Hand & Stone Featured in Star-Ledger

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Star-Ledger in an article titled, "Three questions: His job is to help other people relax."  This article profiles Hand & Stone CEO, Todd Leff, who shared a bit of his entrepreneurial journey from federal prosecutor in the U.S. Department of Justice in Philadelphia, being the president of Cottman Transmission and AAMCO, taking a short retirement and then being seated as CEO with Hand & Stone. What intrigued Leff about the massage industry was how Hand & Stone was really revolutionizing the industry with its monthly membership price, accessibility and affordable cost bring massage to the masses. Hand & Stone offered Leff a new project to help the concept grow throughout the United States and in just under two years, the franchise system doubled the number of units and has over 70 locations.  Click here for the entire article or begin below.

Three Questions: His job is to help other people relax

By:  Sarah Schillaci

Todd Leff may not have been ready for a life of leisure, but he’s been able to put his business knowledge to work in the relaxation industry.

After a short-lived retirement in 2009, the Warrington, Pa., resident re-entered the workplace to serve as president and CEO of Hand & Stone, a Hamilton Township-based chain of day spas offering massage, facials, and waxing. Leff, leading the marketing, franchise development, and finance side of the company, has seen the number of spa locations nearly double in the past two years, to more than 70 nationwide.

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Hand and Stone featured in Asbury Park Press

Hand & Stone was recently featured in an article in the Asbury Park Press, highlighting a local entrepreneur bringing the franchise to Middletown, N.J. Candace Ruddy, of Toms River, N.J., will open her first Hand & Stone in Middletown next week. She discussed bringing the massage and facial spa concept to the area, and highlighted the fact that the business model is one that is affordable during the tough economic time. Ruddy’s sister and daughters will also work with her at the location when it opens its doors. Click here to view the full article!

NJ lost 400 jobs in May; unemployment rate up
Written by Michael L. Diamond

New Jersey’s economy lost 400 jobs in May, and its unemployment rate rose to 9.4 percent from 9.3 percent, the state reported Thursday, putting the brakes on momentum that had been building for three months.

The report was another sign that the economic recovery is so fragile that even a temporary spike in gasoline prices can derail it, observers said.

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