Glow for the Glory: Hand & Stone Celebrates 4th of July with 4-Day Event!

Hand & Stone will be celebrating the 4th of July by offering an array of deals spanning over a 4-day period! For more information, be sure to become a fan of Hand & Stone on Facebook and join the conversation! Deals will begin July 1st and wrap up on July 4th. Deals will be valid at participating locations.

Hand and Stone featured in Asbury Park Press

Hand & Stone was recently featured in an article in the Asbury Park Press, highlighting a local entrepreneur bringing the franchise to Middletown, N.J. Candace Ruddy, of Toms River, N.J., will open her first Hand & Stone in Middletown next week. She discussed bringing the massage and facial spa concept to the area, and highlighted the fact that the business model is one that is affordable during the tough economic time. Ruddy’s sister and daughters will also work with her at the location when it opens its doors. Click here to view the full article!

NJ lost 400 jobs in May; unemployment rate up
Written by Michael L. Diamond

New Jersey’s economy lost 400 jobs in May, and its unemployment rate rose to 9.4 percent from 9.3 percent, the state reported Thursday, putting the brakes on momentum that had been building for three months.

The report was another sign that the economic recovery is so fragile that even a temporary spike in gasoline prices can derail it, observers said.

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Hand and Stone featured in Shore News Today

Hand & Stone was recently featured in an article in Shore News Today called “Spa owner goes from motorcycles to massages.” The article discusses Mitchell Sands, franchisee of Hand & Stone in Mays Landing, and how he transitioned from the power sports industry into massage. Mitchell discussed the unique business model that Hand & Stone presents and how Mother’s Day was a great success for his location. The article also speaks about Mitchell’s 25 employees and how Hand & Stone strives to bring a luxury experience at an affordable rate. Further, article highlights different massage techniques that are available at Hand & Stone and describes the relief that the techniques provide. Click here to view the full article!

Spa owner goes from motorcycles to massage
By Claire Lowe

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP ­– Two years ago, Mitchell Sands couldn’t have told you about the health benefits of the raindrop technique for those suffering from scoliosis. And he couldn’t have explained reflexology. But that has all changed since opening a Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa franchise at Hamilton Commons in February.

Sands, 42, of Egg Harbor Township was working in the motorcycle business before entering the world of massage.

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Hand and Stone featured in Manalapan Patch

Hand & Stone of Manalapan was recently featured in the Manalapan Patch in an article titled “Hand and Stone, a Remedy for the Restless.” Manalapan Hand & Stone owner, Lucy Frost, discussed the many services offered at the massage and facial spa. Frost said customer service is her No. 1 priority, as she gives upscale service without the upscale price. The article also highlighted Hand & Stone’s Mother’s Day specials, noting that Frost’s location celebrated its two-year anniversary on that day. Click here to view the full article!

Hand and Stone, a Remedy for the Restless
By Jack Keever

The weary and the worn seeking respite from the rigors of life have to look no further than the nearest shopping mall. At Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, the tense transform into the tranquil.

Hand and Stone assists locals in freeing themselves of worries by offering a wide array of massages, facials, and waxings. Guests can choose from a variety of massages including hot stone, trigger point, swedish, sports, and deep tissue, among others.

(Read More)

Franchsiee Profile: Heather Kinsley of Algonquin, IL

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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.

Local Hand & Stone Prospers from Second Largest Spending Holiday of the Year

Mother’s Day Spending Expected to Reach $16.3 Billion

For many moms, Mother’s Day is the one time during the year where the attention is reversed and their wants are put first. The day celebrates and honors mothers for their hard work year-round, giving husbands and children the opportunity to pamper the woman in their lives.

As the second largest spending holiday of the year, only trailing the winter holidays, the typical consumer will spend $140.73 on Mother’s Day gifts — up from $126.90 last year, according to the National Retail Federation. Total spending is expected to reach $16.3 billion for Mother’s Day this year, up 9 percent from 2010, with $1.2 billion going toward trips to the spa. This year, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa is trying to help those cash-strapped consumers looking to treat their loved one on this special day.

Through May 8, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa is offering $10 off spa gift cards and $20 off spa packages. With options that include five different packages, three types of massages and the signature facial, consumers have a plethora of opportunities to choose from when finding the perfect relaxation gift for Mother’s Day.

“We’ve found that moms really appreciate it when they get this kind of pampering for Mother’s Day,” said John Marco, founder of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. “Mothers have so much stress in their daily lives, often playing many roles within the family, that this is an opportunity for them to relax and really be treated to something they might not otherwise do for themselves.”

Stress is the No. 1 reason why consumers regularly receive massages, according to Marco. Massage therapy relaxes the body’s muscles and helps increase blood flow, which is responsible for repairing and regenerating muscles.

“Massage-goers feel rejuvenated after an hour-long session, and that’s exactly how a mom wants to feel on Mother’s Day,” Marco said.

But a massage on Mother’s 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

“Mother’s Day is the day each year that moms look forward to having time to themselves,” Marco said. “We’re here to provide a calm, soothing atmosphere and our massage therapists have the experience to do just that.”

Franchisee Profile: Julie and Brian Bulatovic of Denver, CO

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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.