Franchisee Spotlight: Debbie Gulledge, Clearwater, FL

After so many years in corporate America, it was time for Gulledge to make a change.

“My mom suddenly passed away at 70; it was tragic and was scary,” says Gulledge.  “She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and we both used massage to cope; my mom from the pain of chemotherapy and me from the stress of being a caregiver. Her passing made me take a look at life and realize that I wanted to do something that was meaningful. I wanted to do something to give back to others.”

Massage was a perfect fit.

After about a year of investigating massage franchises, she fell in love with Hand & Stone. Gulledge chose Hand & Stone because they offer a massage at an affordable price and the spas look very elegant and attractive but doesn’t come across as stuffy.  And the best part, she found out that the franchise gives a substantial veteran discount for the franchise fee.

While acquiring her communications degree from Marylhurst University, Gulledge received basic military training outside of college. She continued attending training at the Oregon Military Academy on the weekends while working full time, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and was the Public Affairs Officer for the 41^st Infantry Brigade, and then made Captain before she left the Reserves to care for her two children. Gulledge received numerous awards and accolades as an enlisted soldier and officer over her 15+ years in the military, including the Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal, just to name a few. She also deployed overseas on several tours to Korea, Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica. 

Being in the military has influenced Gulledge and her Hand & Stone franchises.

“My goal is to give back,” says Gulledge. “One thing I noticed is that many places don’t offer specials to all military people. There are a lot of people who served our country for a few years but don’t get the same benefits because they are not technically retired. Our offers apply to all of those who have or are currently serving.”

In addition to the veterans’ benefits, Gulledge’s Hand & Stone locations also host spa parties throughout the year and much of the money raised goes to a charity. Last year she donated over $5000 to the Easter Seals, and we also host several parties a year, raising awareness about ovarian and breast cancer.

The opening of the new spa in Wesley Chapel, Florida, will mark Debbie Gulledge’s second Hand & Stone. As of now, Gulledge doesn’t have plans to continue growing her Hand & Stone locations, but she says “Never say Never” to the idea of it.