Hand & Stone Developer of the Year Erik Bostrom Drives Expansion in Colorado

Massage and Facial Franchise Strengthens Presence in Colorado with Eight Locations Expected to be Open by End-of-Year

Hamilton, NJ – Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa (Hand & Stone), one of the fastest growing spa franchises in the country, is proud to announce the plans to have a total of eight spa locations open in Colorado by the end of 2013. The new locations will be owned by a series of local owners throughout the Denver-area and the development is through the hard work of regional developer Erik Bostrom, winner of the brand’s 2013 Developer of the Year Award.

Bostrom, Regional Developer for Hand & Stone’s Colorado market, exemplifies the brand’

s ability to attract passionate entrepreneurs who are eager to grow the franchise and expand the reach of its health-focused services. To date, Bostrom, who joined the brand in 2008 to focus on growth, has already helped to opened six spas and has signed a total of 13 units.

“We’re on target to exceed our growth plans for the Colorado region. Our goal was to open three locations this year – we have already doubled that number and will triple it by the end of 2013,” said Bostrom. “Colorado is home to many residents who live active and healthy lifestyles, which has been conducive to our growth.”

At only 34 years old, Bostrom has been instrumental in Hand & Stone’s franchise development in Colorado. As Regional Developer, he is responsible for working with potential franchisees to help them become acquainted with Hand & Stone and walk them through the process of opening a spa in the state.

The new Colorado openings will contribute to Hand & Stone’s overall growth for 2013. System wide sales are expected to reach $90 million and a total of 25 more spas are expected to open across the nation by year-end.

“We want to continue to seek out the most aggressive entrepreneurs to help us expand in new and existing markets, create more jobs and provide opportunities to those who dream of running a successful business,” Todd Leff, President and CEO of the brand, said. “Our business is one that provides peace and tranquility 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.”

Leff also credits the company’s positive progress with the franchise’s emphasis on quality customer service and extensive menu of healthy lifestyle options. Hand & Stone has set itself apart from competitors by offering customizable and affordable massages and facials.

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.

Todd Leff, President and Chief Executive, Hand and Stone

With over 20 years of franchise leadership experience, each brand Todd Leff has worked with has experienced explosive national growth and increased profitability. Currently, Leff is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hand and Stone, a 30-plus unit massage and facial spa franchise, based in Hamilton, New Jersey, with a mission of bringing massage and massage services to the masses. At Hand and Stone, Leff is responsible for franchise, marketing and operational developments. Over the next five years, Leff plans to take Hand and Stone from 30 spas to more than 250 across the nation in addition to increasing the variety of spa services offered at Hand and Stone.

Prior to Leff investing in and joining Hand and Stone in July of 2009, Leff served as CEO of Philadelphia-based Cottman Transmission, leading its growth from a small regional company to a 400 unit national transmission repair and complete car care chain. In 2006, Leff successfully engineered the merger of Cottman Transmission and AAMCO Transmissions (owned by American Driveline Systems, Inc.). At that time, Leff became the president and CEO of American Driveline Systems, Inc., as well as its subsidiaries AAMCO Transmissions and Cottman Transmission, creating the world’s largest chain of transmission specialists and one of the leaders in complete car care services. Under Leff’s leadership, American Driveline Systems, Inc. grew to 1,100 locations and achieved system wide sales of $600 million in 2008 employing over 6,000 team members nationwide.

In addition to his extensive franchise career, Leff was a lead trial attorney with the United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division, from 1985-1990. Leff is a cum laude graduate of Temple University School of Law, where he served as an Editor of the Temple Law Review. He received his undergraduate degree with distinction from Villanova University.
Leff’s proven leadership has propelled him to the front of the industry as an expert in franchising and business. He is a frequent author, lecturer and panelist at franchise law and business conferences, including serving as the plenary session speaker at the 41st Annual International Franchise Association (IFA) Symposium. Leff also serves on the International Franchise Association’s Research Committee where he plays a key role in formulating research strategy and assisting in projects for the IFA.

Leff resides with his wife, Cindy, in Warrington, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. They have four children, Jillian, Hallie, Kylie and Alex.

For more information on Todd Leff and Hand and Stone, visit www.handandstone.com.