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SEARCHBackscratchers Salon Systems’ co-founder and chairman of the board Jack Megna passed away on April 22, 2019 at the age of 84.
Jack Megna
Jack Megna
Backscratchers Salon Systems’ co-founder and chairman of the board Jack Megna passed away on April 22, 2019 at the age of 84. Megna spent over 50 years in the beauty industry influencing many of the cosmetologists he met and was a formidable force in changing the standards of the industry.
Born in 1934 in Pittsburg, Calif., he graduated high school in 1952 and soon joined the Navy. He returned in 1955 and married his high school sweetheart, Mary McDermott, and they spent the next 50 years together in Sacramento, Calif., where they raised their three children. His beloved Mary passed away in 2005.
Megna attended Salvatore’s Beauty College in 1963 and became a cosmetologist. He then became an instructor and earned the prestigious Life-Time Teaching credentials from the state of California. He also oversaw the expansion of five new beauty colleges and an additional seven training salons, Trend Setter International. During that time he also became the manger and eventually the owner of the original beauty college, which he successfully ran for the next 25 years.
Megna was a member of the California Association of Schools of Cosmetology (CASC) and served on the board of directors for eight years. He was also a liaison between school owners and the State Board of Cosmetology. In addition he was instrumental in the research and production of the books Contemporary Text of Hairstyling (1967) and the Contemporary Text of Scissor Haircutting (1977) which at that time became the main textbooks for beauty schools across the country.
In 1984 Megna and his son Michael decided to do something about the outdated nail products and procedures his students complained about. By July 1984, Backscratchers was incorporated and trademarked. They attended their first trade show in Reno, Nev., where they introduced the first Glass Glaze Fiberglass and Silk Wrap System that went on to win eight industry awards. Megna was also instrumental in bringing to market the Extreme product line, the first Patented Dipping System, along with a complete Salon Sanitation System and other products that are distributed in 25 counties around the world. For over 35 years, Backscratchers has continued to be a leader in the nail care industry.
Megna retired in 2004 and his son Michael continues to carry on the legacy.
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