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Ideal Image gets rid of CEO

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By MICHAEL SASSO

msasso@tampatrib.com

Published: September 17, 2009

TAMPA - Dean Akers, a well-known local businessman and chief executive of the Ideal Image chain, has been fired by the company over alleged expense report violations, he told The Tampa Tribune.

Akers said he left Ideal Image Development, parent company of the laser hair-removal chain, about a week ago. The company's founders accused him of "expense account padding," he said. Ideal Image is one of the nation's largest laser hair-removal companies.

Calls to Ideal Image seeking more information were not returned Wednesday afternoon. However, Akers said he was told the allegations related to the cost of numerous lifestyle, business and women's magazines that he subscribed to. He subscribed to the magazines, including Cosmopolitan, Shape, Fortune and regional publications, to keep up with industry trends and lifestyle issues concerning Ideal Image's likely customers, he said.

But Akers said he thinks "the real reasons" for his termination will come out within the next six weeks.

According to Florida corporation records, Ideal Image is led by Joseph Acebal and Richard Mikles.

"The only thing I can think of is they (the founders) want to take a more active role," Akers said.

He said he is owed a severance package worth six figures, which he is still seeking.

Akers had been with Ideal Image Development for about five years, he said, and frequently spoke at business and community events. He is a member of several civic organizations, including the advisory board of the University of Tampa's business school, the American Cancer Society and the CEO Council, a local association of business executives.

Ideal Image grew rapidly and today has more than 60 laser hair-removal clinics across the United States and one in Australia. Some are owned by Ideal Image, while others are owned by franchisees. Ideal Image has been a prolific advertiser on local radio and billboards.

Recently, the company has been buying out a few franchisees whose businesses were struggling, Akers said. However, sales at corporate-owned locations open for at least a year - a measurement called same-store sales - were up over last year, he said.

Ideal Image has significant debt, Akers acknowledged, but also has a financially strong backer in H.I.G. Capital, a private equity firm. H.I.G. could not immediately be reached Wednesday.

For now, Akers said he has returned to his consulting business, which advises companies on financial and management issues. He also continues to market a book he wrote called "52 Wows: A Relationship Guide for Men."

Reporter Michael Sasso can be reached at (813) 259-7865.

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