Franchisee Profile: Debbie Gulledge

Debbie (54) spent most of her young life traveling; by the time she was 18 she had moved 23 different times. Her father was in the military but the main reason they traveled so often was his love and craving for flipping houses. He would travel to different towns or different states buying homes and renovating them to sell. Debbie followed her family as they moved but finished up her high school and college years in Oregon, where she attended the Marylhurst University and majored in communications. Right before graduation, she joined the National Guard for Oregon and eventually became a corporal, then transitioned to sergeant, and left the Oregon Military Academy as a Captain in 1995. She had been in the Army National Reserve for a total of 15.5 years.

Due to her husband, Mike’s employer, she and her family moved to Tampa, FL. where they remain today. Debbie has always been involved in a high stress career environment, especially as a female in the armed forces. She started researching different spa franchises after her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. Debbie took her mother to massage therapists as a way to ease the illness, stress, and assist with the vigorous chemo therapy her mother was going through. A year later, her mother passed away but the benefits of the massages she was receiving really helped her deal with the difficult health scare. A year later, on Veteran’s Day, Debbie was out celebrating with friends when her daughter was struck by a car on the way to church. Her daughter suffered severe neck and back injuries. Massage therapy was a big part of her rehabilitation process. After experiencing these difficult life situations, Debbie had made up her mind to open up her own massage and spa location, to help others achieve a healthier and more grounded sense of physical self.

Debbie’s personal experience with the military, and her close ties with the lifestyle (her father served for four years before the Korean War and her son is a First Lieutenant at the University of Hawaii), Debbie always tries to help those in the armed forces. Veterans, alongside teachers and first responders, always get 15% off membership for massage plans, as do their family members. This discount is always in place and Debbie uses it to give back to those who serve in her community.

In order to celebrate Memorial Day, Debbie’s Hand & Stone location is offering all veterans a free service enhancement through May 31 including services such as foot exfoliations, hot towel services, scalp massages, or aroma therapy options.

Debbie also introduced a line to all Hand & Stone locations called Warrior Princess and 10% of all proceeds of the products go to the Wounded Warrior Project. Debbie believed so much in this line of products it was her who called corporate and asked them to stock locations with the brand.

How did you learn about the brand?

I started doing research a couple of years ago due to the family experiences I had dealt with. I think treating your life and body with respect and taking care of it is important no matter what your current health situation is. It’s beneficial for mind, body, and soul.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Hand & Stone?

Hand & Stone had a very strong business and corporate model. We saw the Hand & Stone location and instantly felt the luxurious and calming surroundings, while still being able to feel like we could afford the services. They have a month-to-month program for participants, which was good for us as new business owners. Hand & Stone also had a veteran discount rate. I was able to purchase the franchise, with my retirement money, at a discounted price because of my history with the military. This was extremely beneficial.

What does Hand & Stone provide that others can’t?

The original owner of Hand & Stone was a massage therapist himself, so he comes from a knowledgeable background. Knowing what customers need and what to look for in employees have allowed us to serve our clients in the best way possible. We’re confident in all of our 23 current part-time and full-time employees.

What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now? 

Stress was one of my biggest challenges. I still had a full time position when I opened my first location in 2012, so I was working a lot on the weekends and evenings. It was really challenging from that perspective. Working alongside my husband can pose its own challenges; we needed to keep a strong connection with each other while recognizing that we’re both in stressful situations. Financially, we had to look at our retirement funds in order to open up a business. We have two kids in college and we really had to believe in the business to take that financial leap at the time. Opening up in Tampa presented its own frustrations because we didn’t have brand awareness; there weren’t any previous locations in the area so people had to get to know us.

What are your expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with Hand & Stone?

We will be opening our second location in Tampa in the fall of 2013. If it makes sense for us to open more in the area, we’ll definitely consider it down the road.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

I love to travel and always try and find time to get away to experience new things.

Hand & Stone featured in the Port Washington Patch

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Port Washington Patch in an article titled, "Hand & Stone Spa: A Place to Unwind in Port Washington." The article begins with a description of the spa and the importance of relaxation, and then goes into Rosalia Yarrington’s background in the corporate world and how after raising her children she decided she wanted to get involved with a franchise, so decided to open a Hand & Spa. The article then details the problems that she faced after Hurricane Sandy. After some details about the services they provide, the article ends with information that Hand & Stone is looking to open more locations in the Long Island area and how much a prospective franchisee can expect to invest (with a link to the franchise website).  Click here for the entire article or begin below.

Hand & Stone Spa: A Place to Unwind in Port Washington

By: Adina Genn

A sense of tranquility permeates the new Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa at 987 Port Washington Boulevard.

With its soft lighting, earth-tone painted walls, and soothing music, it’s easy to see why on a recent Friday morning, new and established customers dropped in to learn when they could schedule a massage or facial.

(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Archna and Harin Patel

Archna Patel was born in Zambia, Africa and moved to New Jersey when she was six. Working at Walgreens Pharmacy every weekend since she was 17, Archna graduated with her Doctorate of Pharmacy in 2002 from Rutgers School of Pharmacy. She began working at a prominent pharmacy as a community pharmacist and later became a Managed Care Pharmacist. She moved into the world of medical writing in the pharmaceutical industry and has been working at Johnson & Johnson for the past two years.

Harin Patel was born in Trinidad and lived there half his life. With a degree in computer science from Rutgers, Harin began his career working for Accenture doing consulting for six years. He later moved to Princeton, New Jersey with his wife, Archna, to take a job with NRG Energy, an independent power provider working in Business Development which he has been doing for the past seven years. Harin was part of the team that developed the solar project at the new Giants Stadium among other large projects.

The couples’ passion to be independent business owners motivated them to look into various options including bodywork/massage therapy. They truly believe there is a benefit to spa-based pain management and as the elderly population grows, they feel Hand & Stone and their passion for healing will thrive.

How did you learn about the brand?

Arch and Harin: We were looking to open an independent spa as this has been a long standing passion of ours. We started exploring various types of business opportunities and had long been aware of Massage Envy. When we began to look at Massage franchises we came upon Hand & Stone.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Hand & Stone?

Arch and Harin: The opportunity with this franchise seemed to be the best fit because as we began to know and learn who the people behind this brand are, we felt a sense of community. We are in the company of many intelligent people and some who have the same goals we have in life. We did a lot of research on other concepts, but after talking with other Hand & Stone franchisees, we were sold.

Are you involved with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?

Arch and Harin: We plan on maximizing our charity and community outreach right from the start. Our goal is to make our presence known in Hillsborough and the adjacent communities.  At this time we have begun to reach out to local massage schools to take advantage of the talent in our area—it’s always good to do that.  Additionally, we’re slated to participate in the Montgomery Township School District’s Health Fair on April 1. This fair brings in at least 500 visitors and we intend to have a strong presence as well as participate in some giveaways and offer chair massages.

What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now?

Arch: Being a working mom, a pharmacist, a business owner and a wife, I’ve learned to pick my battles.  When we first thought about committing to this business, we realized that there would be challenges that could be out of our control. We forged ahead, determined to make this work and taking each challenge one day at a time. At the same time we have to deal with the ordinary business of life—we’re constantly learning what makes one another tick, what makes our franchisor tick or what makes my son tick. We sincerely feel we are blessed because of the support our family has given us both financially and morally to take this big step. I do remember when we made the decision to get into this business, my husband said to me, “I have confidence in us if nothing else, so I know we’ll succeed.” This is something I play in my mind all the time to keep me moving.  And it works!

Right now, this quote I borrowed from a fellow business owner suits me perfectly and speaks volumes about who I am. I am at ease with myself.

"Today may there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use
the gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content
with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the
freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us." Mother Teresa

What are your expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with Hand & Stone?

Arch and Harin: We want to learn from the franchisor and other franchisees in the business. We do plan to open up additional locations when the time is right. I do have to consider my current career as a pharmacist and how I am able to be at peace if I do leave the field.

What are some of the publications you read? Local? National? What is your goal publication with your business?

Arch and Harin: We read Time, franchise specific magazines, and the Connect, which is a local paper. We hope to spread the word about our new franchise in the local media, c and down the road possibly publish something about our experience in a national magazine or newspaper.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

Arch: Harin and I met in college our freshman year and my goal was to get to know one person for a very long time before I married him. I certainly did. We dated for almost 10 years and then got engaged for two years and finally tied the knot in May 2005. We’ll be celebrating our eight year anniversary this coming May 1!  We have a two-and-a-half year old son, Sai, who keeps us on our toes and whom we hope will become the greatest hip-hop breakdancer out there!

I love to bake and plan parties! We really love to go on vacation as a family and just have a good time. Harin loves to scuba dive.

ABOUT HAND & STONE

Hand & Stone is a 90-plus unit massage and facial spa with a mission to bring massage and facial services to the masses. Launched in 2005 by a passionate physical therapist, John Marco and now led by franchise veteran Todd Leff, Hand & Stone now has locations in 18 states and Canada.  For more information on Hand & Stone, visit www.handandstone.com. 

Hand & Stone Featured in Port Washington Patch

Hand and Stone was recently featured in an article in the Port Washington Patch titled "Hand & Stone Spa: A Place to Unwind in Port Washington."The article begins with a description of the spa and the importance of relaxation, and then goes into franchisee Rosalia Yarrington’s background in the corporate world and how after raising her children she decided she wanted to get involved with a franchise, so decided to open a Hand & Spa.  The article then details the problems that she faced after Hurricane Sandy. 

"A sense of tranquility permeates the new Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa at 987 Port Washington Boulevard. With its soft lighting, earth-toned painted walls, and soothing music, it's easy to see why on a recent Friday morning, new and established customers dropped in to learn when they could schedule a massage or facial. Owner Rosalia Yarrington takes it all in stride, making visitors feel welcome. To Yarrington, relaxation is essential. 'Everyone needs a way to de-stress and re-energize,' she said. Contradictory as it may seem, relaxation is the reason she went into business. A former corporate accountant, Yarrington, a Manhasset resident, had stepped off the career ladder to raise her three children, now 13, 11 and 8. As they became more independent, Yarrington looked toward entrepreneurship. She researched franchise opportunities, looking for a turnkey operation she could get behind, that also provided franchisees full support."

You can read the rest of the article here.