Franchisee Profile: Nick O'Neill of Longwood, FL

Location: 2425 State Road 434

Longwood, Fla. 32779

Q: Where are you from?

A: I’m originally from Ireland. I moved to the U.S. when I was 21 years old, working part-time at my uncle’s company in Portland, Me., as a marine engineer. I did that for two summers, then came to the States for good to attend college, where I earned my degree in nursing. After graduation, I worked at a psychiatric hospital for a couple of years as a psychiatric nurse, then was introduced to the property management field. It was around that time that I purchased a few rental properties in Florida, and moved to the state in 2004 to start my own property management company.

Q: How did you decide to open a Hand & Stone?

A: About a year ago, someone gave me a voucher for a massage place and while I was speaking with one of the therapists they told me they were busy all the time. The housing market is testy right now, so I started to think that going into the spa industry might be a smart business move. I began looking into franchise opportunities and saw that Hand& Stone is a brand that has room for growth, a diverse business plan and a better overall system than its competitors.

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

A: With this type of business, you need a lot of startup support. In this market, you can’t afford to learn by making mistakes — it’s just too costly. Business owners know that the first year is critical, and I wanted to make sure that I had the support especially at the beginning so I would make less mistakes than I would on my own.

Q: What skills do you feel have helped you in your business?

A: I think working with people in general in several different areas and different settings has helped me. This is a people business, and it’s about understanding their needs and always trying to look for the best approach. I want to create an atmosphere where people come in and enjoy the service and want to keep coming back.

Q: What are your development or expansion plans?

A: With the expected success of my first location, I hope to expand into other areas in the future.

Hand & Stone Sponsors the Multiple Sclerosis Society

Hand & Stone has been given a great opportunity to sponsor the Multiple Sclerosis Society's 31st annual Bike MS Event, "City To The Shore"!

City to Shore Ride is the second largest Bike MS event in the country. This particular race has various route options to ensure that everyone of all ages can participate. Beginning in Cherry Hill, NJ, cyclists will enjoy picturesque terrain as they travel through New Jersey's pine barrens and into the sweet smells of salt water and ocean air of historic Ocean City, NJ.

When:

The race is being held this Saturday & Sunday, September 24th - 25th, 2011

Our Participation:

We are happy to announce that we will be the exclusive on-site Massage company each day giving out Free Massages to all of the participating cyclists! We will have multiple chairs and massage therapists to ensure that everyone participating will leave not only feeling great about helping such a great cause, but also feeling relaxed!

We are extremely excited to be a part of such a great event and cannot wait till this weekend!

MS Society has extended the register deadline for Bike MS. Click here if you would like to participate this weekend!

Hand & Stone featured in Mission Viejo Patch

Hand & Stone was recently featured in Mission Viejo Patch entitled "Hand & Stone Massage Mission Viejo Tripled Staff in 7 Months." Reporter Peter Schelden spoke with Hand & Stone franchisee Shahira Raineri about how she has been able to grow her business so quickly with Hand & Stone. Shahira also discusses her entrepreneurial journey which has led to her becoming a Hand & Stone business owner in Mission Viejo and Tustin. She references tools like Yelp and the local city as resources to helping her grow. Click here to read the full article.

Hand & Stone Massage Mission Viejo Tripled Staff in 7 Months

By: Peter Schelden

When it opened its first California location in December in Mission Viejo, Hand and Stone had 12 employees. Owner Shahira Raineri says she has now tripled that number and is going strong.

"OK, we're going to move 3,000 miles—it sounds crazy now that I'm saying it—and we're going to put our spa in Mission Viejo."

That's Shahira Raineri, owner of Hand and Stone, describing her decision to move out West from New Jersey and start her first business.

Hand and Stone opened last December. Back then, the business had 12 employees. In seven months, the staff has tripled, and a new location has been opened in Tustin.

(Read More)

Hand & Stone featured on A Girl's Gotta Spa

Hand & Stone was recently featured on A Girl’s Gotta Spa, in a blog post titled “Considering Prenatal Massage? Hand & Stone Explains How the Service Alleviates Aches & Pains.” The post discusses several pointers for women who are considering prenatal massage. Colleen Bryan, of Hand & Stone, suggests women wait until their second trimester for the service, know that it has health benefits beyond relaxation and that the therapists will adapt to the pregnant woman’s needs. Click here to view the entire post.

Considering Prenatal Massage? Hand & Stone Explains How the Service Alleviates Aches & Pains

By: Shannon Nelson

There is no better time to be pampered than during pregnancy (I should know–I had 4 boys!) For nine months, your body is changing and growing, which can add some unexpected aches and pains. But many women don’t realize that prenatal massage can be an effective way to reduce anxiety, stress, and the aches and pains caused by poor circulation during pregnancy.

Colleen Bryan, of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, has offered A Girl’s Gotta Spa!readers several pointers on what pregnant women should know concerning prenatal massage:

Wait until your second trimester. As a rule of thumb, you should wait until the first trimester is over before coming in for a massage. The second trimester is typically when the belly begins to grow and the body is changing, anyway, so that’s usually the time that women are experiencing stress or discomfort.

(Read More)

Hand & Stone featured on blog Talk Birth

Hand & Stone was recently featured on Talk Birth, a blog focused on pregnancy. The post, “Benefits of Prenatal Massage,” discusses how massage during pregnancy can help women reduce stress, aches and pains related to pregnancy. Colleen Bryan, of Hand & Stone, shared information about how prenatal massage can benefit women long after they are out of the massage therapy room, and when the best times during pregnancy are to receive massage services. Click here to view the entire article.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

By: Talk Birth

In the U.S. there are more the six million pregnancies each year, and a growing number of women are opting to use massage to deal with the aches, pains and stress that come along with pregnancy. Studies have shown that prenatal massage can reduce anxiety, joint pain and swelling caused by poor circulation, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Massage therapists who are trained in prenatal massage must take extra precautions when giving an expectant mother a massage, including avoiding specific pressure points and ensuring the client is in a position that will not cause added stress to their body.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Colleen Bryan of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa about the benefits of prenatal massage:

Q: How can the benefits of massage transfer into the delivery/birthing room?
A. Regular massage can assist the labor process by enabling each woman to begin labor with less tension in the back, pelvis and legs. It also provides flexibility, prepares muscles and reduces stress levels which can improve the outcome of labor. It has been noted that labor is shorter with fewer complications for women who receive regular massage.

(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Parul Shah of Bedminster, New Jersey

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Q: What was your career before franchising?

A: Before entering into the franchising field, I was in the corporate information technology field.

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

A: After 10 years at my former job, the company downsized when the economy began to go into the recession. My husband and I decided that instead of me taking another job somewhere else, we should explore options for me to start my own business. It was a good time to pursue my dream of owning a business for myself.

Q: Why did you choose Hand & Stone?

A: With the economy the way it is right now, people are stressed out. They can’t take many vacations and they are really just struggling to keep up. Massage is a way for people to go out for an hour or two and be able to relax and feel good, not worrying about their problems. And because of the membership model, there are many incentives for people to come and receive good, quality service at affordable prices. This franchise was also appealing because it’s in a growing industry.

Q: Why did you choose a franchise system?

A: With franchising, the company helps you with each and every step. For someone who is starting a business for the first time, it really helps you, as an owner, to have that help every step of the way. When you start a business on your own, you don’t have the benefit of seeing how other people are making their businesses work in the same industry, and with a franchise we’re able to have that opportunity. We’re going to be able to learn a lot with all of the networking opportunities, and everyone wants to help each other out.

Q: What obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today with your business?

A: We took a big risk by investing a large portion of our personal finances into the business. I know getting started will be the most challenging part, but after looking at data from other franchisees, we feel comfortable that we have chosen the right model. We have the right people behind us and I believe we can do a good job.

ABOUT HAND & STONE
Hand & Stone is a 40-plus unit spa chain with a mission to bring affordable massage and facial services to the masses. Launched in 2005 by founder and COO John Marco and led by franchise veteran Todd Leff, President and CEO, Hand & Stone now resides in 12 states and Canada with plans to open an additional 40 locations by the end of 2011. For more information on Hand & Stone, visit www.handandstone.com.

Franchisee Profile: Pam Wallace, Franchisee of Stamford, Connecticut

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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.