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.

Hand & Stone featured in Coloradobiz

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Coloradobiz in an article entitled "Hand & Stone, Waxing the City, in the Business of TLC." Coloradobiz reporter Michelle Davenport spoke with Hand & Stone owner and regional developer Erik Bostrom about the growth of the massage industry and of his business, Hand & Stone.  Despite recent economic woes, there’s one thing people aren’t giving up on, themselves.  The strength of the industry is a reason why entrepreneurs are diving in and Bostrom is helping them fuel their entrepreneurial spirit in this industry. Click here to view the entire article.

Hand & Stone, Waxing the City, in the Business of TLC

By: Michelle Davenport

The massage industry has seen 15 percent growth over the past three years and now generates annual sales of $12 billion. The skin care industry is also made its beauty mark, generating $18.7 billion in revenues in 2007 and projected to grow by 40 percent next year.

Erik Bostrom, owner of Hand and Stone in Highlands Ranch and Colorado's regional franchise developer, is capitalizing on the growth of the spa industry. Hand and Stone is a full-service day spa, and Bostrom's location features 10 treatment rooms in a 3,000-square-foot facility.

"One of the real benefits we have with Hand and Stone is really delivering world-class spa services conveniently," Bostrom said. "We have very affordable programs. Most of our clients see us monthly, and it's less than $50 a month."

(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Greg Shishko

Franchisee Since: 2008
Franchise Location: Kennett Sq, PA; Regional Developer for Pennsylvania and Delaware


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How Greg Shishko Got Started With Hand & Stone…

With recessions come obstacles, and opportunities. Such was the case for Greg Shishko, Hand & Stone’s Regional Developer for Pennsylvania and Delaware. Greg had a long career, 30 years in fact, in the banking industry. He served as Chief Financial Officer of multiple businesses with several different corporations, most recently serving as CFO of Bank of America’s U.S. Credit Card and Consumer Lending businesses. Then, in 2007, we hit a bump, the economy went south and so did the banking industry, but, Greg was ready for the challenge the new economic environment presented. He looked forward to working for himself and not being involved in the corporate rat race any longer. He began searching out independent business opportunities such as car washes or laundromats, but nothing seemed to be just right until he was introduced to the booming industry of health and wellness and a fresh concept to the Pennsylvania and Delaware region called Hand & Stone.

In 2008, Greg was on his way to his next career adventure, signing on as Hand & Stone’s Regional Developer for Pennsylvania and Delaware. He would be responsible for introducing franchise prospects to Hand & Stone in his regions. First, he opened his own location in Kenneth Square, PA to build up Hand & Stone’s brand awareness and introduce consumers to a completely new spa experience – one that was easily accessible and more affordable than typical day spas. This year, his own spa is experiencing a 50% sales increase over last year!

In addition to Greg’s Kennett Square spa, and the second Hand & Stone spa which opened in Glen Mills in Dec 2009, two more Hand & Stone locations will open in: Broomall, PA, and Doylestown, PA in early September.

What Intrigued Greg Shishko about Hand & Stone…

Greg was attracted by the growth in the popularity of massage across all age groups, and the increasing recognition of the benefits of massage by the medical and insurance communities. Greg also valued the flexibility that the Hand & Stone corporate team gave to its franchisees and Regional Developers. The corporate team welcomes franchisees input; in fact many of the franchisees suggestions have been incorporated into the business. Also, Hand & Stone is based almost immediately in Greg’s backyard, which makes it convenient for him to quickly and easily communicate with the corporate team and simplifies travel and training for franchisees.

On the consumer side, Greg was impressed by the abundance of services offered at Hand & Stone. The competition only offers massage, but Hand & Stone takes it two steps further with facial treatments and waxing services. The franchise also looks to expand their service line when it makes sense.

Community Involvement…

Greg recognizes that the best way to gain clientele is by being committed to the local community and he is! Greg and his team sponsor local high school sports teams, participate in community events like the town’s festivals and concert events, and donate generously to local charities. His location also offers classes at the spa in massage and aesthetics for the Chester County Night School and provides internship opportunities through Pathstones, a private, not-for-profit regional community development and human service organization providing services to farm workers and low-income families; and the list goes on and on.

Something Interesting About Greg Shishko’s Story…

Greg is married and has four college-aged children. All of his children are attending or have attended Penn State. His two oldest work at Bank of America, following in their father’s footsteps – for now. His 18 year old son and 20-year-old daughter are still in school, and his daughter is managing his spa in Kennett Square while majoring in communication and working toward graduation in December.

Where specifically did Greg Shishko learn about Hand & Stone?

When Greg was looking for independent business opportunities, he looked into a variety of different concepts. As part of his search, he began working with a franchise broker who introduced him to Massage Heights at first. He had actually attended Massage Height’s discovery day, but while there, his wife convinced him to call John Marco, founder of Hand & Stone. Because Hand & Stone seemed more flexible with its franchisees and was located closer to him, he went with Hand & Stone.