Hand & Stone Celebrates Strong Growth and Outstanding Franchisees

Massage and Facial Franchise Wraps Up First Three Quarters of 2013 with Stellar Growth Figures and Celebrates Top-Performing Franchisees

Hamilton, NJ – Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spas (Hand & Stone), one of the fastest growing spa franchises in the country, continues its momentum of solid growth with system wide sales projected to hit $90 million for 2013 and 15 more stores expected to open by year-end. The chain now has 125 open locations and has awarded 60 new franchises so far this year – a company record.

Proving that the thriving brand has made a name for itself as a top leader in the industry, Hand & Stone has established four or more stores in 12 different markets. The franchise’s presence is particularly strong in the Philadelphia DMA, with 31 locations currently in full operation, and in the New York DMA, which is home to another 29 Hand & Stone spas.

Todd Leff, President and CEO of the brand, credits the company’s positive progress with the franchise’s emphasis on quality customer service and the extensive menu of healthy lifestyle options. By offering customizable and affordable massages, facials and hair removal, Hand & Stone has continued to set itself apart from competitors and positioned itself for success in 2014. 

“Our unstoppable growth can be attributed to our ability to attract quality franchisees who share our passion for delivering the highest level of service we offer customers,” Leff said. “Despite tough economic times, our numbers show that people love our services. With our affordability and convenience we are actually growing the demand for services in each new market we enter.”

While Americans across the nation are increasingly embracing healthier lifestyles, the fastest growing markets for the Hand & Stone brand have been in Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Chicago, IL; Dallas/Ft Worth, TX; South Florida, and New Jersey.

In recognition of the franchisees that have contributed to the successful expansion of the health-focused franchise, with over 300 franchisees and team members in attendance, Hand & Stone recently honored its leading franchisees at its 2013 National Conference held in Atlantic City NJ October 15-17^th.

Hand & Stone 2013 Conference Awards winners include:

·         Rookie of the Year Award (First Year Highest Achievement): Langhorne, PA

·         Face Forward Award (Leading Facial Service Space): Huntington, NY

·         Fast Track Award (Top Performing New Spa): Phoughkeepsie, NY

·         Stoney Award (Leading Hot Stone Massage Spa): Puyallup, WA

·         The “Spa-tacular” Spa of the Year (Highest  Achieving Hand and Stone Spa): Marlton, NJ

·         Founders Award (Passion for Excellence): Paul and Maria Cermatori (Spring Lake, NJ) and Skip Papanikolas and Maggie Brown (Scottsdale, AZ)

“These awards showcase our tremendous franchisees and the achievements that Hand & Stone team members have made,” Leff said. “We value each and every one of our franchisees and want to show our appreciation of their commitment to the brand.”

Leff, a 54-year-old franchise veteran, became President of Hand & Stone in July of 2009 and immediately embarked upon an ambitious nationwide expansion, attracting more and more potential franchisees with his palpable enthusiasm for the brand. Since taking over, the company has opened 100 new locations in just four years and expanded into new territories such as Maryland, Missouri, Virginia, Texas, Illinois, South Carolina, and California.

“We want to continue to seek out the most aggressive entrepreneurs to help us identify and expand into new markets, create more jobs and provide opportunities to those who dream of running a successful business,” Leff said. “Our business is one that provides peace and wellness to clients who want to detach from their often stressful lives. We are able to help our customers achieve this relaxation because of the passionate franchisees that we have on board at Hand & Stone.”

ABOUT HAND & STONE
Hand & Stone is a 125-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 17 states and Canada. For more information on Hand & Stone, visit www.handandstone.com.