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Pete Ellis has been a leading business innovator with every enterprise he has owned and operated since the mid-1970s. As one of the largest automobile dealers in the western United States, Ellis pioneered one price selling, bringing consumer-oriented policies to the sale of new and used automobiles. His holding company, P.R. Ellis Company, also owned one of the largest after market manufacturing companies for van conversions, and his advertising agency, EIIJ, developed campaigns for leading businesses and political figures, including California Governor Pete Wilson.
In 1994-95, using technology and innovative marketing strategies, Ellis launched the first automobile buying and research website, Autobytel. His approach revolutionized an entire industry, for both manufacturers and consumers, and his efficient marketing and transaction platform continues to be the basis for every commercially viable automobile website in existence.
After taking Autobytel public in 1999 (NASDAQ: ABTL), Ellis formed Jubilee Investments. In 1999, Jubilee funded an investment in SpaFinder, eventually becoming the majority shareholder, and in 2001 Ellis became chairman and CEO. Under his leadership SpaFinder has become the world’s largest spa marketing and media company, growing from a U.S.-based marketing program to an international platform with joint venture partners in Europe and Asia.
Ellis has been honored by Advertising Age as one of the top marketers in the U.S., and his Internet technology innovations have been made part of the Permanent Research Collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

As president of SpaFinder, Inc., Susie Ellis is one of the most respected analysts and commentators on the global spa industry. She leads the world's most prominent spa media, marketing, and research company - connecting the largest global network of spas to millions of spa consumers worldwide through SpaFinder.com and its media properties.
Author of the popular Ask Susie column in various SpaFinder publications, "Susie's Blog" on Spafinder.com, the SpaFinder Insider industry e-newsletter, and a contributor to a variety of spa lifestyle related publications, Ms. Ellis is recognized worldwide as a leading authority on the spa industry, the evolving spa consumer, and spa-related health, wellness, beauty, fitness and lifestyle trends. She also leads the company's charitable and community-facing ventures, including SpaFinder's initiative to raise awareness of, and help prevent, melanoma skin cancer.
Ms. Ellis began her career in spa at the Golden Door (California), where she helped build one of the world's most influential spa programs, and later became the first spa director of the Greenhouse Spa at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. She has also served on the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, chaired by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Ms. Ellis is a frequent speaker at industry events around the world, and her spa industry insight has been featured in the New York Times, USA Today, Time magazine, The Daily Telegraph, Newsweek and in other well known media. She is a current board member of the Global Spa Summit and holds a MBA from UCLA.
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Sallie Fraenkel joined SpaFinder in 2004, bringing more than 20 years of marketing experience and a lifelong interest in health, fitness, and beauty to SpaFinder. Ms. Fraenkel was a 20-year veteran of the pay-television network Showtime Networks, where she founded and developed the company's fast-growing video distribution business. As Showtime's Senior Vice President of Program Enterprises and Distribution, Ms. Fraenkel directed retail and sell-through distribution of approximately 200 titles from Showtime, the Sundance Channel, and third-party acquisitions. Ms. Fraenkel's responsibilities included oversight of all forms of consumer and trade advertising, online and national promotions, network cross-promotions, publicity events, producer-talent relations, and creative development of key art, trailers, and DVD content for Showtime Entertainment. She was also instrumental in creating merchandising and licensing strategies for Showtime's original series, such as Queer as Folk.
Previously, Ms. Fraenkel served as Showtime's Vice President of Marketing and Operations, Program Enterprises & Distribution. She negotiated deals and oversaw distribution of Showtime films, series, and specials to major studios and independents, with an emphasis on maximizing revenues from home video, international, television, and non-theatrical exploitation.
Ms. Fraenkel is a graduate of Penn State University, where she participated in the International Study Program in Television, Radio, Advertising, Journalism & Theatre, a joint venture between Penn State and the University of Manchester (England). In June 2004, she was accorded special recognition as the first recipient of the program's Distinguished Alumni award.
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Neil Kurlander joined SpaFinder in 2002, bringing more than 17 years of extensive legal and corporate management experience to SpaFinder. He spent 10 years with Horsehead Industries, Inc., a privately held Fortune 500 company, where, as Vice President, Corporate Legal Affairs, he played a major role in the consummation of approximately $1 billion worth of corporate financings, mergers and acquisitions, and other commercial transactions. In addition, he has practiced corporate law at some of the largest law firms in New York City.
At SpaFinder, Mr. Kurlander is responsible for all internal and external legal matters, corporate administration, and human resource management, and is also corporate secretary, responsible for all corporate governance matters.
Mr. Kurlander received his J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law in New York, where he was a member of the Hofstra Law Review, and his B.A. from Franklin & Marshall College.
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Andrea Persily joined SpaFinder in 2008 bringing 14 years of financial and operating experience in the Media and Information space. Ms. Persily is responsible for oversight of the Company's financial analysis and reporting functions. Prior to joining SpaFinder, Ms. Persily served in various strategic, financial, and operating roles at Primedia Inc. including Chief Operating Officer of its B2B publishing operations, Chief Financial Officer of its start-up internet company, and head of strategic planning for the entire corporation. During this time, Ms. Persily played an instrumental role in creating new revenue streams, maximizing cost efficiencies, pruning and divesting unprofitable products, and acquiring and integrating new companies.
Ms. Persily holds an A.B. in Economics from Cornell University, and an M.B.A. in Finance and Strategic Management from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
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Steve Kane joined SpaFinder in 2007 to head all corporate and retail sales for SpaFinder Gift Certificates and Gift Cards, which represent the world's largest spa gift card/certificate program. He also oversees sales for SpaFinder Gift Collections and other spa products distributed by SpaFinder and its marketing partners.
Mr. Kane's professional experience includes 20+ years of senior executive sales leadership with a strong focus on account management and client relationships. At Schifter + Partners, he was responsible for the launch and sales of three high-profile fashion accessories brands (LAMB, Harajuku Lovers, and Jill Stuart). Prior to Schifter, he launched the handbag division for luggage manufacturer Olivet International. His earlier positions included Vice President, North America for LeSportsac, Inc. and National Sales Manager for Liz Claiborne Small Handbags and Leather Goods.
Mr. Kane attended Bowling Green University, majoring in Business Administration.
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