Hand & Stone Featured in Phoenix Business Journal

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Phoenix Business Journal where regional developer, Maggie Brown and CEO, Todd Leff, shared the track record for success the brand has established in the Phoenix-area. With the sixth opening in the market and three more planned for 2013, the brand has the potential to reach at least 23 total locations. With the industry reaching $13.4 billion in 2011, this spa shows no signs of slowing down, projecting another 50 locations to be opened in 2013.

"'Even in a rough economy this is something that people do for themselves,' said Maggie Brown, the spa chain's regional developer for Arizona. Brown owns the franchise rights in Arizona and also runs two of the six Valley locations. She has plans to open upward of 23 Hand & Stone stores in Arizona, with the Biltmore area of Phoenix high on the list of potential spots. Brown also mentioned she is researching Chandler, Gilbert, Flagstaff, Prescott and Tucson." 

The article goes on to say that Brown cites Phoenix's status as a popular travel destination for the popularity of the spa. She has made arrangements with several area hotels to refer visitors to Hand and Stone for spa services during their stay. 

Click here to read the rest of the article.

Hand and Stone featured in ABC 15's "Sonoran Living"

Hand & Stone’s Arizona regional developer Maggie Brown, who has become the area’s local massage expert, was featured in an excellent segment about Valentine’s Day massages on ABC 15’s “Sonoran Living.” Along with the video, ABC 15 featured an article on Hand and Stone entitled "Valentine's special at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa." Click here to view the article and video!

Valentine's special at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

What is the primary reason for getting a massage or facial? For many, it's simply for relaxation. While that's certainly valid, there are many more benefits to consider regarding regular massages and facials.

The Power of Touch
More people today than ever before undergo massage therapy. In fact, studies have found that there are healing benefits from massage therapy for people of all ages - ranging from babies to the elderly.

(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Maggie Brown of Scottsdale, Arizona

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Something Interesting About Maggie Brown’s Story…
Maggie Brown is a multi-faceted business owner: a Hand & Stone franchisee and the Regional Developer for the state of Arizona. Having worked in the technical sales industry for over 15 years, Maggie is now heading up the development for Hand & Stone in Arizona. When she joined the team in 2006, Hand & Stone only had two franchises up and running nationwide. Since becoming the Arizona RD, Brown has added four spas, with 15-25 employees at each, throughout Arizona. Maggie plans to develop more than 20 additional spas throughout the region and continue to strengthen Hand & Stone’s brand presence in Arizona.

What Maggie Brown Did Before Hand & Stone…
Maggie Brown began a career in technology at IBM leaving there to pursue sales and marketing ventures. As a natural entrepreneur, she founded a Manufacturer's Representative sales firm that grew to become a national sales and marketing organization called Pivotal Sales Group, LLC. She continues to expand her portfolio now as a Hand and Stone franchisee and Regional Developer of Arizona.

How Maggie Brown Specifically Found Out About Hand & Stone…
Prior to joining on with Hand & Stone, Maggie Brown was a customer of one of her competitors and noticed that the massage industry was booming. Wanting to get involved, she began researching the competitor’s brand and inquiring about franchise opportunities, but soon realized that the entire market she wanted was sold out. After thoroughly investigating the massage industry, Maggie found that Hand & Stone was superior to any other concept she had looked into. She felt that the atmosphere and experience of visiting a Hand & Stone provided a variety of high quality services, and a luxurious experience at an affordable price.

Why Maggie Brown Became and Loves Being a Hand & Stone RD and Franchisee…
Maggie Brown decided to become a franchisee with Hand & Stone right after the franchise becoming Hand & Stone’s first franchisee and the first Regional Developer, becoming a strong part of the brand’s expansion in Arizona; Hand and Stone now has 5 locations throughout the Phoenix DMA. With a strong background in sales and marketing Maggie loves interacting with people and new environments. Additionally, she has always loved the relaxing and soothing environment the spa provides and remains enthusiastic about customer engagement, where customer satisfaction has always been her highest priority. After learning the brand as a franchisee of it first and becoming passionate about the concept, Maggie made the financial decision to invest in and develop Arizona becoming the Regional Developer for Hand and Stone.

Maggie Brown also loves working with her employees and has built very strong relationships with each of them. She has seven employees who have been with her at her Scottsdale Hand & Stone since she opened in 2006. Maggie also likes the wide variety of services Hand and Stone offers in a spa-like atmosphere and environment providing her customers an ultimate relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Maggie Brown's entreprenurial story featured in AZ Magazine

Hand & Stone’s Arizona Regional Developer and Scottsdale Franchisee, Maggie Brown, was recently featured in AZ Magazine. The article delves into Maggie’s journey in becoming a Hand & Stone franchisee after cashing in her retirement fund. Maggie discusses being introduces to massages as a consumer first, where she fell in love with the industry and business model. Maggie felt that Hand & Stone offered a higher quality spa experience and felt that the executive team had a strong grasp on growing the business. By partnering with Hand & Stone, she has had the full support of the corporate team every step of the way and her franchisees in Arizona get the same support as well. Maggie’s story shares the risks and rewards of owning your own business and her piece of advice is, “work at something you like and the money will follow.”

AZ Magazine - Maggie Brown Article Nov 2010