Franchisee Spotlight: Howard Turetzky and Howard McClurd, Willow Grove, PA

Howard Turetzky, 47, and Howard McClurd, 53, met more than 20 years ago at the medical supply company they both worked for, which aided their decision to go into business with Hand & Stone. “Due to our love of medical supplies, we decided to go into the healing arts of massages and skin care,” Turetzky said. Their first location opened in June of last year, and the duo plans to open a total of five spas.

Turetzky attended Rider College for accounting and Indiana University of Pennsylvania for political science, and McClurd was pre-law at Temple University. The latter went back into his family’s business in the auto industry before entering the medical supply field. He also went on to invent a children’s toy called the Kool Rider – a bike accessory designed to mimic the sound of a motorcycle. He’s a race car enthusiast, and he uses a Kool Rider-branded car, which also now features the Hand & Stone logo, at various fundraising events.  “In terms of race car driving, I’m retired,” he said. “But it’s an Indy race car, so it’s pretty unique, and 100 percent of any money it raises goes to charity.” Helping others is a passion for both of these men, as McClurd also raises money for Live Strong and sits on the board for Dragonfly Forest, a camp for children with serious illnesses and disorders.

The pair have set impressive records for Hand & Stone as the fastest growing spa the brand has seen to date.

How did you learn about the brand and why did you decide to open your own location?

We were looking for something in the medical field that was a little more holistic in nature. We were initially applying for another location and ended up with our spot.

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

We’re going to have five locations over the next two years. The third and fourth spots will hopefully be opening next spring in Plymouth Meeting, Penn. and Oxford Valley, Penn.