Hand & Stone featured on MarieClaire.com

Hand & Stone was recently featured on MarieClaire.com. Hand & Stone was included in their holiday gift guide called “Super-Sweet Holiday Gifts for Couples” and highlights Hand & Stone’s Couple Massages. Click here to view guide.


Super-Sweet Holiday Gifts for Couples

By: Kate Schweitzer


Got a couple of couples on your list? Or are you half of one? Either way, since this gift counts double, it may just be the trickiest one you'll buy this season. Here, our ideas for what'll make any duo happy.

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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."

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Franchisee Profile: Beth Maynard of Exton, Pa

Location: Exton, PA

Q: Where are you originally from?

A:  I’m from Gainesville, FL, but I moved to Exton, PA eight years ago.

Q: Before Franchising, what were you involved with?

A:  I worked in the privatized student housing industry for 21 years. I fell in love with that specific industry because it was always exciting, fast-paced, and interesting to see how different colleges handle the privatized student housing industry.  I loved the energy and involvement with the college-aged students. It’s fun to work with students who you are providing their very first housing experience to and the parents who are dealing with letting their children go into the real world for the first time.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?

A:  The only other thing I could imagine doing outside of the student housing industry was owning my own spa.  However I had no idea there were franchises in the day spa segment out there.  I saw this franchise opportunity with Hand & Stone was actually quite shocked.  I thought it was perfect because I have no prior experience in the massage industry but Hand & Stone could teach me all I needed to know.  In less than 30 days, I signed up as a franchisee.   

I have literally no competition in my market and everyone I’m spoken with so far has made me believe that this concept is going to do really well.  People want a place to go to and relax, but there’s really nothing in Exton that can provide that experience.  This whole process is really exciting because it’s my first time as a business owner.  I have loved finding a business that means something to me and taking it through the entire process of getting it up and running. I’m excited to work for myself and expand when the time is right.

Q: Why was this brand the right fit for you?

A:  I had always gotten massages to help with stress so I was very interested in massage from a health benefit standpoint.  That is what the corporate team is all about. I felt like Hand & Stone was a step above the competition from the look and feel of the spa to my interactions with the corporate team.  I feel comfortable that I will be successful as a result of great support I will receive from them. 

Q: What are your future goals? Development plans?

A:  It’s my goal to own three locations; two in Pennsylvania and one in Florida. 

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.

Hand & Stone featured on New Observer

News Observer Editor David Bracken spoke with Raleigh entrepreneur Chris Parks in article, "Spa Venture Opening Soon," about getting into the massage industry after being down on his luck in corporate America. Despite two layoffs, Parks held his head up and kept moving forward. The growing massage industry captured his attention, and he says “I went from tobacco to Twinkies. I was providing somethingthat people liked but it wasn't necessarily good for them. Now I'm in anindustry where I can provide something people really love and it has excellent health benefits." Click here to view the entire article.

Spa Venture Opening Soon
By: David Bracken

To understand how Chris Parks ended up on the verge of opening a Hand & Stone spa franchise in North Raleigh, you have to go back three years.

Parks, 40, had worked in sales and marketing for the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. for more than 16 years before he was laid off in the fall of 2008. He then went to work for Hostess Brands, calling on convenience stores and pitching the company's Twinkies, CupCakes and other products.

Less than a year later, Parks, who lives in Apex, was laid off again.

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Hand & Stone Opens Its First Location in Bergen County, New Jersey

Hand & Stone Opens Doors in Emerson; To Relax, Rejuvenate Community with Top-Tier, Cost Efficient Model

Hamilton, NJ – Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa will open its first Bergen County location in Emerson, New Jersey at 494 Kinderkamack Road on October 17, 2011 in the Pascack Valley Shopping Center, also home to Stop & Shop and Marshall’s.

“We see the towns in Bergen County such as Emerson as a prime market for our brand’s development,” said Todd Leff, CEO and President of Hand & Stone. “We are pleased to have Jeff and Ken Silbert continue to lead our brand with top-tier services and integrity in this new market for us.”

The Silberts come from a strong business background where Ken was a senior managing partner with Accenture and Jeff leads his own advisory firm helping ambitious business owners scale their companies.  With decades of combined business experience and different strengths, the brothers desired to go into business together.  Ken will use his operations experience to guide them while Jeff will focus on business development for Hand & Stone.

The brother franchisee team will lead the development of 10 new locations in North Jersey, beginning with the Emerson location followed by a new location in the town of Aberdeen in Monmouth County opening in November.

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

“I’m thrilled to be opening our first Hand & Stone spa in Emerson,” said Jeff Silbert, owner of the new location.  “I am looking forward to bringing affordable and effective massage and facial services to the community of Emerson and its neighboring towns such as Westwood, Oradell, and Washington township.”

Launched in 2005 by John Marco, a physical therapist with 20 years of experience, Hand & Stone’s mission is to bring massage therapy to the masses. Clients enjoy the treatment, but "most aren't just coming for the indulgence," Leff said. "They're coming for stress reduction and pain relief, and many on the suggestion of their doctors."

Under the new provisions of the recently-passed health care bill, alternative medical procedures, including massages from licensed therapists at spas like Hand & Stone, are being taken more seriously by the traditional medical community. According to Leff, about 75 percent of health savings account plans and HMOs will now reimburse patients for massage therapy if their doctor writes a formal prescription. Ailments worthy of that prescription include muscle and joint pain, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (commonly known as TMJ), and stress.  According to the 2010 AMTA Industry Report massage use among older Baby Boomers (ages 55-64) has doubled in the past ten years and use among those older than 65 has tripled during that same time.

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.

The average customer isn't a wealthy socialite with nothing better to do, she's a 42-year-old female with an annual household income of $65,000, has children and loves to shop at Target and Kohls. With that busy, overscheduled lifestyle, it’s not surprising that the number one reason clients visit Hand and Stone is for stress reduction.  Hand & Stone's clientele is roughly 70 percent female, 30 percent male, with an increasing number of male patrons.

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, including franchise fees, to outfit a suburban, strip-mall location with space for at least 10 massage rooms.

"Twenty-two percent of Americans got a massage in 2009, and that figure is growing.  As massage becomes a more integrated part of health care, we see this business achieving even wider-spread growth and longevity," said Leff.

ABOUT HAND & STONE
Hand & Stone is a 50-plus unit massage and facial spa franchise with a mission to bring massage and facial services to the masses, meeting demand of consumers who wish to receive the long term health benefits of these services.  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.

Pumpking Facial - Limited Time Offer

Throughout the month of October, participating Hand & Stone locations are giving 1 Hour Pumpkin Facials! The pumpkin facial is the ultimate facial using pumpkin enzymes to repair dull, sun-damaged skin. It is designed to leave your skin feeling hydrated and youthful!

This super hydrating treatment is an excellent way to combat dehydration during the changing seasons! Offer ends October 31st, so be sure to go try it today!

*Valid at participating spas for first time clients.  Rates and Services may vary by location.  Sessions include time for consultation and dressing.  Not valid for gift cards.  Offers may not be combined.  Expires 10-31-11.

Franchisee Profile: Chris Parks of Raleigh, NC

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Projected Opening Date: November 2011

Location: North Raleigh

Q: Where are you from?

A:  I’m from Tennessee.  I moved to Wilmington, NC for college and went to UNC-W.  Since then, I’ve already moved several times for corporate careers. Finally, after 12 years, I made it back to North Carolina, relocating to the Raleigh area.

Q: What was your career before franchising?

A:  For my over 15 years in corporate America, I worked with consumer product goods companies including RJ Reynolds and Hostess brands in various roles of sales and marketing. After two layoffs, I decided business ownership was a way that I could choose my own destiny.

Q: How did you learn about Hand & Stone?

A:   A franchise broker (Entrepreneur Source) called me out of the blue. Just prior to that, my friend who had also taken a severance package had told me he was going to open a franchise so the broker’s timing was spot on. I chose to also look into franchising.

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

A:  Opening my own business symbolizes freedom and flexibility to me. The accomplishments that I have in my business will be so much greater.  Ultimately I realized that you can continue the madness in corporate America or you can control your own destiny. 

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

A: My franchise consultant and I went through a discovery phase. I filled out surveys, questionnaires; talked on the phone about my personal goals. I spoke about wanting to have an opportunity to have residual income and selling a profitable business when the time comes. I chose Hand & Stone because it is my time to help people feel good in a healthy way.

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

A:  I wanted structure, support, a team environment and networking that franchising offers. Since this is an established system, there are other franchisees I can talk to for advice and guidance while starting my business.

Q: With regard to your previous experience, what skills do you feel helped you in your business?

A:  I think the most important skill that I’ve refined throughout my career is being a team player. I have a knack for dealing with customers in good or bad situations; assembling successful and cohesive teams to reach goals.

Q: How did you finance your business?

A:  I looked into all avenues. I chose to get financed through a private investor. It is a win/win situation.

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

A:  I have been through two corporate downsizings and a full range of emotions that come with that. After being with a company for 16 years, I went through many different emotions, but the biggest thing I’ve learned from the experiences is that now is the time for me to get out of my own way. Working for a large company, you have the security or the feign security, but when you are on your own, it is all on your shoulders. I had to realize that I could do it on my own. I finally got to that point after this second downsizing.

Q: What are your expansion or development plans?

A:  I would love to develop more than one location, at least three to five ideally.