Tampa Bay Runner-Up 2

Tampa Bay Runner-Up 2

Dean Akers

CEO, Ideal Image Inc., Tampa

Dean Akers is an optimistic, straight-talker who shares folksy witticisms that reflect his upbringing in Lakeland - back when the place was a small town and many of the residents considered themselves southerners.

"My worst day is better than 99% of other people's best days," is one of Akers' typical upbeat greetings.

Akers became CEO of Tampa-based laser hair removal company Ideal Image Inc. in late 2004 after the founders, chiropractors Rick Mikles and Joe Acebal, decided to hire a professional executive to manage the high-growth company.

The company bills itself as the fastest growing hair removal company in the United States, with much of the recent growth fueled by franchises.

In the past year, Ideal Image has grown from four clinics to nearly 50, with locations in nine states as far west as Nevada. It even has a clinic in Australia. About 100 clinics are expected to open by year-end.

A University of Florida graduate and 2006 chair of the CEO Council of Tampa Bay, Akers has built companies in the construction business, as well as heavy machinery and tires. He says running a laser hair-removal company isn't all that different from the other companies he has overseen, and it's fun to be in the business of helping people look good.

Under Akers' direction, the company has focused on its niche, hair removal, and no longer provides other laser services. In addition, the company strives to provide the Ritz-Carlton luxury experience to its customers.

Akers tripled the company's marketing budget to $15 million this year, plastering highways with billboards, radio stations with advertisements and expanding the company's Web site to include live chats. The site, at idealimage.com, has received more than a million hits, Akers says.

One challenge Akers faces at Ideal Image is finding a way to pay for the growth of the company-owned clinics. The company made a presentation earlier in the year at the Florida Venture Forum conference, but has not yet announced any deals with venture capitalists.

- Janet Leiser

Revenues 2003: $3 million 2004: $4 million 2005: $25 million

(25% increase) (525% increase)

Average annual growth: 275%

EMPLOYEES 2004: 12 2005: 25 2006: 52