From marketing executive to salon owner, one WKU alumnus has this investing thing “nailed” down

By Rose Rementer

For the past 18 years, Chris Conlee (’00) of Franklin, Tenn., has led marketing for global and national brands as well as specialized in direct consumer campaigns.

“I started with direct mail and in-store marketing for banks,” said Conlee. “I moved to data analytics marketing that involved using customer data to target marketing campaigns based on consumer insights. For the last six years I have been leading operations for an internet marketing agency that specializes in marketing for consumer franchise businesses. While working in the industry, I came across a new brand that I wanted to invest in.”

That brand is called PROSE. It’s a consumer health and beauty brand that focuses on hand and foot care.

“The products and services that we provide are targeted at bringing the high-end spa to your neighborhoods,” explained Conlee. “Our membership model also makes that extremely affordable for our customers.” 

So, you are probably wondering what made Conlee want to invest in the nail care business. It was a combination of wanting to work with his wife, Carissa, and the vision behind the brand.

“I came across the PROSE concept while working with other franchises,” noted Conlee. “I reached out to the CEO, Dave Crisalli, and was blown away by his passion and detail that he had put into creating this brand. His experience as CEO of Massage Envy also helped create a great deal of trust that he and his team knew how to start a new brand in an established industry.” 

The Conlees now work as the Area Development Team for PROSE in the state of Tennessee. They plan to open their first boutique in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and begin serving the public at the end of January 2019.

Conlee says he always knew he wanted to lead and work in the business world, a foundation he says he gained while studying at WKU. His advice for fellow entrepreneurs is do your homework, network and work hard.

“Learn about basic business operations, get real-world experience and make lasting connections because it takes all of these to move forward in life,” stated Conlee. “Franchising is a lot of work. You can’t just sign the papers and think money will start rolling in. Starting a franchise business requires the right personality. You have to be someone who takes ownership and is able to push forward on all kinds of responsibilities.”