Porter Ranch Grand Opening

Congrats to our Porter Ranch location and their very successful Grand Opening over the weekend!! If you're in the are come visit us or call (818) 366-8866 for more information. The owners, Henry and Sheryl Mandell have a fantastic story of how they came to Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, and have great plans for the community.

 Henry Mandell, 57, joins Hand & Stone with over 30 years of experience in executive-level positions in the apparel, technology licensing, entertainment and consumer products industries. Among his vast experience in entrepreneurial environments, Henry affected a turnaround as CEO at a Silicon Valley technology company, and served as President of Ed Hardy from 2006-2008, growing the brand from a 15 million dollar business to 275 million over the time that he managed the company. In 2008, Henry became a partner of a financial consulting company, stabilizing companies that were experiencing a crisis during the economic downturn. Currently, he is the general manager and CFO of U-PIC Insurance Services.

Henry grew up in New York and received a business degree from Syracuse University in 1978. He also received an MBA from San Jose University in 2003, earned mid-career at night.

Henry met his wife, Sheryl, a Los Angeles native, when he moved to California to work at Twentieth Century Fox in 1981. Before leaving the work force to take care of their two children, Sheryl worked as a mortgage loan processor. When she returned to work, she found her true passion in the catering business, which she has since worked in for the past 15 years as a consultant. This experience has equipped her with the customer service skills needed to run a Hand & Stone spa.

Henry will continue working full time at the insurance agency, and will be charged with managing the financial side of the business while Sheryl will be the hands-on owner of the spa. This is the first Hand & Stone located in Los Angeles.

How did you learn about Hand and Stone?

I decided early this year that I wanted to properly investigate franchises so I hired a franchise broker. Based on our strengths, interests and financial expectations, he pitched various opportunities to us, including Hand & Stone.  My wife was interested in the concept and felt that her skills would be transferrable on the customer service side. I saw it as a growing company in a market experiencing strong growth. It’s a business that can’t be outsourced or made obsolete by technology.

Why is it poised for success in LA?

People in LA are concerned about health, wellness, looking and feeling good. There’s a strong demographic in Porter Ranch area in terms of its income and population, while the psychographic profile matches perfectly with the target market for Hand & Stone. It’s a mature area where there are longtime home owners, it’s an upper middle class area, and there is disposable income. We’ve already received strong feedback from people in the neighborhood and have sold memberships pre-opening.

What are your development plans? End goal?

We will be developing three franchises, with the first in Porter Ranch, in the north San Fernando Valley and then two more over the next three years. We have the East Ventura County and West San Fernando Valley territories.

How many jobs will you be adding to the area?

I will be adding at least 10 jobs initially, and eventually getting up to at least 50. I plan to be a job creator. 

Hand & Stone recently featured in 1851 Online

Hand & Stone was recently featured in 1851 Online in an article titled, "Young Ones: Brittany & Anthony Rogers."  The column “Young Ones” features franchisees and franchisors under 40 years of age who are taking the franchising industry by storm. Brittany Rodgers discusses her experience in the industry thus far, and how her and her husband, Tony Rodgers, became Hand & Stone franchisees. Much like other first time franchisees, Brittany and her husband are looking to become multi-unit franchisees and add to their current Woodlands, TX location. Click here for the entire article or continue reading below.

Young Ones: Brittany and Tony Rodgers

Name: Brittany and Tony Rodgers

Rank: 21 and 22

Age: Brittany is 29, Tony is 32

Company: Hand & Stone

Brittany and Tony Rodgers always knew they wanted to own their own business–they just didn’t know what. They turned to FranNet, a franchise broker that helps prospective franchisees identify the right opportunity with them. Equipped with a financial plan, passion and vision, the young husband/wife team landed upon an emerging New Jersey-based franchisor, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. Much like other first time franchisees, the duo plans to work their way into multi-unit franchise ownership.


How did you get into the franchise community? (Brittany:)I worked in the medical field of Radiology where I enjoyed helping and caring for patients. I worked mostly in large out-patient centers, including one of the largest orthopedic clinics in all of central Florida. Before franchising, Tony spent 10 years in the construction industry, running large commercial accounts. Later, Tony became operations manager for a large manufacturing and recycling facility located in Northern Indiana. Tony has also dabbled with his realty license, partnering up with a company to buy, remodel and sell prime real estate for opportunities to further his success. As a couple, we’ve spent two years purchasing and renovating vintage riverside homes in the Notre Dame/St. Mary area of Northern Indiana.

(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Pam Wallace, Franchisee of Stamford, Connecticut

View Larger Map

Q: Where are you from?

A: I’m originally from Ohio, but have lived in New York City for the past 20 years. I have always liked New England, so when I started thinking about opening my own business I knew I wanted to be in the tri-state area.

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A: My background is in marketing. Most recently I worked as the director of customer marketing for Investools, a consumer education, publishing and social networking website. Before that, I served as vice president of marketing for J.P. Morgan Chase, corporate vice president of marketing for InCharge Institute and worked in several management facets at Merrill Lynch. I decided to make the move from the corporate world to owning my own business because it was something I have always wanted to do and seemed more appealing than being back in a large corporate environment. Combined with an MBA from Harvard University, I believe my past business experience in the marketing field has prepared me to successfully run my spa.

Q: How did you learn about Hand & Stone?

A: I worked with several brokers who brought me different ideas, but I was most impressed with Hand & Stone. I think the membership model is beneficial for customers, employees and the business owner. It shows that the brand really wants to keep and nurture the customers.

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

A: I like that the franchise presents a model to the business owner. Hand & Stone has great vendor relationships, they put you through a training program, they help you with lease negotiations — all of these things are processes I didn’t have any experience with. It is helpful to be with a company that has that knowledge and can guide you. It’s a much easier way to start a business than starting from scratch.

Q: What will you bring to the community?

A: As the first Hand & Stone location in the state of Connecticut, there is a lot I’ll be able to bring to Stamford. I heard from a lot of people that there weren’t many stand-out spas in the area, so I saw a definite need here. From a personal point of view, I love Fairfield County so much and New England so much that I’m happy to become part of the community.

Q: How did you finance your business?

A: I did not want to dip into my 401(k), so I applied for a Small Business Administration loan. I think that part of the process is where my business school background helped me. I’ve realized that everything I’ve learned so far in my career is coming together in this venture. I wrote a great business plan and was approved for the loan within two weeks.

Q: What are your expansion or development plans?

A: I am planning to open multiple locations — all in Fairfield County.

ABOUT HAND & STONE

Hand & Stone is a 50-plus unit massage and facial spa with a mission to bring massage and facial services to the masses, tapping into the “day-cation market segment. Launched in 2005 by a passionate physical therapist, John Marco and now led by franchise veteran Todd Leff, Hand & Stone now has locations in 12 states and Canada with plans to open an additional 20 locations by the end of 2011. For more information on Hand & Stone, visit www.handandstone.com.

Franchsiee Profile: Heather Kinsley of Algonquin, IL

View Larger Map


How Heather Kinsley Got Started With Hand & Stone…

Hand & Stone is a breath of fresh air for Heather Kinsley. For the past 20 years, she’s been climbing the corporate ladder and has had a very successful career in Human Resources consulting. She led workforce administration and benefits administration projects for clients who had outsourced their Human Resources responsibilities. But, when the economy took a turn for the worse, Heather’s position was eliminated.

She asked herself several life questions at that time, “Is this the life I want?” “Do I buy into the corporate America decision-making process?” “Do I want to spend all of my time away from home and in airports?” What she determined was that she wanted to help people rather than help corporations make money. She also wanted greater flexibility in how she managed her life and time. She was a partner at the first firm she worked at for 19 years and there, she loved making the decisions; she liked managing the process; she loved working with people.

With an idea of independent business ownership in her mind, Heather did her research. She found that 70% of businesses that are still in existence after 5 years are franchises, and digging further, she determined that she wanted to make the trade off of spending money to be a part of a larger system and use the knowledge and expertise of the executive team.

Heather truly believes in the benefits of massage. She has been into massages, facials and skin care for much of her adult life. In fact, she used to sell Mary Kay products. The choice to become involved in the health and wellness industry was a no brainer and joining with Hand & Stone was a shoe in. Hand & Stone offers a breadth of heath-related services like massages, facials and waxing, whereas the other concepts only offer one service, massage.

In her 40’s and back in her hometown of Chicago, this is Heather’s new career path, one that she is excited about and ready to make an impact on people, not on a company’s bottom line. Heather has signed an agreement with Hand & Stone to bring two locations to the area, and for the first time too; no Hand & Stone locations are yet developed in Illinois.

What intrigued Heather Kinsley about Hand & Stone …

Maybe the most intriguing part about opening Hand & Stone for Heather is how it will transform her life. This is the first time in many years where she is doing exactly what she wants to do when she wants to do it.

While Heather is just ready to get her Hand & Stone locations up and running, she is most excited about bringing massage and facial services to the area that is in the mid-market price range. She’s always been an avid believer in taking care of yourself and now she will be able to help others do so. She is also enthusiastic to find the right people to help her build up her location.

Something Interesting About Heather Kinsley’s Story…

In Heather’s free time, she loves to travel, read, work out, and be with friends and family. Her two brothers and father also live in Chicago.

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.

Tax Day Causes Stress for Americans Nationwide; Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Offers Relief

“Relax the Tax” Helps Americans Unwind

Although the IRS has granted Americans three extra days to file taxes in 2011 from April 15 to April 18, millions of Americans will still feel the stress that results from having to get those yearly taxes in order. According to the American Psychological Association, “stress related to tax deadlines can increase reliance on the unhealthy behaviors many people already use to cope with everyday stressors.” Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa hopes to provide a glimmer of relief to Americans this tax season by providing a bonus deal on that dreaded day called “Relax the Tax.”

On April 18, participating Hand & Stone locations will offer customers a one day only instant tax rebate of $40 off the regular price of a Hand & Stone massage. What better way to relax on tax day than getting a massage. According to Hand & Stone’s founder, John Marco, stress is the number one reason why consumers receive regular massages. Massage therapy relaxes the muscles which aids the body in generating more blood flow, and therefore helps repair and regenerate muscles faster.

“The treatment is so desirable for consumers because it has identifiable and measureable results,” said Marco. “Massage goers feel rejuvenated after an hour session.”

A massage on tax day will have effects that extend far beyond relaxation. It also:

• Relives Tension and Stress
• Decreases Pain
• Lowers Blood Pressure
• Increases Circulation
• Strengthens the Immune System
• Improves Recovery Time from Injuries
• Reduces Fatigue

“If there is one day of the year that Americans deserve to take an hour for themselves, it’s Tax Day,” said Marco. “We’re here to provide a calm, soothing environment and experience to help them do just that.”

Hand and Stone featured in Retail Traffic

Hand & Stone was featured in an article entitled “An Up And Coming Spa Chain Diversifies Its Real Estate Strategy," in Retail Traffic magazine. In the article, Todd Leff discusses the credibility the brand hopes to gain by coupling with the Hyatt and taking advantage of unique real estate opportunities. Todd also discusses the great potential that is currently happening in the spa industry and how the brand continues to find success in retail center locations with well known anchor stores. He also states that there is a similar out-of-the-box real estate development happening for Hand & Stone in Delaware. The article also features Morristown franchisee Alain Goulet and talks about how his past experience with negotiating real estate gave him the ability to help with the leasing process of the location at The Club. The article discusses both Todd and Alain’s excitement with the potential of the location and how Hand & Stone customers of The Club location will benefit from the exception to the rule. Click here to view the full article!

AN UP AND COMING SPA CHAIN DIVERSIFIES ITS REAL ESTATE STRATEGY
By Elaine Mishonzhnike

These days, when a retailer tweaks its real estate strategy, the decision likely is the result of endless hours spent on site selection studies and grueling strategy meetings of its executive board.

Sometimes, however, it’s possible to find a successful strategy by listening to the people who run the operations on the ground.

(Read More)

Hand and Stone featured in the Sunday edition of The Courier-Post

Hand and Stone was featured in an excellent article in the Sunday edition of The Courier-Post entitled, “In the right hands: Cancer inspires woman to open spa.” In this 3-page feature article, Denise McQuillan shares her inspiring personal story about surviving breast cancer and opening up her own spa as a result of the ordeal. Denise talks about how massage was a huge source of relief for her during cancer treatments, and inspired her to become a Hand & Stone franchisee once she recovered. Todd Leff and Fred Vicario weigh in on Denise’s qualities as a franchisee, and why she makes for a perfect candidate. Click here to view the article in its entirety!

In the right hands: Cancer inspires woman to open spa
By KARYN D. COLLINS

Denise McQuillan had always worked in the corporate business world.

She was a numbers cruncher, doing accounting outsourcing for BNY Mellon Financial. She was good at it, had always been good at numbers. And, while it maybe wasn't the most personally fulfilling work, McMcQuillan said she was happy. Life was good for her, her husband and their two daughters. The couple, who live in Mullica Hill, even ran a couple of franchises of a tanning salon on the side.

Then, in an instant, everything changed.

(Read More)

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa to Open in Non-Traditional Location; Geared to Allure Vacationers and Local Residents Alike

Looking to double its store count nationwide by the end of 2011, Hand & Stone is the first membership-based massage and facial services franchise to tap into locations that have typically been reserved for high-end spa experiences. Recently, Hand & Stone announced it is opening a location at The Club at Morristown, an exclusive fitness club located at Headquarters Plaza in Morristown, New Jersey. Headquarters Plaza is a multi-function commercial complex featuring the newly renovated Hyatt Morristown full service hotel, three office towers with over 600,000 sq ft of office space and the exclusive The Club fitness club.

“Over the past two years, we’ve been focused on educating consumers on the health benefits of massage which lead to more consistent massage use,” said Todd Leff, CEO of Hand & Stone. “We believe our new location at Headquarters Plaza will be a tremendous benefit to The Club, the Hyatt and Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa as we will attract business and leisure guests staying at the hotel as well as members of the fitness club so that it will become a destination for a larger audience who wishes to utilize massage and facial services consistently for its health benefits.”

Alain Goulet, the new franchisee of the Morristown location, is optimistic that the opening will produce wonderful results. “This location creates a new direction for Hand & Stone,” said Leff. “We’ve got our traditional retail locations and newer options for nontraditional locations like this.”

As large scale expansion plans are under way, Hand & Stone looks to mirror this projected success. “As we continue to discover new ways to grow, we have our eye on ways we can expand the business opportunities to new Hand & Stone franchisees,” said Leff. “We expect to see business professionals stopping in on their lunch hour for a Swedish massage; and at the same time vacationing couples looking to for that great spa getaway experience.”

Proving that spa services aren’t just for the rich and famous anymore, the new Hand & Stone locations will erase what once was considered a penchant of the affluent by offering services to all levels of consumers.

While the typical massage client used to have to track down a freelance massage therapist, schedule an appointment days in advance, and pay over $100 for a one-hour treatment, most Hand & Stone clients book their appointments on the same day as service and pay 30 percent less than the traditional hourly rate. Better yet, when they sign up for a one-session-per-month plan, they end up paying around $60 per visit.

As massage spas become more mainstream in the health care industry, Hand & Stone stays at the top of the game by adding locations and services to keep the brand fresh. That strategy has proven to be successful, as the addition of facials and waxing to the services roster has boosted the average comparable store sales by over 40 percent during this past year, in a very tough economic environment. After awarding a record 40 new franchises in 2010, Leff expects to sign another 50 new franchisees to the Hand & Stone system this year, each one investing a total of around $325,000.

Hand & Stone featured in Highlands Ranch Herald

An article called “Holiday shoppers seek stress relief,” ran in the Highlands Ranch Herald, and published Dec. 23. This article references Hand & Stone in Highlands Ranch as somewhere to go to relax after all that holiday shopping! Erik Bostrom was quoted in the article telling readers why many holiday shoppers pit stop at Hand & Stone - to get a break and some relaxation amidst all the crazy holiday shopping. View the full article here.

Holiday shoppers seek stress relief
By Chris Michlewicz

Traffic congestion. Long lines. Aching feet. They are the signatures of holiday shopping. But there is relief from the hustle and bustle if you know where to look.

With the shopping season starting earlier every year, there is little wonder why consumers tend to run out of steam by the time Christmas hits. Most people are ready to relax with a movie or curl up with a good book. However, those who become stir crazy during holiday breaks have options right in their own backyard that can melt the stress away.

Many find relief in working out, particularly yoga classes, which offer a period of silence and decompression. Moms and dads have the chance to escape the excited sounds of children on school break or the expectation to assemble toys. Recreation centers operated by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, South Suburban Parks and Recreation District, as well as public fitness facilities in Parker and Castle Rock, offer yoga classes on a regular basis.

The sessions can be therapeutic and great for the well-being of both mind and body. Some classes focus on using yoga as a tool for reducing pain, fatigue, stiffness and stress.
Some find spa treatments as a source of comfort during the stressful holiday shopping season. Whether it is someone who desires relaxation after hosting a large family dinner or out-of-town guests, a deep-tissue massage or facial can be just the answer.

“It’s a perfect way for people to get ‘me’ time,” said Erik Bostrom, owner of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Highlands Ranch. “They feel more effective in other areas of their life, whether it’s as an employee, boss, mother or father. They leave with a different mind set.”

(Read More)

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

Hand & Stone Featured in Ahwatukee Foothills News

Hand & Stone was recently featured in an article in the Ahwatukee Foothills News entitled, “Ahwatukee Hand & Stone Under New Ownership.” The article discusses Steve Currier and Craig Schumacher’s unique entrepreneur story and recent ownership of the Hand & Stone in Ahwatukee. As long-time friends and business partners, the duo has owned many different concepts including a sports fitness center, which they founded in Memphis and expanded to 20 locations. The entrepreneurial team decided to partner with Hand & Stone as they felt it was higher quality and offered more services than competition. The Hand & Stone team is a great example of thriving local entrepreneurs filling a unique void in the community. Below is a portion of the article and the article can be read in its entirety by clicking here.

Ahwatukee Hand & Stone under new ownership
Chelsea Brown

Longtime friends and business partners Craig Schumacher and Steve Currier decided earlier this year to venture into Ahwatukee Foothills and take over ownership of Ahwatukee Hand and Stone.

The duo first started working together in 1981 in Elyria, Ohio, where they both served in management and executive positions at the Scandinavian Health Spa chain. In 1999, they opened Q Sports Club in Memphis, Tenn., which would later grow to a chain of 20 sports clubs across the country.

In 2000, Schumacher and Currier sold the Q Sports Club chain to 24 Hour Fitness. Later that year Currier, with a different business partner, opened O Premium Waters in Mesa. Although Schumacher was not Currier's main business partner in this business endeavor, he did work with him and O Premium Waters off and on for three years.

In December of 2009 Currier sold O Premium Waters to Sparkletts, a water company based in Los Angeles, Calif.

After the sale of O Premium Waters, Schumacher said both men were looking into a new business endeavor, and three months later they committed to Ahwatukee Hand and Stone. Today, Schumacher and Currier offer health and wellness services at the Ahwatukee Foothills spa, 4940 E. Ray Road, which has a "no-contract-necessary policy."

"Hand and Stone is an upscale experience," Currier said.

(Read More)

Hand & Stone Featured in Denver Business Journal

The Denver Business Journal just published an article called “Business owners have mixed feelings about coupons” which features Hand & Stone franchisee Erik Bostrom discussing how listing his business on Groupon affected his business. Erik says his spa has seen an increased amount of traffic and signups as a result of the 1,288 people who purchased the Groupon. A portion of the article is below and the full story can be read by clicking here.

Business owners have mixed feelings about coupons
By Ed Sealover

Erik Bostrom, owner of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Highlands Ranch, placed a 60 percent-off coupon for a hot-stone massage with Groupon in August.

He was just hoping to attract a few new customers. But within 24 hours, he sold 1,288 of the deals, far more than even the trendy national couponing site told him to expect. He had to ask staffers to work extra hours. And it’s become harder — though not impossible, he insists — to book an appointment at his spa.

(Read More)

Hand & Stone Featured in Orlando and Tampa Business Journals

Hand & Stone was recently featured in The Orlando Business Journal in an article entitled “Spa franchise opening 6 new area locations, adding 150 new jobs”. The article was also published by The Tampa Business Journal. The story focuses on Hand & Stone’s expansion and continued growth throughout central Florida, and it also announces Hand & Stone’s intentions of bringing on new franchisees to be owner/operators. A portion of the article can be found below and the full article can be viewed here.

Hand & Stone sets target of 20 sites statewide
by Melanie Stawicki Azam

A New Jersey-based massage and facial spa franchise is looking to go from two Tampa Bay locations — one in St. Petersburg and another in Palm Harbor — to as many as 10 in the next two year.

Hand & Stone also is looking to grow in Southwest Florida, between Sarasota and Naples, and the company is working to triple its Central Florida locations during the next two years. It is targeting Winter Park, Dr. Phillips, Clermont, Waterford Lakes, downtown Orlando and Melbourne in Central Florida.

A new franchisee is opening the Dr. Phillips location in the first quarter of 2011, said Rob Beers, regional development director. Hand & Stone is seeking entrepreneurs for the other sites.

(Read More)

Meet Our Florida Regional Developer, Rob Beers

How Rob Got Started With Hand & Stone…

Prior to signing on with Hand & Stone, Rob worked with and owned a few different businesses in the real estate industry and sports memorabilia market. He owned a different franchise focusing on specialty sports & celebrity retail and collector’s items for 11 years, gaining extensive knowledge in franchising and business ownership. He also has served as director for a small real estate firm in the Washington DC area since 2000.
A year before Rob sold his memorabilia franchise, he decided he wanted to look for another growing industry; the next big player in franchising. Rob not only wanted to own a franchise location but he also wanted to get involved in the growth aspect of the business and play a larger part in building a brand nationwide.

After searching for a year, Rob discovered Hand & Stone, which had just been introduced to the franchising world, having only two locations at the time. Seeing that the brand had tremendous growth potential, a superior, quality product, and a strong executive team, Rob felt that Hand & Stone would be a great concept to expand throughout Florida. Rob signed on as the Regional Developer for Central & Southwest Florida and opened his own franchise in October 2008 in Kissimmee.

Something Interesting About Rob’s Story…

As the Regional Developer for Central Florida, Rob has been responsible for adding four more Hand & Stone spas in his market; Lake Mary, Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, and Winter Springs. Two more will be opening in the Orlando market in the next six months. Focusing on growing the brand throughout Central Florida, Rob plans to develop 10-15 new locations in the cities of Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, Ft Myers and Naples. Passionate about the brand, Rob has taken an active role in providing support to his fellow franchisees in the Central Florida region and focuses on creating a team environment.

Where Specifically Did Rob Learn About Hand & Stone?

Rob started to research various franchises while investing in a real estate company. Rob searched through the internet, spoke with existing franchisees and researched concepts from top to bottom for an entire year. After his year of searching, he felt that Hand & Stone was exactly the opportunity that he was looking for and outmatched all competing brands that he looked into. Although it was a risk at the time, he believed in the concept and was passionate about spearheading the brand’s growth in Florida.

Hand and Stone featured in Philadelphia Business Journal

Hand & Stone was just featured in the Philadelphia Business Journal because of its success helping franchisees save money! With the economy in a rough patch, Hand & Stone is pitching in where it can to support their franchisees. Check a portion of the story below or read the entire article here:

In a slow year, franchisors cut deals to keep growing
Philadelphia Business Journal - by Sonja Sherwood Staff Writer

With business loans still hard to come by, franchisors unwilling to sacrifice growth are making their systems more affordable to new owners by reducing franchise fees, offering incentives, providing in-house financing or scrutinizing their business model for savings that can be shared throughout the system.

Hand & Stone, a Hamilton, N.J.-based spa concept with eight locations in the Philadelphia area, saves each franchisee tens of thousands of dollars on average by negotiating favorable rent and cashback from the landlord for tenant improvements.

“A lot of landlords have got a lot more vacancy than they used to,” said Bob McQuillan, vice president for franchise development. “There’s not a lease that we’ve done that we haven’t received money back from the landlord.” (Read More)

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)

Hand & Stone moves into St. Louis

Hand & Stone has just announced its expansion plans for St. Louis. Check out the St. Louis Business Journal article to find out more about Hand & Stone’s development in St. Louis and throughout the Midwest. The brand’s entrance into the market will be led by a husband and wife entrepreneurial team: Tony and Christy Burke!


Hand & Stone Massage to enter St. Louis market
St. Louis Business Journal - by Kelsey Volkmann

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa plans to enter the St. Louis market this fall when husband-and-wife franchisees open a location in Des Peres.

Christy and Tony Burke plan to open a massage and facial salon in a shopping center in November, with four or five other area locations to follow.

Bob McQuillan, a vice president of franchise development for the Hamilton, N.J.-based company, said Hand & Stone picked St. Louis for its expansion because it wanted to add new time zones and locations in the Midwest. Other targets for expansion are Chicago and Indianapolis, he said.

The company has 32 stores but plans to have 50 by the end of the year, McQuillan said.

Read More


The St. Louis Post-Dispatch also featured a story about this expansion, and you can read it here: Hand & Stone to open first local massage franchise in Des Peres

A similar follow-up on this story was also posted by the St Louis Business Journal, and you can read it here: Franchise Mania in St Louis

Franchisee Spotlight: Christy & Tony Burke, Owner of the first Hand & Stone in Missouri

Each week Hand & Stone will highlight a franchisee. This week Christy and Tony Burke are our spotlight franchisees.

Location: Des Peres, MO
Address TBA—Proposed opening date: 11/1/10

Something Interesting About Christy & Tony Burke’s Story…
For Christy Burke, opening her own franchise is a breath of fresh air. Having worked as a low-level manager for a supermarket chain for the past eight years, Christy is more than ready to take on something that she herself can control. As such, she and her husband Tony are teaming up to open the state of Missouri’s very first Hand & Stone spa, a venture they expect to be challenging but also highly rewarding and a lot of fun. The Burkes will run the franchise as a husband and wife team, and even their four children, whose current ages range from 10 to 16, have expressed some interest in working at Hand & Stone someday, perhaps as a part-time job. The Burkes anticipate a lot of future growth for Hand & Stone throughout Missouri, hoping to eventually open four or five locations.

What Christy & Tony Burke Did Before Hand & Stone…
Christy worked as the manager of a grocery store chain in Missouri for eight years before she decided she was ready to be her own boss. The new Hand & Stone franchise will be Christy’s pet project—she will handle management and day to day operations. Her husband Tony has worked in the aerospace industry for the past 25 years, and will continue his work as an automated specialist, a title he earned three years ago, even as he takes on the financial side of the new Hand & Stone franchise. Notably, Tony will be a valuable member of the team, given his past business experience as owner of a small general contracting company.

Why Christy & Tony Burke are Excited About Becoming Hand & Stone Franchisees…
The Burkes are thrilled about opening up a Hand & Stone because of how much potential the franchise has. They are particularly excited because they will be the first to bring the Hand & Stone franchise to Missouri. While they realize they’re opening their new business in a tough market, the Burkes say they are more than ready for the challenge, and look forward to their first opportunity to work together as a team. Their confidence comes not only from their trust in each other, but also from their enthusiasm for the brand itself. They love the wide variety of services that Hand & Stone offers, from massages to facials to waxing, and they appreciate the spa’s uncommonly reasonable prices and know their customers will too.

Community Involvement…
The Burkes have always been deeply involved in their community, and look forward to running their new franchise with a community-oriented spirit. Already involved at their local church and their children’s schools, the Burkes plan to utilize these local ties for the betterment of both their business and their community. They also plan to team up with the Chamber of Commerce in order to establish strong bonds with other local business owners as well as their inevitably satisfied future customers.

Can Entrepreneurs Succeed as Franchisees?

Hand & Stone was recently featured on AllBusiness.com! The article focuses on entrepreneurs becoming franchisees, including the pros and cons of franchising from an entrepreneurial background. Steve Currier and Craig Schumacher both came from strong entrepreneurial backgrounds, building from the ground up 50,000-square-foot fitness clubs in various parts of the United States. A portion of the story is shared below, and you can view the full article here.

For many people, franchise ownership is the most direct path to business ownership. You buy into an established brand, follow a specific business model, respect set policies and procedures, and have your franchise up and running in no time. But what about people who were previously entrepreneurs and are now looking to purchase a franchise? In such cases, does the franchise model spell success, or is it a recipe for disaster?

For Craig Schumacher and Steve Currier, owners of a Hand & Stone franchise in Ahwatukee, Arizona, franchise ownership offered them an opportunity that they couldn’t quite grasp as entrepreneurs. So, after more than a decade of building up 50,000-square-foot fitness clubs in various parts of the United States and establishing a place in the fitness industry for their independent venture Q The Sports Club -- which, at its peak, employed 4,000 people -- the pair decided to change gears and invest in a massage and facial spa franchise.

Read More