Hand & Stone featured in Pascack Press

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Pascack Press in an article titled, "Welcome to town." The article talks about the Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony held in Emerson on Thursday, December 22. The Mayor of Emerson, Carlos Colina, attended the event as well. The article goes on to discuss that the spa is the first Hand & Stone in Bergen County and Jeff and Ken’s plans to open nine more locations in North Jersey. Jeff and Ken also mention the reasons that they chose to open the franchise in Emerson and their dedication to being a solid part of the community. Read the full article below.

HandandStone.PascackPress.12.26

Hand & Stone featured on the Westwood-Washington Township Patch

Hand & Stone was recently featured on the Westwood-Washington Township Patch in an article titled, " Hand & Stone Grand Opening in Emerson." The article features Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa's grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony held in Emerson on Thursday, December 22. The Mayor of Emerson, Carlos Colina, attended the event as well. The article discusses Jeff and Ken Silbert and the 10-unit development plan they have with Hand & Stone, opening their next store in Aberdeen, as well as the combined business experience that they both bring as entrepreneurs. Click here to view the entire article. 


Hand & Stone Grand Opening in Emerson
By: Arielle From

Brothers Jeff and Ken Silbert held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their massage and facial spa, Hand & Stone, in Emerson Thursday at 11 a.m. Emerson Mayor Carlos Colina attended the grand opening.


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Hand & Stone Massage And Facial Spa Donates To Joy Of Sharing

Todd Leff, President and CEO of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa stopped by Talk Philly to donate toys his company collected for the Joy of Sharing campaign. Participating Hand & Stone New Jersey and Pennsylvania locations were the drop points for people to bring new, unwrapped toys for under-privileged children.

Watch the segment below.

CBS 3, CW PHILLY 57 DEDICATE FULL DAY TO ‘JOY OF SHARING’ CAMPAIGN FINALE

Day starts at 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 19^th with live toy drop-off event;

Concludes 3 to 8 p.m. with on-air fundraiser benefitting Salvation Army

Donate at 1-877-KYW-3ASK (1-877-599-3275) or text JOY to 80888

CBS 3 and The CW Philly 57 will wrap up the stations’ 23^rd annual Joy of Sharing toy campaign benefiting the Salvation Army with a full day of toy collections and fundraising for families in need in our region.  

The campaign, which kicked off on Black Friday, November 25^th, will conclude this Monday, December 19^th as the stations encourage viewers and businesses to drop off new, unwrapped toys at its lobby entrance at 1555 Hamilton Street (entrance on 16^th Street between Callowhill and Spring Garden Streets) in Philadelphia. CBS 3 and The CW Philly personalities will be on hand to personally collect donations from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day.  CBS Radio sister station 98.1 WOGL will provide holiday music for the event.

In addition, CBS 3 and The CW Philly 57 will hold its third annual fundraiser for the Salvation Army, its holiday partner, to raise money for the neediest of our neighbors.  Anchors Susan Barnett, Pat Ciarrocchi and Erika von Tiehl will spearhead the fundraising effort from 3 to 8 p.m. on-air along with Jim Donovan and Beasley Reece.  Local celebrities including CBS Radio’s 98.1 WOGL’s Breakfast Club team of Ross Brittain, Valerie Knight and Frank Lewis , Talk Radio 1210 AM’s Chris Stigall and volunteers will staff the phone bank to take donations.  Viewers can participate by calling 1-877-KYW-3ASK (1-877-599-3275).  And, viewers can also donate $10 to the cause by texting JOY to 80888.  Also for the first time, there will be two remote toy collection sites featuring a dispatched Salvation Army truck at the Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa locations at Concordville Town Centre in Glen Mills, PA and the Hartford Corners Shopping Center in Delran, NJ.

There will also be various fundraising incentives during the on-air fundraiser such as tickets to the Pennsylvania Ballet’s Nutcracker, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Blue Cross River Rink at Penn’s Landing, the National Constitution Center, the Franklin Institute, the Please Touch Museum, the Eastern State Penitentiary and Longwood Gardens.  Additional items include packages featuring the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia Flyers, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Sixers.  Other offers include a Radio Flyer Wagon, 32” LCD TV, a complimentary package from the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia and Herr’s chips for a year.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will enable The Salvation Army to not only provide new toys and food for needy families during the holidays, but support such programs as emergency shelters, child development programs, substance abuse programs, transitional housing and other forms of support on which so many depend. 

For more information on Joy of Sharing and a complete list of drop-off locations, go to www.cbsphilly.com or call 215-977-JOYS. 

CBS 3 and The CW Philly acknowledge the support of their partners in this campaign: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Herr’s, Ashley Furniture Home Store, The Blue Cross River Rink at Penn’s Landing and The Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia.

CBS 3 (KYW-TV) and The CW Philly (WPSG-TV) are part of CBS Television Stations, a division of CBS Corporation. KYW Newsradio 1060, 98.1 WOGL, SportsRadio 94 WIP, SportsRadio 610 WIP and Talk Radio 1210AM WPHT are CBS RADIO stations. 

Hand & Stone featured on East Windsor Township Online

Hand & Stone was featured on the East Windsor Township Online in an article titled, "Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Opens in East Windsor Township." The article details the ribbon cutting ceremony attended by the mayor of East Windsor, Janice Mironov, as well as Hand & Stone Corporation CEO Todd Leff, Founder and COO John Marco and Vice President of Operations Debbie Worton and Mercer Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Michael Cano. In the article, Mayor Mironov states, “Hand & Stone is a well known successful business franchise with several locations statewide, and we are very pleased that, after looking at several possible locations in New Jersey, they chose East Windsor. We wish Umesh and Archana Bhatia much success in their new endeavor here in our community.”


Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Opens in East Windsor Township


Mayor Janice Mironov joined store owners Archana Bhatia and Umesh Bhatia to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting for Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, in the East Windsor Village Shopping Center, located on Princeton-Hightstown Road west of Lanning Boulevard. Also attending the ceremony were Hand & Stone Corporation CEO Todd Leff, Founder and COO John Marco and Vice President of Operations Debbie Worton and Mercer Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Michael Cano.

(Read More)

Hand & Stone featured in Times of Trenton

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Times of Trenton in an article titled, "Massage spa opens in East Windsor." The article details the ribbon cutting ceremony that the mayor of East Windsor, Janice Mironov, attended as well as the services that Hand & Stone provides and information about Umesh and Archana Bhatia’s store location. Click here to view the entire article.

Massage spa opens in East Windsor

Township officials gathered recently to welome the newest business, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, at the East Windsor Village Shopping Center.

The business is one of 60 massage and facial spas run by the Hand & Stone Corp. of Hamilton, which has 19 spas in New Jersey.

(Read More)

Hand & Stone featured in GSA Business

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the GSA Business in an article titled, "Former Consolidated Tire owner opens spa in Greenville." The article features Hand & Stone franchisee Will Dennis and discusses his career transition from the owner of Consolidated Tires to the owner of the first Hand & StoneMassage and Facial Spa in South Carolina. The article mentions some of the services that are offered as well as Will’s expansion plans into Columbia, SC. Click here to read the full article

Former Consolidated Tire owner opens spa in Greenville
By: Scott Miller

Will Dennis, who sold his family business Consolidated Tires Inc. last year, signed a contract to open three Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa franchises in South Carolina.

The first one opens Monday off Woodruff Road in Greenville, and Dennis plans to open one in Columbia next year. A site for the third location hasn’t been chosen, he said.

(Read More)

Hand & Stone featured in the East Windsor Patch

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the East Windsor Patch in an article titled, "Hand & Stone Massage Celebrates a Grand Opening." Hand & Stone franchisees Archana and Umesh Bhatia held a ribbon cutting at their East Windsor Hand & Stone location. In attendance were the mayor of East Windsor, Janice Mironov, along with Mercer Chamber of Commerce Chairman Michael Cano, Hand & Stone Corp. CEO Todd Leff, Hand & Stone Corp. COO John Marco, and Hand & Stone Corp. VP of Operations Debbi Worton. Click here to read the full article.


Hand & Stone Massage Celebrates a Grand Opening

Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa celebrated a grand opening Friday with a ribbon cutting, according to a news release.


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Hand & Stone featured in the Clark Patch

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Clark Patch in an article titled, "Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Opens in Clark." In the article, Hand & Stone franchisee Kim Cagle talks about her career transition and her enthusiasm for working in the health and wellness industry. She discusses the membership programs and some of the services that are offered, along with her favorite treatments. She also focuses on their great customer service and their goal to make every guest who walks through the door feel special. Bob McQuillan, VP of Franchise Development for Hand & Stone, talks about how Clark is a thriving market and mentions their expansion plans in New Jersey. Click here to view the full article. 

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Opens in Clark

By: Jessica Remo

Kim Cagle couldn't be happier she traded in her law career for the spa.

"I love the idea of working in a positive, happy environment, and I love the health and wellness aspect of massage and facial," Cagle says of her new business, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, which opened on Nov. 28 in the Clark Circle shopping complex.

(Read More)

Hand & Stone featured in the Miami Herald

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Miami Herald titled, "Help keep our economy robust by shopping local for the holiday season." The article, written by Michael Miller, mentions Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa and the positive experience Rick Griffiths and Wendy Mendes plan on bringing to the community. The article mentions their signature treatments and the goal of a luxurious spa experience that is affordable. Click here to view the entire article. 

Help keep our economy robust by shopping local for the holiday season

By: Michael Miller

Husband and wife team Rick Griffiths and Wendy Mendes were looking to get into the business of making people happy by providing a positive impact in the lives of their clients. They found the answer in Hand and Stone. The aim is to be able to provide a luxurious spa experience on a more affordable scale. 

(Read more)

Hand & Stone's Black Friday Special

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are so excited for Black Friday! We, like all of you, love to battle it out in the early morning hours for the best deals while hanging out with our loved ones. We love it so much, that this year we are joining in on the Black Friday tradition and having a deal ourselves!

This year we are helping our customers give the gift of relaxation during the holidays with a Buy One Gift Card, Get Another One Free! This deal runs Friday, 11/25/2011 thru Sunday, 11/27/2011 only.

This BOGO is valid at participating locations. Customers can receive a free one hour massage or facial gift card when they purchase any spa gift card or package at guest pricing. This offer is limited two per customer and is not valid toward cash denomination gift cards or waxing. Offers may not be combined. 

Fans can also find this special on our Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/HSBlackFriday 

We hope all of our fans have a very happy Thanksgiving and have a fun but safe day on Black Friday!

Franchisee Profile: Will Dennis of Greenville, South Carolina

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Name:  Will Dennis                                                          

Opening Date: November/December 2011

Location: 59 Woodruff Industrial Lane, Greenville, S.C.

As a father, husband and prior business owner, Hand & Stone franchisee Will Dennis has perfected the art of managing teams. Now, Dennis is combining his University of South Carolina business education and prior entrepreneurship in order to saturate the Greenville and Columbia, S.C., markets. By providing superb customer service and offering a place for locals to escape for relaxation, he strives to withstand competitors in the wellness and massage industries.

Q: Where are you from?

A: I’ve been a local of Greenville, S.C., my entire life.

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A: Before franchising, I was President of Consolidated Tires and The Tire Exchange, an independent chain of commercial and consumer tire stores. My father and grandfather originally owned the stores, so I was the third generation.  After several years in various positions, I took over when my dad decided to retire.  After seven years of running the business, I was presented with an opportunity to sell and began new endeavors.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?

A: I learned about the Hand & Stone brand through a franchise broker and extensive research.

Q: When choosing a franchise, what were the criteria you used to make your decision?

A: When choosing a franchise, I wanted a business that was part of a growing industry. I wanted to be in front of a major growth curve, and the wellness industry met that criteria. Additionally, I wanted to be local and close to home because I had previously traveled extensively. With three smaller children and a wife at home, I wanted to put those days behind me. It was important for me to find a business that I could eventually run without having to work 80 hours a week. I also wanted a business that I could grow through my professional and social networks. Lastly, I wanted to be part of a company where the original entrepreneur was still involved with the business. I didn’t want to join a team that had been managed by several different owners.

Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?

A: I was attracted to the franchising system because it provided a proven and sustained business model. By franchising, all I really have to do is follow the people before me and their predefined operational instructions. As a result, I’m able to spend the majority of my time on customer service rather than operational processes and procedures.

Q: With regard to your previous experience, what skills do you feel helped you in your business?

A: My ability to build a team is most definitely the single greatest accomplishment from my previous work experience. By hiring the right people to execute the company’s strategy, I’m able to place them and manage them in a fashion that encourages them to work. As a result, the company is able to provide a customer service strategy that can’t be beat.

Q: What makes your business different?

A: Hand & Stone offers a warm and comfortable environment, which allows me to provide a therapeutic experience to everyone who walks through our doors. We hope to cultivate a “mini vacation” feel, which will set us apart from competing spas.

Q: What are your expansion or development plans?

A: I bought the rights for three locations, so I plan on expanding further into the Greenville and Columbia markets within the next 24 months.

ABOUT HAND & STONE

Hand & Stone is a 50-plus unit massage and facial spa with a mission to bring massage and facial services to the masses, tapping into the “day-cation” market segment.  Launched in 2005 by a passionate physical therapist, John Marco and now led by franchise veteran Todd Leff, Hand & Stone now has locations in 12 states and Canada with plans to open an additional 20 locations by the end of 2011.  For more information on Hand & Stone, visit www.handandstone.com.

Hand & Stone featured on MarieClaire.com

Hand & Stone was recently featured on MarieClaire.com. Hand & Stone was included in their holiday gift guide called “Super-Sweet Holiday Gifts for Couples” and highlights Hand & Stone’s Couple Massages. Click here to view guide.


Super-Sweet Holiday Gifts for Couples

By: Kate Schweitzer


Got a couple of couples on your list? Or are you half of one? Either way, since this gift counts double, it may just be the trickiest one you'll buy this season. Here, our ideas for what'll make any duo happy.

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Hand & Stone featured in Coloradobiz

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Coloradobiz in an article entitled "Hand & Stone, Waxing the City, in the Business of TLC." Coloradobiz reporter Michelle Davenport spoke with Hand & Stone owner and regional developer Erik Bostrom about the growth of the massage industry and of his business, Hand & Stone.  Despite recent economic woes, there’s one thing people aren’t giving up on, themselves.  The strength of the industry is a reason why entrepreneurs are diving in and Bostrom is helping them fuel their entrepreneurial spirit in this industry. Click here to view the entire article.

Hand & Stone, Waxing the City, in the Business of TLC

By: Michelle Davenport

The massage industry has seen 15 percent growth over the past three years and now generates annual sales of $12 billion. The skin care industry is also made its beauty mark, generating $18.7 billion in revenues in 2007 and projected to grow by 40 percent next year.

Erik Bostrom, owner of Hand and Stone in Highlands Ranch and Colorado's regional franchise developer, is capitalizing on the growth of the spa industry. Hand and Stone is a full-service day spa, and Bostrom's location features 10 treatment rooms in a 3,000-square-foot facility.

"One of the real benefits we have with Hand and Stone is really delivering world-class spa services conveniently," Bostrom said. "We have very affordable programs. Most of our clients see us monthly, and it's less than $50 a month."

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Franchisee Profile: Beth Maynard of Exton, Pa

Location: Exton, PA

Q: Where are you originally from?

A:  I’m from Gainesville, FL, but I moved to Exton, PA eight years ago.

Q: Before Franchising, what were you involved with?

A:  I worked in the privatized student housing industry for 21 years. I fell in love with that specific industry because it was always exciting, fast-paced, and interesting to see how different colleges handle the privatized student housing industry.  I loved the energy and involvement with the college-aged students. It’s fun to work with students who you are providing their very first housing experience to and the parents who are dealing with letting their children go into the real world for the first time.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?

A:  The only other thing I could imagine doing outside of the student housing industry was owning my own spa.  However I had no idea there were franchises in the day spa segment out there.  I saw this franchise opportunity with Hand & Stone was actually quite shocked.  I thought it was perfect because I have no prior experience in the massage industry but Hand & Stone could teach me all I needed to know.  In less than 30 days, I signed up as a franchisee.   

I have literally no competition in my market and everyone I’m spoken with so far has made me believe that this concept is going to do really well.  People want a place to go to and relax, but there’s really nothing in Exton that can provide that experience.  This whole process is really exciting because it’s my first time as a business owner.  I have loved finding a business that means something to me and taking it through the entire process of getting it up and running. I’m excited to work for myself and expand when the time is right.

Q: Why was this brand the right fit for you?

A:  I had always gotten massages to help with stress so I was very interested in massage from a health benefit standpoint.  That is what the corporate team is all about. I felt like Hand & Stone was a step above the competition from the look and feel of the spa to my interactions with the corporate team.  I feel comfortable that I will be successful as a result of great support I will receive from them. 

Q: What are your future goals? Development plans?

A:  It’s my goal to own three locations; two in Pennsylvania and one in Florida. 

ABOUT HAND & STONE
Hand & Stone is a 40-plus unit spa chain with a mission to bring affordable massage and facial services to the masses. Launched in 2005 by founder and COO John Marco and led by franchise veteran Todd Leff, President and CEO, Hand & Stone now resides in 12 states and Canada with plans to open an additional 40 locations by the end of 2011.  For more information on Hand & Stone, visit www.handandstone.com.

Hand & Stone featured on New Observer

News Observer Editor David Bracken spoke with Raleigh entrepreneur Chris Parks in article, "Spa Venture Opening Soon," about getting into the massage industry after being down on his luck in corporate America. Despite two layoffs, Parks held his head up and kept moving forward. The growing massage industry captured his attention, and he says “I went from tobacco to Twinkies. I was providing somethingthat people liked but it wasn't necessarily good for them. Now I'm in anindustry where I can provide something people really love and it has excellent health benefits." Click here to view the entire article.

Spa Venture Opening Soon
By: David Bracken

To understand how Chris Parks ended up on the verge of opening a Hand & Stone spa franchise in North Raleigh, you have to go back three years.

Parks, 40, had worked in sales and marketing for the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. for more than 16 years before he was laid off in the fall of 2008. He then went to work for Hostess Brands, calling on convenience stores and pitching the company's Twinkies, CupCakes and other products.

Less than a year later, Parks, who lives in Apex, was laid off again.

(Read More)

Hand & Stone Opens Its First Location in Bergen County, New Jersey

Hand & Stone Opens Doors in Emerson; To Relax, Rejuvenate Community with Top-Tier, Cost Efficient Model

Hamilton, NJ – Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa will open its first Bergen County location in Emerson, New Jersey at 494 Kinderkamack Road on October 17, 2011 in the Pascack Valley Shopping Center, also home to Stop & Shop and Marshall’s.

“We see the towns in Bergen County such as Emerson as a prime market for our brand’s development,” said Todd Leff, CEO and President of Hand & Stone. “We are pleased to have Jeff and Ken Silbert continue to lead our brand with top-tier services and integrity in this new market for us.”

The Silberts come from a strong business background where Ken was a senior managing partner with Accenture and Jeff leads his own advisory firm helping ambitious business owners scale their companies.  With decades of combined business experience and different strengths, the brothers desired to go into business together.  Ken will use his operations experience to guide them while Jeff will focus on business development for Hand & Stone.

The brother franchisee team will lead the development of 10 new locations in North Jersey, beginning with the Emerson location followed by a new location in the town of Aberdeen in Monmouth County opening in November.

Proving that massage therapy isn't just for the rich and famous anymore, the new Hand & Stone will erase what once was considered a penchant of the affluent by offering services to all levels of consumers.

“I’m thrilled to be opening our first Hand & Stone spa in Emerson,” said Jeff Silbert, owner of the new location.  “I am looking forward to bringing affordable and effective massage and facial services to the community of Emerson and its neighboring towns such as Westwood, Oradell, and Washington township.”

Launched in 2005 by John Marco, a physical therapist with 20 years of experience, Hand & Stone’s mission is to bring massage therapy to the masses. Clients enjoy the treatment, but "most aren't just coming for the indulgence," Leff said. "They're coming for stress reduction and pain relief, and many on the suggestion of their doctors."

Under the new provisions of the recently-passed health care bill, alternative medical procedures, including massages from licensed therapists at spas like Hand & Stone, are being taken more seriously by the traditional medical community. According to Leff, about 75 percent of health savings account plans and HMOs will now reimburse patients for massage therapy if their doctor writes a formal prescription. Ailments worthy of that prescription include muscle and joint pain, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (commonly known as TMJ), and stress.  According to the 2010 AMTA Industry Report massage use among older Baby Boomers (ages 55-64) has doubled in the past ten years and use among those older than 65 has tripled during that same time.

While the typical massage client used to have to track down a freelance massage therapist, schedule an appointment days in advance, and pay over $100 for a one-hour treatment, most Hand & Stone clients book their appointments on the same day as service and pay 30 percent less than the traditional hourly rate.  Better yet, when they sign up for a one-session-per-month plan, they end up paying around $60 per visit.

The average customer isn't a wealthy socialite with nothing better to do, she's a 42-year-old female with an annual household income of $65,000, has children and loves to shop at Target and Kohls. With that busy, overscheduled lifestyle, it’s not surprising that the number one reason clients visit Hand and Stone is for stress reduction.  Hand & Stone's clientele is roughly 70 percent female, 30 percent male, with an increasing number of male patrons.

As massage spas become more mainstream in the health care industry, Hand & Stone stays at the top of the game by adding locations and services to keep the brand fresh. That strategy has proven to be successful, as the addition of facials and waxing to the services roster has boosted the average comparable store sales by over 40 percent during this past year, in a very tough economic environment.  After awarding a record 40 new franchises in 2010, Leff expects to sign another 50 new franchisees to the Hand & Stone system this year, each one investing a total of around $325,000, including franchise fees, to outfit a suburban, strip-mall location with space for at least 10 massage rooms.

"Twenty-two percent of Americans got a massage in 2009, and that figure is growing.  As massage becomes a more integrated part of health care, we see this business achieving even wider-spread growth and longevity," said Leff.

ABOUT HAND & STONE
Hand & Stone is a 50-plus unit massage and facial spa franchise with a mission to bring massage and facial services to the masses, meeting demand of consumers who wish to receive the long term health benefits of these services.  Launched in 2005 by a passionate physical therapist, John Marco and now led by franchise veteran Todd Leff, Hand & Stone now has locations in 12 states and Canada with plans to open an additional 20 locations by the end of 2011.  For more information on Hand & Stone, visit www.handandstone.com.

Pumpking Facial - Limited Time Offer

Throughout the month of October, participating Hand & Stone locations are giving 1 Hour Pumpkin Facials! The pumpkin facial is the ultimate facial using pumpkin enzymes to repair dull, sun-damaged skin. It is designed to leave your skin feeling hydrated and youthful!

This super hydrating treatment is an excellent way to combat dehydration during the changing seasons! Offer ends October 31st, so be sure to go try it today!

*Valid at participating spas for first time clients.  Rates and Services may vary by location.  Sessions include time for consultation and dressing.  Not valid for gift cards.  Offers may not be combined.  Expires 10-31-11.

Franchisee Profile: Chris Parks of Raleigh, NC

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Projected Opening Date: November 2011

Location: North Raleigh

Q: Where are you from?

A:  I’m from Tennessee.  I moved to Wilmington, NC for college and went to UNC-W.  Since then, I’ve already moved several times for corporate careers. Finally, after 12 years, I made it back to North Carolina, relocating to the Raleigh area.

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A:  For my over 15 years in corporate America, I worked with consumer product goods companies including RJ Reynolds and Hostess brands in various roles of sales and marketing. After two layoffs, I decided business ownership was a way that I could choose my own destiny.

Q: How did you learn about Hand & Stone?

A:   A franchise broker (Entrepreneur Source) called me out of the blue. Just prior to that, my friend who had also taken a severance package had told me he was going to open a franchise so the broker’s timing was spot on. I chose to also look into franchising.

Q: Why did you decide to open your own business?

A:  Opening my own business symbolizes freedom and flexibility to me. The accomplishments that I have in my business will be so much greater.  Ultimately I realized that you can continue the madness in corporate America or you can control your own destiny. 

Q: When choosing a franchise, what were the criteria you used to make your decision?

A: My franchise consultant and I went through a discovery phase. I filled out surveys, questionnaires; talked on the phone about my personal goals. I spoke about wanting to have an opportunity to have residual income and selling a profitable business when the time comes. I chose Hand & Stone because it is my time to help people feel good in a healthy way.

Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?

A:  I wanted structure, support, a team environment and networking that franchising offers. Since this is an established system, there are other franchisees I can talk to for advice and guidance while starting my business.

Q: With regard to your previous experience, what skills do you feel helped you in your business?

A:  I think the most important skill that I’ve refined throughout my career is being a team player. I have a knack for dealing with customers in good or bad situations; assembling successful and cohesive teams to reach goals.

Q: How did you finance your business?

A:  I looked into all avenues. I chose to get financed through a private investor. It is a win/win situation.

Q: What obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today with your business?

A:  I have been through two corporate downsizings and a full range of emotions that come with that. After being with a company for 16 years, I went through many different emotions, but the biggest thing I’ve learned from the experiences is that now is the time for me to get out of my own way. Working for a large company, you have the security or the feign security, but when you are on your own, it is all on your shoulders. I had to realize that I could do it on my own. I finally got to that point after this second downsizing.

Q: What are your expansion or development plans?

A:  I would love to develop more than one location, at least three to five ideally.