Hand & Stone in The Oklahoman

Hand & Stone was featured in The Oklahoman. Following RadioShack's recent bankruptcy announcement and its closing of more than 1,700 stores around the country, chains looking to expand - like massage and spa chain Hand & Stone are swooping in to buy the prime spots RadioShack's been holding. This story was picked up from the San Francisco Business Journal.

Read the article here. 

Hand & Stone featured in San Francisco Business Journal

Hand & Stone was featured in San Francisco Business Journal. With the recent bankruptcy of RadioShack, franchises are looking to move into their real estate spaces. Hand & Stone is one of the company’s looking into the existing spaces. This move, makes health and wellness services like massage and yoga desirable to fill the holes where RadioShack was. Find out more about the potential real estate for Hand & Stone and what Hand & Stone CEO Todd Leff has to say.

Read the full article here. 

Hand & Stone in the San Antonio Business Journal

Hand & Stone was featured in the San Antonio Business Journal. As real estate opens up for retailers in light of RadioShack’s recent bankruptcy filing, brands such as Hand & Stone have begun looking into the brand’s vacant sites for potential development. Now, based on RadioShack’s reputation for selecting ideal real estate, Hand & Stone is actively looking into the closed locations to grow the brand’s presence in San Antonio.

Read the full article here. 

Hand & Stone Featured in Baltimore Business Journal

Hand & Stone was featured in the Baltimore Business Journal. 

As real estate opens up for retailers in light of RadioShack’s recent bankruptcy filing, brands such as Hand & Stone have begun looking into the brand’s vacant sites for potential development. Now, based on RadioShack’s reputation for selecting ideal real estate, Hand & Stone is actively looking into the locations to continue to grow the brand’s presence in the Baltimore region.

Click here for more information. 

Hand & Stone on Entrepreneur.com

Hand & Stone was featured on Entrepreneur.com.  The article titled "Running a ‘Toddler’ and ‘Infant’ Massage Franchise," features Debbie and Mike Gulledge’s two Hand & Stone locations. The article looks at how they have navigated business ownership while expanding. The couple discusses how they received the right tools from corporate for a successful business model that also has an upscale feel and reasonable price point. As a Veteran, Debbie also received a discount off the franchise fee, making the brand even more enticing.

Read the full article here.  

Hand & Stone in the Wichita Business Journal

Hand & Stone was featured in the Wichita Business Journal. RadioShack announced late last week that they have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and as a result, as many as 1,784 locations will be closing. There are currently several locations across the state of Kansas, and locations will be closing in greater Wichita, including 4 in Wichita proper as well as a few in nearby communities including Newton. This has created a real estate feeding frenzy among growing companies looking to take over these highly coveted locations.

Kris Smith discussed how the newly available real estate may benefit the Hand & Stone brand with its expansion plans in the market, and how he has already begun conversations with local real-estate brokers.

You can read the full article here. 

Hand & Stone in The Connection Newspapers

Hand & Stone was featured in The Connection Newspapers. Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa is rapidly expanding across the state of Virginia, specifically in Fairfax County. Eric and Darielle Danver, a father-daughter duo recently opened their second location in the area in the South Lakes Village Shopping center in Reston on Feb 1. The pair is committed to bringing a five-star spa experience at an affordable price to customers.

At this new location, Darielle and Eric will be bringing another family member to join their team. Darielle’s sister, Katie Danver, 20, will be managing the Reston location and is excited to help with the family business.

Read the whole article here. 

Hand & Stone on Philly.com

Hand & Stone was featured on Philly.com. As RadioShack and other big chains hit rocky waters, franchise brands are looking to fill their prime real estate space. In Philadelphia there are 29 RadioShack locations with thousands more across the country. Hand & Stone is an option to fill these large locations.

Read the full article here.

Hand & Stone in the Minneapolis Business Journal

Hand & Stone was featured in the Minneapolis BusinessJournal. This article talks about Elliott Randolph’s new Hand & Stone opening in Plymouth, Minnesota. This piece also looks at his expansion plans to Minnetonka. The article highlights why Elliott chose this opportunity with Hand & Stone and what the brand will offer.

Read the full article here. 

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa targets stress at Kildeer franchise

The article talked about Hand & Stone in the Chicagoland area and growth plans for the area. Highlighted in the piece was Paulina Laskosky, who recently opened her third Hand & Stone location with the most recent in Lake County. Paulina did a fantastic job conveying the core principals of Hand & Stone and what the brand will be accomplishing in Chicago.

Read the full article here. 

Q&A With Tony & Brittany Rodgers

Both having similar backgrounds and goals for success, Tony and Brittany seek to open five Hand & Stone locations throughout Houston. With a strong passion for the health and wellness industry, the couple brings devotion, motivation and faith to the Hand & Stone brand.

Q: Where are you from?

A: Tony grew up in South Bend, Ind., where he graduated from a five year apprenticeship program with his associates degree in applied science. Brittany grew up in Orlando, Fla., but moved to South Bend, to go to school, where she met Tony. She attended Indiana University and graduated with degrees in psychology, social and behavioral science and radiology science.

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A: Before franchising, Tony spent 10 years in the construction industry, running large commercial accounts. Later, Tony became operations manager for a large manufacturing/recycling  facility located in Northern Indiana. Brittany worked in the medical field of Radiology where she enjoyed helping and caring for patients. She worked mostly in large out-patient centers, including one of the largest orthopedic clinics in all of central Florida. Additionally, Tony dabbled with his Realtor’s license, partnering up with a company to buy, remodel and sell prime real estate for opportunities to further his success. The couple spent two years purchasing and renovating vintage riverside homes in the Notre Dame/ St. Mary area of Northern Indiana.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?

A: Tony and Brittany learned about the Hand & Stone brand from Frannet, a leading company in expert franchise consulting.  Once Tony and Brittany realized their strong desire for independence and accomplishment,  the couple began searching  for the next step towards success. With much research, and the assistance from Frannet, Tony and Brittany were introduced to Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa.

Q: Why did you decide to open your own business?

 A: Tony and Brittany chose to open their own business to gain personal freedom,  stability and the chance to one day give back. They wanted the opportunity to finally reap the benefits from their devoted strength. By opening their own business, Tony and Brittany have the ability to watch their hard work pay off for future generations to come.

Q: When choosing a franchise, what were the criteria you used to make your decision?

A: When choosing a franchise, Tony and Brittany had specific criteria they were in search of. They knew they wanted to stay in the health and wellness industry due to their passionate histories for both health and wellness. They wanted a company they could stand behind, a company they felt passionate about, a company that could meet their financial goals for personal success and a company that connected with the community.

Q: What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?

A: For Tony and Brittany, the most appealing aspect about joining a franchise system was the proven track record for success. They felt strongly about the worth of a well-established business model and felt it was a great way to get started in the entrepreneurial world of business.

Q: What are some of your achievements (professionally or personally) that you think will help you along the way in your business?

A: Tony and Brittany were once told the keys to success are devotion, motivation and faith —three things neither of them lack. Starting their entrepreneurial business journeys at a young age, the couple’s education and work experience have been their biggest achievements thus far. Priceless assets they share that will drive their success in the franchise world include dedication for hard work, a passion for continuously giving back to others and an extensive background in many aspects of the business world. 

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. 

"Meet new members from Hand & Stone"

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Irving Chamber of Commerce’s Monday Business Report on Monday, March 31st, 2014. The article discusses Jeff and Laurey’s background, their plans with Hand & Stone, and the fact they will be opening one of the largest spas in the system. Preview article below or read full article here.

Meet new members from Hand & Stone

High school sweethearts, Laurey and Jeff Sperring, 53, have been by each other’s sides since the ninth grade, and will now be experiencing another major life event together: opening their own business. The couple will also be opening one of Hand & Stone’s largest spas in the system.

Laurey, 53, graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in management information systems. After 10 years of programming and systems work, she became a full-time mom until 2012. Prior to signing with Hand & Stone, Laurey worked as an instructional assistant for students with disabilities and also partook in some substitute teaching.

Jeff, 53, graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in industrial engineering, and has had two careers. For the first 13 years after graduating, he worked in various positions revolving around information systems and process improvement. He kick-started his second career in 1996 by becoming the executive vice president of operations for a market research company and has since taken various managerial roles in the market research industry. He is currently the Vice President of Business Operations of Revelation, and will manage the backend operations of Hand & Stone.

Read full article here.

San Antonio Express News: Retailers rush to fill empty Blockbusters

By Neal Morton

January 17, 2014

SAN ANTONIO — Less than a week after Blockbuster closed its remaining stores, businesses hoping to make their debut or expand their footprint in San Antonio have targeted the newly vacant — and apparently prime — commercial real estate space.

Blockbuster officially closed its last 10 locations here Sunday, just two months after the embattled video-rental company announced it would walk away from the few hundred remaining stores it operated across the country.

During the holidays, bargain hunters scoured the bins and shelves at area Blockbusters, hoping to score a cheap movie from the latest victim of online competition.

Already, a First Choice Emergency Care clinic has started moving into one of the now-empty stores, at 13434 Nacogdoches Road.

Other Blockbuster locations across the city have appeared on the radar of fast-growing franchise chains, including Frisco-based Mooyah, a fast-casual burger and shake chain that opened its first restaurant here two years ago.

Similarly, spa company Hand & Stone and 24-hour gym operator Workout Anytime might consider some of Blockbuster's old digs to establish an initial presence in San Antonio.

“It's kind of an irony or, I guess, just an evolution of business that Blockbuster disrupted the video industry by changing the way people watch movies,” said Todd Leff, president of Hand & Stone. “And then business evolved again: Blockbuster's out, and now we're coming to change the way massages and facials are delivered.”

Since 2012, the New Jersey-based franchiser has opened 14 spas in Austin, the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Houston, with six more locations in the works.

Leff wants to open at least three spas in San Antonio and has paid attention to Blockbuster locations in the city.

Blockbuster officially closed its remaining 10 locations in San Antonio, opening real estate space for other retailers. This location is 2951 Thousand Oaks Drive.

“We've done some investigation into the real estate there, and things like Blockbuster are a key component for us to be able to get into big-box anchored shopping centers at a reasonable rate,” he said. “We've identified some key locations, but it's all about finding the right developer at this point.”

Businesses like Leff's have waited months for Blockbuster to vacate its space.

The company operated more than 9,000 retail locations less than a decade ago. But crippling pressure from online streaming services and video rental kiosks pushed Blockbuster's owner, Dish Network Corp., to announce in November that it would close its remaining stores.

The official closure last weekend cleared the way for opportunistic retailers looking to find a home here.

“With the real estate climate being what it's been the last few years, we haven't seen much” new construction, said Alan Hixon, vice president of development for Mooyah. “Availability is what really drives your real estate.

“So without a lot of projects coming out of the ground, you're going to need second-generation space,” he added.

Mooyah franchised its first location here at 22502 U.S. 281 near Stone Oak, but the owners hope to debut as many as 20 more restaurants in the city.

Like Hixon, Randy Trotter, vice president of development for Georgia-based Workout Anytime, described the newly vacant Blockbusters as attractive places to open the company's first San Antonio gyms.

“They are normally in grocery-anchored shopping centers, with great visibility, access and parking,” Trotter said. “A large company like (Blockbuster) did their homework back in the day and really picked quality real estate.”

http://www.expressnews.com/business/local/article/Retailers-rush-to-fill-empty-Blockbusters-5150380.php

Hand & Stone is proud to be the first to receive $100 Million to fuel growth!

Benetrends Announces New $100 Million Fund To Fuel Franchise Growth

Hand & Stone Secures $10 Million in Initial Funding to Drive its Expansion Across U.S.

NORTH WALES, Pa., Jan. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Benetrends, the trusted leader in franchise funding, announced today the creation of a new proprietary $100 million franchise financing program. The new franchise lending program was created to help International Franchise Association franchisor members provide qualified candidates with direct access to capital for new store development. Hand & Stone, a rapidly growing spa franchise, is the first franchisor selected by Benetrends to participate in the new fund. Hand & Stone has been provided $10 million in initial capital to assist with its franchise growth.

"Benetrends is excited to now provide franchisors and their franchisees access to the critical funding needed to expand their current operations or purchase their first franchise," said Rocco Fiorentino, president & CEO, Benetrends, Inc. "We're pleased to award Hand & Stone the first $10 million from the new fund as they look to meet their future development needs following their record-setting growth in 2013."

Franchisors and franchisees selected to participate in the program benefit from:

• Direct access to capital
• Simplified qualification process
• Dedicated loan officer from application to closing
• Loan proposals within 48 hours of receiving initial application
• Loan commitments within 10 business days of receiving loan package
• Consistent communication with lender and single point of contact
• Experienced PLP SBA lender

"Capital access challenges are going to affect every franchise system's unit expansion for the next few years," said Bob McQuillan, Hand & Stone vice president of franchise development. "The days of building relationships with preferred lenders in advance of expected loan applications are gone and we're now experiencing a paradigm shift in the ways franchisors and lenders interact. A fund like Benetrends will continue to allow brands such as ours to grow organically and bring in best-in-class franchisees and operators." 

In addition to the new franchise financing program, Benetrends also offers a full suite of funding options to help entrepreneurs secure the capital needed for their small business or franchise. The company originated the 401(k)/IRA tax-deferred and penalty-free rollover process more than 30 years ago and has created more than 85,000 jobs with $4 billion in retirement assets invested in America's small businesses. Additionally, Benetrends features a wide range of loan options covering every type of business need, including SBA loans, equipment leasing, merchant cash advances, securities-backed lines of credit, and more.

"Part of ensuring sustained franchise growth across the country includes offering access to strong, franchise-focused lending programs such as Benetrends new $100 million fund," said Steve Caldeira, president and CEO, International Franchise Association. "In doing so, we are providing both existing and prospective franchisees with the tools and financial resources they will need for long-term growth and success."  

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 Celebrates Strong Growth and Outstanding Franchisees

Massage and Facial Franchise Wraps Up First Three Quarters of 2013 with Stellar Growth Figures and Celebrates Top-Performing Franchisees

Hamilton, NJ – Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spas (Hand & Stone), one of the fastest growing spa franchises in the country, continues its momentum of solid growth with system wide sales projected to hit $90 million for 2013 and 15 more stores expected to open by year-end. The chain now has 125 open locations and has awarded 60 new franchises so far this year – a company record.

Proving that the thriving brand has made a name for itself as a top leader in the industry, Hand & Stone has established four or more stores in 12 different markets. The franchise’s presence is particularly strong in the Philadelphia DMA, with 31 locations currently in full operation, and in the New York DMA, which is home to another 29 Hand & Stone spas.

Todd Leff, President and CEO of the brand, credits the company’s positive progress with the franchise’s emphasis on quality customer service and the extensive menu of healthy lifestyle options. By offering customizable and affordable massages, facials and hair removal, Hand & Stone has continued to set itself apart from competitors and positioned itself for success in 2014. 

“Our unstoppable growth can be attributed to our ability to attract quality franchisees who share our passion for delivering the highest level of service we offer customers,” Leff said. “Despite tough economic times, our numbers show that people love our services. With our affordability and convenience we are actually growing the demand for services in each new market we enter.”

While Americans across the nation are increasingly embracing healthier lifestyles, the fastest growing markets for the Hand & Stone brand have been in Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Chicago, IL; Dallas/Ft Worth, TX; South Florida, and New Jersey.

In recognition of the franchisees that have contributed to the successful expansion of the health-focused franchise, with over 300 franchisees and team members in attendance, Hand & Stone recently honored its leading franchisees at its 2013 National Conference held in Atlantic City NJ October 15-17^th.

Hand & Stone 2013 Conference Awards winners include:

·         Rookie of the Year Award (First Year Highest Achievement): Langhorne, PA

·         Face Forward Award (Leading Facial Service Space): Huntington, NY

·         Fast Track Award (Top Performing New Spa): Phoughkeepsie, NY

·         Stoney Award (Leading Hot Stone Massage Spa): Puyallup, WA

·         The “Spa-tacular” Spa of the Year (Highest  Achieving Hand and Stone Spa): Marlton, NJ

·         Founders Award (Passion for Excellence): Paul and Maria Cermatori (Spring Lake, NJ) and Skip Papanikolas and Maggie Brown (Scottsdale, AZ)

“These awards showcase our tremendous franchisees and the achievements that Hand & Stone team members have made,” Leff said. “We value each and every one of our franchisees and want to show our appreciation of their commitment to the brand.”

Leff, a 54-year-old franchise veteran, became President of Hand & Stone in July of 2009 and immediately embarked upon an ambitious nationwide expansion, attracting more and more potential franchisees with his palpable enthusiasm for the brand. Since taking over, the company has opened 100 new locations in just four years and expanded into new territories such as Maryland, Missouri, Virginia, Texas, Illinois, South Carolina, and California.

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

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.

Franchisee Spotlight: Katherine Blake-Chenier, Washington Township, Michigan

Katherine Blake-Chenier, 46, grew up in Michigan and received a scholarship to study at the University of Hawaii, from which she graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Upon graduation, she moved to South California for her first entry-level job as an editorial assistant at the Orange County Register before entering the television news industry. She has worked as a television sports reporter and anchor in Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver and Dallas.

She met her Canadian husband, Louis, in 2001 at a hockey game in Colorado and had a long-distance relationship for four years. After the two married 2005, Katherine realized that she had explored all possible opportunities in the television news industry and decided to join her husband’s drilling exploration business in Canada. She spent the next few years dividing her time between Michigan and her husband’s home in Canada.

Katherine’s experience in helping her husband grow their company from the ground up gave her the necessary skills to open a business that was more in line with her own passion – sports. Inspired by the fact that she herself was getting regular massages, she started looking into various massage franchises and was introduced to Hand & Stone by a representative from one of the Hand & Stone’s competitors. 

Unimpressed by most of the franchises that she had seen, she was enthused by the passion of Hand & Stone Founder John Marco when she attended a Discovery Day. Katherine liked the customer service that Hand & Stone offered and the fact that the company’s philosophy was to have customers leave happier than when they arrived. Her husband, who has a strong business background, saw that the company had a good corporate structure and business model and encouraged her to pursue the opportunity.

“As a TV reporter, I worked in a stressful environment,” she said.  “I had deadlines to meet and there were times when I would have to get a story from someone who was going through the worst day of their life. I was bringing stress to people’s lives most nights, but now, I’m able to take stress away from people’s lives.”

Katherine was granted two franchise licenses and chose to open her first location in Michigan to be close to her family members and aging parents. The location also allows her husband to drive over to Canada, where he still runs his drilling business. However, another major reason she has chosen to open her spa in Michigan is because she was saddened by the many foreclosures that she has witnessed and wants to contribute to the community by creating more jobs in the area. As such, she plans to open her second location in the Detroit Metro area. 

Franchisee Spotlight: Paul Palumbo, New City, New York

Paul Palumbo is gearing up to open his first Hand & Stone.  He has over 10 years experience with another franchise, the experience from which undoubtedly will set him up for success with his massage and facial spa.

Paul went to William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ.  Upon graduation, he went to work for Dun and Bradstreet in New York City and worked as the national sales and operational manager.  He stayed there from 1980 until 2004, and from there, he went to work as the director of sales at Bowker in New Providence, NJ. As the company began to lay off employees toward the beginning of 2012, Paul and his wife Dawn began to look at opening a Hand & Stone. Paul will hold his current job at Ingram until the time comes to transition into Hand & Stone full time.

How did you learn about the brand?

 I have a business friend who owns a few spas.  He was over at our house and he shared with me details about the spa business and how it was a great opportunity.  I went to the welcome meeting and decided to go ahead with it.

What are your expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with Hand & Stone?

Ideally, I’d like to have success with this Hand & Stone Spa then eventually consider opening more down the road.

Franchisee Spotlight: Anna Spade, Huntington Beach, CA

Anna Spade, 52, a 30-year veteran in the marketing and advertising sales industry, started her education at the George L. Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University.  From there, she went on to get her MBA in technology management at University of Phoenix and finally finished with a certificate in internet marketing from Full Sail University in Florida. While getting her multiple degrees and certificates, she worked in the telecommunications industry. 

Spade started her career at GTE Directories in their Human Resources department.  When GTE was bought by Verizon Information Services, she grew and changed with the company – in 1996, she moved on to work as a marketing manager and senior staff consultant at GTE Directories/Verizon Information Services. 

In March of 2012, Spade left her position and ultimately decided to open her Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. With her multiple business degrees and years of experience helping family members and friends with their business plans, she decided it was time to open her own retail store.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Hand & Stone?

After I left the Yellow Pages and Internet advertising industry, I started to look around for a different job, but I couldn’t find anything that I felt was right for me.  During the last five years of my career out on the streets as a media consultant, I frequently got massages; I need them for stress relief and overall relaxation on the weekends after a hard work week.  I saw a large area for growth in the spa community and I want to be in the kind of environment that Hand & Stone has created.  I felt that Hand & Stone had a good strategy and was already a well-known brand. 

What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now?

I knew very little about the spa industry when I made my decision to purchase the franchise. But now I am attending classes at the Career Academy of Beauty so I can obtain my Esthetician’s license. I am learning a lot about different skin types and conditions as well as how to individualize treatments so they are appropriate for each client. I want to be knowledgeable about the inner-workings of my business so I can run the store as well as one of the staff estheticians.

What are some of the publications you read? Local? National? What is your goal publication with your business?

I like reading the Huntington Beach Independent newspaper to learn about what’s going on in the community.  I also enjoy the Orange County Living magazine because it has a lot of interesting articles that provide you with good information that is important before making buying decisions.  It has lots of great photos and high quality contractors and other service providers that advertise there.  A slightly more glamorous magazine that I enjoy is Orange Coast Magazine.  It covers everything about Orange Coast area including entertainment, shopping, dining, cooking and relaxing.  When I’m shopping for a deal or just looking for entertainment ideas, I check out the Clipper Magazine.  I also like over-sized direct mail pieces, especially if they are magnetic and include a calendar along with the marketing message.  They are not only useful, but a constant reminder for those who like to stick them on their refrigerator doors.