Universal Companies Names Alfredo Carvajal Vice President of Business Development

Universal Companies is pleased to announce that Alfredo Carvajal will join its executive management team in June 2008. As Vice President of Business Development, he will bring 17 years of domestic and international experience in hotel and spa operations, management, service development, and strategic planning to the organization.

Alfredo will be responsible for the development of Universal Companies' corporate domestic and international resort spa market segments. His efforts will support Universal's strategic development as "The Ultimate Source" for services and supplies to the spa, beauty, and wellness industries.

Marti Morenings, Universal Founder and CEO, said, "We are very excited about Alfredo coming to Universal, and anticipate being able to provide even more specialized assistance to our customers in the future. Alfredo's experience and leadership combined with our dedicated corporate team's knowledge and enthusiasm will result in the best possible service for our corporate spa clients."

Alfredo's prior corporate experience includes corporate management positions with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, The Walt Disney Company, Ritz Carlton Hotels, and Canyon Ranch Health Resorts. His most recent role as Vice President of Hospitality and Spa Development for Sanijet Corporation included a successful market penetration in Latin America and the conceptual design and launch of a collection of top selling spa hydrotherapy products. Alfredo is fluent in Spanish and conversational Italian and French, and holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, coupled with several professional distinctions and industry certifications.

"I am thrilled to be joining the Universal team," Alfredo said, "and for the chance to be part of a company that is known as, 'The Ultimate Source for Spas.' This is a dynamic industry, and Universal Companies' reputation for service and solutions is second to none. I welcome the new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, and am looking forward to my future at Universal with great anticipation."

Universal Companies offers thousands of spa products and services, including equipment, supplies, retail products, merchandising ideas, marketing tools, many levels of consulting, education, training, apparel, books, and videos. The company provides products and services designed specifically to fit the needs of Day Spas, Resort Spas, Medical Spas, and Independent Practitioners. For more information or to order a complete catalog, please contact Universal at 800-558-5571.