Thursday, February 23, 2012

Franchisee Profile: Tony & Brittany Rodgers of Houston, TX


Name:  Tony & Brittany Rodgers
Opening Date: April 2012
Brand:   Hand & Stone
Location: Houston, TX

 Both having similar backgrounds and goals for success, Tony and Brittany seek to open five Hand & Stone locations throughout Houston. With a strong passion for the health and wellness industry, the couple brings devotion, motivation and faith to the Hand & Stone brand.

Q: Where are you from?
A: Tony grew up in South Bend, Ind., where he graduated from a five year apprenticeship program with his associates degree in applied science. Brittany grew up in Orlando, Fla., but moved to South Bend, to go to school, where she met Tony. She attended Indiana University and graduated with degrees in psychology, social and behavioral science and radiology science.

Q: What was your career before franchising?
A: Before franchising, Tony spent 10 years in the construction industry, running large commercial accounts. Later, Tony became operations manager for a large manufacturing/recycling  facility located in Northern Indiana. Brittany worked in the medical field of Radiology where she enjoyed helping and caring for patients. She worked mostly in large out-patient centers, including one of the largest orthopedic clinics in all of central Florida. Additionally, Tony dabbled with his Realtor’s license, partnering up with a company to buy, remodel and sell prime real estate for opportunities to further his success. The couple spent two years purchasing and renovating vintage riverside homes in the Notre Dame/ St. Mary area of Northern Indiana.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?
A: Tony and Brittany learned about the Hand & Stone brand from Frannet, a leading company in expert franchise consulting.  Once Tony and Brittany  realized their strong desire for independence and accomplishment,  the couple began searching  for the next step towards success. With much research, and the assistance from Frannet, Tony and Brittany were introduced to Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa.

Q: Why did you decide to open your own business?
 A: Tony and Brittany chose to open their own business to gain personal  freedom,  stability and the chance to one day give back. They wanted the opportunity to finally reap the benefits from their devoted strength. By opening their own business, Tony and Brittany have the ability to watch their hard work pay off for future generations to come.

Q: When choosing a franchise, what were the criteria you used to make your decision?
A: When choosing a franchise, Tony and Brittany had specific criteria they were in search of. They knew they wanted to stay in the health and wellness industry due to their passionate histories for both health and wellness. They wanted a company they could stand behind, a company they felt passionate about, a company that could meet their financial goals for personal success and a company that connected with the community.

Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?
A: For Tony and Brittany, the most appealing aspect about joining a franchise system was the proven track record for success. They felt strongly about the worth of a well-established business model and felt it was a great way to get started in the entrepreneurial world of business.

Q: What are some of your achievements (professionally or personally) that you think will help you along the way in your business?
A: Tony and Brittany were once told the keys to success are devotion, motivation and faith —three things neither of them lack. Starting their entrepreneurial business journeys at a young age, the couple’s education and work experience have been their biggest achievements thus far. Priceless assets they share that will drive their success in the franchise world include dedication for hard work, a passion for continuously giving back to others and an extensive background in many aspects of the business world.

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.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Hand & Stone featured in the Fairfield County Business Journal

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Fairfield Business Journal in an article titled, "Women's entrepreneurship is climbing." The article features Hand & Stone franchisee Pam Wallace who left the corporate world after 20 years. Pam discussed what factors led her to decide on her business investment in Hand & Stone. The article also mentions that this is the state’s first Hand & Stone location, and that Pam was able to leave the corporate world behind in order to become an entrepreneur. Click here to view the entire article.

Women's entrepreneurship is climbing
By: Alexander Soule

Pam Wallace left the corporate world knowing a lot about consumer marketing and next to nothing about massage – when it came to trying her hand at her own spa in Stamford, she says that corporate training worked out the kinks that would have otherwise given her some sleepless nights.
The owner of Connecticut’s first Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa franchise was able to secure a U.S. Small Business Administration loan in just three weeks, allowing her to leave behind – for good she thinks – a corporate career that took her to Harvard Business School and through JPMorgan Chase & Co. among other stops.
“You get a good training at big companies,” Wallace said, “but I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart.”

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Hand & Stone featured on Denver's CBS 4 Morning Show

Hand & Stone was recently featured in a segment on Denver's CBS 4 Morning Show. The segment featured Hand & Stone's Colorado Regional Developer, Erik Bostrom and focused on being eco-friendly and also demonstrated several massage techniques. During the segment,  Erik discusses the ways in which the Hand & Stone brand is friendly to the environment. Click here to view the entire segment or watch it below.


 
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