Franchisee Profile: Archna and Harin Patel

Archna Patel was born in Zambia, Africa and moved to New Jersey when she was six. Working at Walgreens Pharmacy every weekend since she was 17, Archna graduated with her Doctorate of Pharmacy in 2002 from Rutgers School of Pharmacy. She began working at a prominent pharmacy as a community pharmacist and later became a Managed Care Pharmacist. She moved into the world of medical writing in the pharmaceutical industry and has been working at Johnson & Johnson for the past two years.

Harin Patel was born in Trinidad and lived there half his life. With a degree in computer science from Rutgers, Harin began his career working for Accenture doing consulting for six years. He later moved to Princeton, New Jersey with his wife, Archna, to take a job with NRG Energy, an independent power provider working in Business Development which he has been doing for the past seven years. Harin was part of the team that developed the solar project at the new Giants Stadium among other large projects.

The couples’ passion to be independent business owners motivated them to look into various options including bodywork/massage therapy. They truly believe there is a benefit to spa-based pain management and as the elderly population grows, they feel Hand & Stone and their passion for healing will thrive.

How did you learn about the brand?

Arch and Harin: We were looking to open an independent spa as this has been a long standing passion of ours. We started exploring various types of business opportunities and had long been aware of Massage Envy. When we began to look at Massage franchises we came upon Hand & Stone.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Hand & Stone?

Arch and Harin: The opportunity with this franchise seemed to be the best fit because as we began to know and learn who the people behind this brand are, we felt a sense of community. We are in the company of many intelligent people and some who have the same goals we have in life. We did a lot of research on other concepts, but after talking with other Hand & Stone franchisees, we were sold.

Are you involved with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?

Arch and Harin: We plan on maximizing our charity and community outreach right from the start. Our goal is to make our presence known in Hillsborough and the adjacent communities.  At this time we have begun to reach out to local massage schools to take advantage of the talent in our area—it’s always good to do that.  Additionally, we’re slated to participate in the Montgomery Township School District’s Health Fair on April 1. This fair brings in at least 500 visitors and we intend to have a strong presence as well as participate in some giveaways and offer chair massages.

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

Arch: Being a working mom, a pharmacist, a business owner and a wife, I’ve learned to pick my battles.  When we first thought about committing to this business, we realized that there would be challenges that could be out of our control. We forged ahead, determined to make this work and taking each challenge one day at a time. At the same time we have to deal with the ordinary business of life—we’re constantly learning what makes one another tick, what makes our franchisor tick or what makes my son tick. We sincerely feel we are blessed because of the support our family has given us both financially and morally to take this big step. I do remember when we made the decision to get into this business, my husband said to me, “I have confidence in us if nothing else, so I know we’ll succeed.” This is something I play in my mind all the time to keep me moving.  And it works!

Right now, this quote I borrowed from a fellow business owner suits me perfectly and speaks volumes about who I am. I am at ease with myself.

"Today may there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use
the gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content
with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the
freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us." Mother Teresa

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

Arch and Harin: We want to learn from the franchisor and other franchisees in the business. We do plan to open up additional locations when the time is right. I do have to consider my current career as a pharmacist and how I am able to be at peace if I do leave the field.

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

Arch and Harin: We read Time, franchise specific magazines, and the Connect, which is a local paper. We hope to spread the word about our new franchise in the local media, c and down the road possibly publish something about our experience in a national magazine or newspaper.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

Arch: Harin and I met in college our freshman year and my goal was to get to know one person for a very long time before I married him. I certainly did. We dated for almost 10 years and then got engaged for two years and finally tied the knot in May 2005. We’ll be celebrating our eight year anniversary this coming May 1!  We have a two-and-a-half year old son, Sai, who keeps us on our toes and whom we hope will become the greatest hip-hop breakdancer out there!

I love to bake and plan parties! We really love to go on vacation as a family and just have a good time. Harin loves to scuba dive.

ABOUT HAND & STONE

Hand & Stone is a 90-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 18 states and Canada.  For more information on Hand & Stone, visit www.handandstone.com. 

Hand & Stone Featured in Port Washington Patch

Hand and Stone was recently featured in an article in the Port Washington Patch titled "Hand & Stone Spa: A Place to Unwind in Port Washington."The article begins with a description of the spa and the importance of relaxation, and then goes into franchisee Rosalia Yarrington’s background in the corporate world and how after raising her children she decided she wanted to get involved with a franchise, so decided to open a Hand & Spa.  The article then details the problems that she faced after Hurricane Sandy. 

"A sense of tranquility permeates the new Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa at 987 Port Washington Boulevard. With its soft lighting, earth-toned painted walls, and soothing music, it's easy to see why on a recent Friday morning, new and established customers dropped in to learn when they could schedule a massage or facial. Owner Rosalia Yarrington takes it all in stride, making visitors feel welcome. To Yarrington, relaxation is essential. 'Everyone needs a way to de-stress and re-energize,' she said. Contradictory as it may seem, relaxation is the reason she went into business. A former corporate accountant, Yarrington, a Manhasset resident, had stepped off the career ladder to raise her three children, now 13, 11 and 8. As they became more independent, Yarrington looked toward entrepreneurship. She researched franchise opportunities, looking for a turnkey operation she could get behind, that also provided franchisees full support."

You can read the rest of the article here.

Hand and Stone Sponsors 2013 Stand Up for A Cure Concert Series' "An Evening with Jerry Seinfeld"

This April, Hand & Stone was proud to be a sponsor for the 2013 Stand Up For A Cure Concert Series benefitting The American Diabetes Association. Our New York Hand & Stone spas sponsored Stand Up For A Cure's "An Evening with Jerry Seinfeld" at the Madison Square Garden Theater. 

Founded in 2007, Stand Up For A Cure Concert Series has raised substancial funds for medical research and treatment, as well as social causes using a series of concerts produced with the intention of providing attendees with a memorable night unlike any other concert experience. Stand Up For a Cure invested more than $400,000 dollars to promote this event thru Radio, Print and TV and the following Press was onsite to cover the occasion:  Access Hollywood, Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly, Extra, E! News, Entertainment Tonight, CNN, Page 6 and More! Although the report isn't final, the ADA has reported over $100,000 in donations as a result of the evening's event.

Hand & Stone held good company, as other sponsors for the event included Apple, Porsche, Nike, Belvedere Vodka, and Novo Nordisk. Thanks to the NY DMA spas for their participation and a special thanks to Jeff Silbert for helping us coordinate the event.

Hand and Stone Featured in Delaware County News Network

Hand and Stone was featured in an article titled "Familiar Face: Justine Clark" in the Delaware County News Network on April 17, 2013. The article highlights Hand and Stone manager Justin Clark of Drexel Hill, PA in an interview conducted with the News Network.

"Background: Justine Clark grew up in Drexel Hill and graduated from Upper Darby High School in 2004. Clark became a model in Philadelphia and New York. She lived in New York for two years and became home sick for her hometown.

Clark returned to Drexel Hill. Modeling gave her a strong work ethic and her love for health and wellness led her to become a personal trainer. It taught her the importance of taking time out for you. She worked at the Philadelphia Sports Club and taught fitness at boot camps at different fields all around Delaware County. Last year she started working at the Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa at the front desk in Broomall. Today she is the manager and oversees fifty people."

To read the entire article, click here. 

Franchisee Spotlight: Kelly and Joe Harris

FRANCHISEE PROFILE:

Name: Kelly & Joe Harris

Opening Date: 2/17/2013

Address: 694 N. Delsea Drive, Suite 35, Glassboro, NJ

Email: kharris@handandstone.com

Kelly, a native of Maple Shade, New Jersey graduated from Thomas Jefferson University with a degree in bioscience and medical technology. She went on to become a medical laboratory scientist for the Kennedy Hospital and worked as a laboratory manager there for several years. Joe is originally from Washington Township and made a living as a cereal entrepreneur, owning a home remodeling business called Harris Enhancements and DJ business called Starlite Entertainment.

How did you learn about the brand?

Kelly’s brother in-law is one of the regional developers for Hand & Stone in New Jersey and also Southern California.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Hand & Stone?

I saw how stressed the mothers of the community were and we used to suggest massage treatments.  We saw how successful this model was and just being able to give back to the community

What makes your business unique in the community?

We really care about this community. This isn’t just a money making opportunity, but one that will let us get more involved in the community and provide a true escape from the daily stressors of people’s lives. My previous job in the hospital was extremely stressful and demanding, so we know the benefits of massage first hand.

Are you involved with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?

We regularly donate services to the ARC, a local charity.

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

Getting settled in our space was a challenge. We did most of our build-out with no electricity! We are excited to be opening soon.

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

We would like to open another location within the next year if the opportunity presents itself.  We would very much like to become leaders in the community.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

Kelly and Joe have a true passion for helping others. Joe is also the exclusive DJ for Hair Cuttery! They fly Joe around to the different locations for their events.

ABOUT HAND & STONE

Hand & Stone is a 90 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 18 states and Canada.  For more information on Hand & Stone, visit www.handandstone.com.

Hand and Stone Featured in Home News Tribune

Hand and Stone was recently featured in the Home News Tribune and mycentralnewjersey.com. The article discusses AJ Borowsky's career and how he decided to open a Hand and Stone. AJ speaks on the challenges and successes he has seen, and how the successes far outweigh anything else.



"AJ Borowsky often found himself looking for a new interest. That search led Borowsky and his wife, Julie Vila, to open a Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa at The Shoppes at North Brunswick shopping center...Borowsky likes being busy. Since 2006 he has run the in-house training division at ABC News working with reporters and producers on new technology. A few years ago he went back to school for financial planning and took and passed a certified financial planner exam but never transitioned into that field. Vila, his wife of 13 years, has worked as a mainframe computer system programmer for more than 20 years. 'I'm always looking for different things to do. I get bored easily,' Borowsky said. 'My interests grab hold of me.'"

Read the full article here.

Hand and Stone Featured in The Courier Post

Hand and Stone was recently featured in an article in The Courier Post! The article discusses how husband and wife Kelly & Joe Harris will expand on their backgrounds and on their new Hand & Stone opening at 694 N. Delsea Drive, Suite 35, Glassboro, NJ. Kelly and Joe explain why they wanted to go into business together and why they specifically wanted to bring the Hand & Stone brand to the Glassboro area. Kelly and Joe also explain their future development plans for the area.  

To be or not to be? In business, that is. It’s a nagging question that haunts entrepreneurs and the following statistic doesn’t help: According to experts, more than half of self-owned start-ups close within five years. Washington Township’s Joe Harris says he always knew he wanted to be his own boss and he has proved to be an exception to the failure rate rule. Harris started his own disc jockey entertainment company when he was 15. In 2000, he founded Harris Enhancements, a home-remodeling firm. And two weeks ago, the 43-year-old and his wife, Kelly, opened a Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa franchise on Delsea Drive in Glassboro. The store is minutes away from Rowan University, Joe’s alma mater. “My father taught me from an early age it was better to be your own boss,” Harris recalls. “He would ask, ‘Why make money for a company when you could work for yourself?’ “He said the best way to be successful was to own your own business.” Harris says his DJ and remodelingbusinesses are doing well, and the fledgling Hand & Stone spa franchise has opened with higher-than-expected membership and revenues. Is Harris just lucky? “Maybe,” he responds. “But I really believe you make your own luck. I know it may be a cliche, but with me, it’s all about my customers. From the time I started my DJ business, I’ve always made sure the customer was happy.

“I’ve been very blessed and fortunate, and I have an incredible family to whom I owe a lot.” Family includes his 29-year-old wife, who until November worked in the medical field. Partnering with her husband is Kelly’s first venture into the business world, although she’s familiar with the entrepreneurial spirit. “My mother has had her own wedding invitation business since I was a little kid,” says Kelly, who started her career as a medical laboratory scientist at Kennedy Health Center in Cherry Hill. Most recently she managed the laboratory at Kennedy University Hospital in Stratford. “I went to school for medical technology and had a very good job at Kennedy. So leaving that job and starting this with Joe is a very big step for me.

To read the full story, click here.