Franchisee Profile: Julie and Brian Bulatovic of Denver, CO

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Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I’m originally from the Colorado and grew up between, Denver and the Vail Valley. My husband Brian is from Fort Collins.

Q: Before Franchising, what were you involved with?
A: I’m wrapping up a long career, 20 years, in the real estate development/construction industry. I did everything from leasing properties, assist in designing office buildings and tenant suites, hiring architects, contractors and working with attorneys and lenders. As a part of my leasing services I helped recruit physicians to join the staff at hospitals and help with tenancy in our buildings. My job has taken me all over the country.

Brian owns a development and construction consulting business in Denver. He founded his company three years ago, and has been working in construction since the age of 16.
Q: How did you learn about the brand?
A: After becoming a mom, I have realized that a work / life balance is more important than ever. With two young boys and a husband it became too challenging getting on a plane every week. It was not the best option for my family. I want to contribute in the working world and be present for my family. As a result of looking to find this better balance, I began looking at what my next step could be. Brian and I looked into franchising for four years and several different business models. We found that we wanted to become franchisees with a brand that was up and coming and had great growth potential. That led us to Hand & Stone in January of 2011. I loved the business model – a fresh concept and a fantastic leadership group through the corporate office. We wanted to be a part of stable business with tremendous growth potential. We signed an agreement for two locations and anticipate opening more spas after that as well.

Q: Why was this brand the right fit for you?
A: The business model is solid and the leadership team is going to grow the business at a steady yet strong pace. I love the fact that we can help build the Hand & Stone brand in Colorado. Our stores will be the second and third locations in Colorado. I’m most excited to help people realize the health benefits of massage, facials and waxing and be able to afford it on a consistent, monthly basis.

Hand and Stone featured in Denver Daily News

Hand and Stone was recently featured in the Denver Daily News. The article, entitled "Town Talk," talks about Hand & Stone’s tax day deal. This deal will help relieve people of their tax stresses! Click here to view the full article!

Town Talk
Denver Daily News staff report

Benny’s Restaurant & Tequila Bar: If you are looking for great Mexican food and a delicious margarita then check out Benny’s Restaurant and Tequila Bar, located at 301 E. 7th Ave.
It’s simple Ń the food is great, the drinks are great and so is their friendly staff.
Stop in today!

College Inn is the friendliest place in town!
Check out this local neighborhood bar located at 4400 E. 8th Ave.
Tonight from 5-10 p.m. check out Monday Burger Madness where you can get a burger, cheese and chips for just $5.
Wash that down with a cold one and it’s the perfect Monday night!

(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Bonnie Horwith of Allentown, PA

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Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I’m from Walnutport, PA, just slightly north of Allentown.

Q: Before Franchising, what were you involved with?
A: I had a long career in the specific sector of gas and chemical manufacturing. For about 28 years, I was in the information technology group of a fortune 500 company. My department got outsourced in April 2010 and from there I spent some time thinking about what I wanted to do next. Initially I began looking for another job in the IT field, but the IT field had taken quit a hit in my area so there wasn’t much career potential. Upon that realization, I revisited an idea of entrepreneurship I’ve had on several occasions but had never pursued.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?
A: I began thinking of businesses I could start myself and searched the Internet for concepts that I thought fit my personality. I thought that was food but I met with a franchise consultant and after talking with him I started learning about other opportunities and that’s when I learned about Hand & Stone. I had thought about owning a spa before, so it was a natural fit.

Q: Why was this brand the right fit for you?
A: I liked everything about Hand & Stone. It’s a refreshing environment, everyone is friendly. The décor relaxes you; it’s a very soothing feeling.
Q: How do you see the brand connecting with your local community?
A: First and foremost, I see Hand & Stone being a destination for residents in Allentown to relax. We really don’t have anything like this in Allentown. That’s why I believe it’s going to be so popular. People are craving this type of service in my area. I’d also like to become involved with some local nonprofit organizations. My goal is to really become a community staple.

Q: What are your future goals? Development plans?
A: My first goal is to open and be profitable, and grow so that employment opportunities can be extended to others in the Lehigh Valley. After that happens, anything is possible.

Hand and Stone featured on FOX 6

Hand and Stone was recently featured in a segment on FOX 6 Wake Up Milwaukee entitled, “Relieve Stress on Tax Day.” The segment was with Paulina Laskosky, owner of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Menomonee Falls who appeared this morning discussing the health benefits associated with massage and the promotion this week for tax day. On air, Dawn Pecrovick preformed a massage on one of the hosts while Paulina discussed some of the immediate and long term health benefits. Watch the video below, or click here!

Hand and Stone featured in Entrepreneur Magazine

Hand and Stone was recently featured in an article in Entrepreneur Magazine entitled, “The Crossover: From the corporate world to franchise ownership -- how business owners make the transition.” The article was built from in-depth interviews with franchise executives who later became franchisees in the systems they worked in, including Bob and Denise McQuillan. The article discusses that Bob’s experience of owning a location helps him understand what franchisees must go through to open their own Hand & Stone. Click here to view the article in its entirety.

The Crossover: From the corporate world to franchise ownership -- how business owners make the transition.
By Jason Daley

Bob McQuillan and his wife, Denise, were preparing to open a Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa when a recruiter called. It turns out Hand and Stone was looking for a vice president for franchise sales--a position Bob had held elsewhere--so he entered the corporate and franchisee worlds simultaneously.

While Denise heads up their franchise in Cherry Hill, N.J., Bob has gained a deeper understanding of what the franchisees he's working with are going through.

(Read More)

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Celebrates Opening with Spa Party

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa will celebrate its recent opening with a Grand Opening Spa Party on Thursday, April 14 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The Spa Party will feature complimentary mini spa treatments, giveaways and refreshments. The party is open to the public, but space is limited and entry will be on a first come, first serve basis.

In addition to a full menu of massages and facials for women, men and teens, Hand & Stone offers private Spa Parties that are quickly becoming popular with bridal parties, corporate rewards, birthday celebrations, and other special occasions.

“We are excited to celebrate our opening at The Market Place, in the heart of Orange County, and treat the community to some pampering,” said Shahira Raineri, owner of the Tustin location. “Our Spa Party is a fun way to introduce ourselves to the local community as well as showcase how these private spa parties work.”

The Spa Party is an ideal opportunity to sample relaxation massages, mini facials, cold stone face massages, heavenly hand treatments and our signature hot towel foot massage. In addition to product samples, there will also be multiple drawings to win either a free massage or facial.

“Having the Tustin Chamber of Commerce at this event is also a special way to launch our business,” Raineri said. The Spa Party will kick off with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The spa is located in The Market Place at 2981 El Camino Real, next to Henry’s Farmers Market off Jamboree Rd. in Tustin. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call (714) 505-6600.

Hand & Stone is a 40-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 42 locations in 12 states and Canada with plans to open additional locations by the end of 2011.

The Market Place, owned by Irvine Company, is located off the Santa Ana (5) Freeway and Jamboree Road in Irvine and Tustin. The Market Place offers 1.6 million square feet of more than 120 shopping and dining choices. For more information, visit www.shopthemarketplace.com.

Irvine Company is a privately held company based in Newport Beach, California.
The company’s retail portfolio includes Fashion Island, Irvine Spectrum Center, The Market Place and neighborhood and community centers in Irvine and Newport Beach.