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.

Hand & Stone featured on Denver's CBS 4 Morning Show

Hand & Stone was recently featured in a segment on Denver's CBS 4 Morning Show. The segment featured Hand & Stone's Colorado Regional Developer, Erik Bostrom and focused on being eco-friendly and also demonstrated several massage techniques. During the segment,  Erik discusses the ways in which the Hand & Stone brand is friendly to the environment. Click here to view the entire segment or watch it below.

Franchisee Profile: Julie and Brian Bulatovic of Denver, CO

View Larger Map

Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I’m originally from the Colorado and grew up between, Denver and the Vail Valley. My husband Brian is from Fort Collins.

Q: Before Franchising, what were you involved with?
A: I’m wrapping up a long career, 20 years, in the real estate development/construction industry. I did everything from leasing properties, assist in designing office buildings and tenant suites, hiring architects, contractors and working with attorneys and lenders. As a part of my leasing services I helped recruit physicians to join the staff at hospitals and help with tenancy in our buildings. My job has taken me all over the country.

Brian owns a development and construction consulting business in Denver. He founded his company three years ago, and has been working in construction since the age of 16.
Q: How did you learn about the brand?
A: After becoming a mom, I have realized that a work / life balance is more important than ever. With two young boys and a husband it became too challenging getting on a plane every week. It was not the best option for my family. I want to contribute in the working world and be present for my family. As a result of looking to find this better balance, I began looking at what my next step could be. Brian and I looked into franchising for four years and several different business models. We found that we wanted to become franchisees with a brand that was up and coming and had great growth potential. That led us to Hand & Stone in January of 2011. I loved the business model – a fresh concept and a fantastic leadership group through the corporate office. We wanted to be a part of stable business with tremendous growth potential. We signed an agreement for two locations and anticipate opening more spas after that as well.

Q: Why was this brand the right fit for you?
A: The business model is solid and the leadership team is going to grow the business at a steady yet strong pace. I love the fact that we can help build the Hand & Stone brand in Colorado. Our stores will be the second and third locations in Colorado. I’m most excited to help people realize the health benefits of massage, facials and waxing and be able to afford it on a consistent, monthly basis.

Hand and Stone Feautred in Colorado Springs Gazette

Hand and Stone was recently featured in a great article in the Colorado Springs Gazette called, “Prime territory? Four franchisors see Springs as ripe for business,” which published Saturday, August 14. The article was built from an in-depth interview with Erik Bostrom about why Colorado Springs is a great expansion market for Hand & Stone, what makes Hand & Stone a step above the competition and who makes the ideal franchisee. A portion of the article is below and you can view the article in its entirety here.

Prime territory? Four franchisors see Springs as ripe for business
By Bill Radford

HAND & STONE
Hand & Stone, a massage and facial spa, was launched by a physical therapist in New Jersey in 2005 and has grown to about 30 locations. Erik Bostrom operates a Hand & Stone franchise in Highlands Ranch; he’s also regional developer for Colorado and is looking at three markets: northern Colorado, Denver and Colorado Springs. He envisions two to three locations in the Springs and 20 or so in the Denver area.

In Colorado, “we’re looking at kind of a perfect storm of conditions that make it perfect to grow,” he said. Colorado’s economy is starting to recover more quickly than the nation as a whole, he said; at the same time, a soft commercial real estate market makes acquiring property easier. And Colorado’s active, healthy lifestyle provides the ideal clientele, he added.

Bostrom said he is particularly interested in the Springs because of its large population of former military.

“Folks that are former military tend to do very well in franchises,” he said. “They understand the benefits of following a designed system.”

Bostrom cites a total initial investment of $280,000 to $375,000 for a franchisee. Beyond the finances, he said, he’s looking for franchisees with solid management skills.

“We’re going to teach you the industry,” he said. “That’s what we’re experts in.”

Another massage franchise, Massage Envy, is already settled in town with two locations in the Springs.

“I give Massage Envy credit,” Bostrom said. “They were the first in this industry.”
But he said, “I think we’ve built a better mousetrap in a number of different ways.” One factor he cites is the breadth of Hand & Stone’s services, going beyond massage to include services such as facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and a variety of waxing services.

(Read More)