by Nick Starr
In the world of tattoos, parlor owners and
artists know pain—it is their business after all. Joe Lash co-owner
of Electric Chair Tattoo knows more than most. Joe inherited the
business after his father Ron was killed in a motorcycle accident at the age of 37 on
June 12, 2004.
Ron Lash first purchased the Clio
Electric Chair in 1991. Under his leadership the business expanded and
they opened locations in Bay City and Flint. After the accident, the
shop was taken over by Joe and his uncle Robbie Lash. Joe committed himself to carrying on his father's legacy and started
handling finances, managing the three locations' employees, and running
the day-to-day operations in Flint. In 2006 Joe decided to start doing
tattoos as well because he feels that "if you own a tattoo parlor and
you have the artistic ability, you should do tattoos yourself, so you
know what your employees are going through."
The strong presence and
lessons that Ron left behind is the reason that Joe and Robbie see to
it that the three Electric Chair locations are run like one big family. In this family-like environment, the artists of varying styles work together and learn from one another. Besides working like a family, they're also able to relax like a family. The three locations come together for an annual camping trip and also celebrate holidays together.
Joe admits that he is often spread thin
with the challenge of trying to be "everywhere at once." This is,
however, made worthwhile every time one of their artists wins another
award or is featured in another magazine layout. "I am amazed by the
growth and improvement I have seen in the tattoo industry," says Joe, "and we will continue to provide the best quality work in Mid-Michigan as we look to expand to other locations in the future." As the business looks ahead, one thing remains clear: the Lash family will continue to carry on Ron's vision and legacy.
For more information, visit http://electricchairtattoo.com. The three locations are 606 E. Midland St., Bay City (989-992-8282); 11051 N. Saginaw Rd., Clio (810-687-6470); and 3104 S. Dort Highway, Flint (810-743-2603).
© Nick Starr, 2010