Franchisee Profile: Jim and Cheryl Guarnera

Name: Jim and Cheryl Guarnera
Opening Date: June 24, 2013
Grand Opening: July 14, 2013
Address: 310 State Highway 36, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
Local Community: Toms River, NJ
Phone Number: 732-389-9009
Email: jguarnera@handandstone.com; cguarnera@handandstone.com

Cheryl: Cheryl Guarnera grew up in Edison, NJ, the oldest of three, and graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Pharmacy in 1996. She worked in several positions within the health care industry such as a clinical pharmacist in the hospice, retail and hospital settings, then to medical communications with Physicians World (part of Thompson Health Care). Cheryl developed continuing medical education (CME) programs, trained speakers, executed product launches and worked with some of the most highly regarded doctors in the U.S. She spent several years in the medical education industry and then moved to Newport Beach, CA with Jim. There, Cheryl continued her career with Bristol-Myers Squibb (in pharmaceutical sales) and is currently with Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Scientific Affairs.

Jim: Jim Guarnera grew up in Plainview, NY and also graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Communication. (Rutgers is where Jim and Cheryl met, more than 20 years ago, and Jim was also nearly a professional football player – he made the final cut as a defensive tackle with the San Francisco 49ers.) Jim started his career in sales and public relations but has spent most of his career in the pharmaceutical industry. After he and Cheryl moved to California, Jim held managerial roles in pharmaceutical sales for companies such as Watson, inVentiv Health and Takeda, and is currently with Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

A job relocation moved the Guarneras back to New Jersey in 2007, which works well for their current lifestyle, especially as they are also raising four children (a boy and three girls). The move has also been good as it’s allowed them to move closer to family as well as continue the next phase of their career – Hand & Stone.  Jim and Cheryl will both continue their respective careers and own Hand & Stone on the side.

How did you learn about the brand?

Cheryl: I was a Hand & Stone member for a few years and really enjoyed the massages I had there.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Hand & Stone?

Cheryl: We had friends that ran a fitness franchise and we were also interested in a franchise opportunity. Plus, I wanted to create something where I could be at home with the kids. And from a business perspective, we thought it was a smart move.  

Jim: We looked at four different massage franchises, but Hand & Stone was by far the most inviting concept. We like that it offers multiple services that are affordable and that there’s no contract requirement, which is convenient for clients.

What will your staff and layout be like?

Jim: We have 16 employees total to start out -- five massage therapists, five estheticians, five spa associates and our Spa Manager, Toni Leonard. We have nine treatment rooms for massage, facial and waxing services.

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

Jim: Getting zoning approval was a 10 month process. Also, getting female massage therapists can be a challenge because they are more in demand.

Will you be involved with the community?

Cheryl: We’re trying to develop a grassroots marketing campaign. We’re looking to build relationships with local businesses and organizations and give back to the community not only financially but by having a presence in the community. Our area has been very affected by Hurricane Sandy and we want to be a part of the community in a positive way.  

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

Cheryl: We’re raising four kids right now so we enjoy spending time with family and all the activities that are going on. We also like to travel internationally and I have gotten into competing in triathlons and marathons.