. Justin enjoys working with the clients to make their dreams become a reality of beauty and relaxation.

Dwight Meade – Regional Manager – Denver Region

With a background in engineering, coupled with vocational experience in construction, manufacturing, salon ownership, and 30 years in the beauty industry Dwight’s experience speaks for itself. With a broad platform from which to assist potential salon owners from concept to completion, Dwight will be able to help you create a successful project, on time and under budget!


Michael Caron - Regional Manager - California Showroom

With a degree in Architectural Technology and a certificate in interior design, Michael brings a thorough sense of design to every project. Prior to the beauty industry he spent many years working for developers, architectural and engineering firms in capacities of initial schematic design to full project management. His understanding of construction practices enables him to communicate effectively to a client the process of building out a space into a successful salon or spa. Prior to joining Takara Belmont Michael worked 23 years with several major salon & spa distribution companies and aided in developing their respective successful salon equipment divisions. Drawing upon this experience has enabled Michael to fully understand the needs and desires of every client in realizing the completion of their project.

“I honestly believe, no matter what the price, truly great design is never expensive. From the small everyday hand held object to the space around us”.

Sheila Bryan – Sales / Interior Designer – California Showroom

Sheila A. Bryan has been in the salon & spa industry for four years now. Originally from North Carolina, Sheila graduated with her B.A. Technology degree in Interior Design from Appalachian State University. Directly out of college she worked as the Interior Design Coordinator, with Takara Belmont’s leading distributor, where she helped contribute to multiple ‘Salons of the Year’ awards. In 2007, she moved out to join Takara Belmont in their Southern California showroom as an interior design & sales person and has worked on numerous projects from celebrity clients to large installations into some of the most prestigious salon & spa locations in California.