Perspectives

Scott Heckmann: LaserAway is a provider of aesthetic dermatology solutions that was founded in 2006. We specialize in non-invasive aesthetic treatments such as laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing, CoolSculpting and Botox. Only trained registered nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants treat patients at LaserAway, and our excellent clinical training and technology is the driving force behind our nationwide expansion. We currently operate over 120 clinics across the country.

SH: In many ways, we believe LaserAway was a pioneer in multi-unit aesthetic dermatological clinics. We believe we were a first mover in operating aesthetic dermatology clinics in high-profile shopping areas. We always had conviction in our treatments and felt there would be a market for them next to the likes of Apple and Lululemon. Today, aesthetic dermatology treatments are prevalent across the U.S. and we believe LaserAway is one of the most recognizable U.S. brands in the industry. For the past few years, we have been opening a new clinic every few weeks, and we hope to eventually expand into all 50 states.

SH: The industry has been consistently growing at a rate of over 20% per year in the U.S. And why wouldn’t it? From the Mesopotamians to the Greeks to the Romans, civilizations throughout history have been obsessed with the fountain of youth. Due to recent advances in lasers and injectables, we have enhanced ways to safely delay the signs of aging! It’s a game changer. I think one should always bet on a game changer.

SH: We have seen in past recessions that customers continue to prioritize beauty spending. In fact, 2008 and 2020 were strong years for LaserAway. I believe this was due in part to LaserAway benefiting from patients that switched over from higher-cost providers such as plastic surgeons and dermatologists. With LaserAway’s value proposition, I believe our business stands to benefit in a similar way if the current weaker market environment persists.

SH: My brothers, Brock and Todd, are the best! Brock serves as COO and Todd as President. Not only have we seen each other almost every day at work for the past 17 years, but our kids are also best friends, so we are always together. I’m just lucky that I have cool, smart and hardworking brothers. That is how I look at it. We want to succeed, and we want to do it together. We therefore continue to push each other in the development and execution of our strategy with the goal of continually making LaserAway a better and stronger brand. Given how well each of us knows the industry, and how well we communicate with each other, I wouldn’t want to be our competition.

To the second part of your question, my brothers and I were always strong entrepreneurs, but as we continued to grow LaserAway, it became clear that we needed help defining our operating and expansion goals, even if that meant relinquishing some control of the company. We wanted a partner that was aligned to our vision, and we believe we found the right partner in the Ares Private Equity Group, who invested in the company in 2021. Since then, LaserAway has refined its strategic initiatives, introduced additional key performance indicators to help us accelerate the company’s growth trajectory and significantly bolstered the executive leadership team.

SH: I don’t have any tattoos, so I have never had tattoo removal. But aside from that, I have used every single one of our services… many times. To this day, I will step in to be treated with lasers or injections when there is a training model no-show. When my brothers and I say “skin in the game”... we mean it!