Hand & Stone Featured in The Trentonian

Hand & Stone was recently featured in an article in The Trentonian titled, "Hamilton-based Hand & Stone Spa Thriving." The article focuses on the tremendous growth of the Hand & Stone franchise over the past few years. CEO Todd Leff discusses the unprecedented growth of the massage and facial spa during 2012, its double digit growth, and the 97 Hand & Stone locations now open across the country.

"The downturn in the economy caused many industries to lose their financial ground, causing deep cuts into revenue streams and high unemployment rates. But there is one industry that continued to thrive despite the dismal days of economic slumber. An enterprising business focused on health, well-being and that which was once designated only for the rich, is now affordable, accessible and growing; and, the Hand & Stone Spa is a perfect example of bringing luxury to the masses.

'For $50 you can escape for an hour with a massage or a facial,' said Todd Leff, the Chief Executive Officer of Hand & Stone. 'Some cannot invest in a big grand vacation right now, but people have fifty bucks to invest into their health and well-being, and it is convenient and affordable.'"

To read the entire article, click here.

Hand & Stone Featured in the Charlotte Observer

Hand and Stone was recently featured in an article in the Charlotte Observer titled "Spa with Healing Touch Got Black Friday Debut." The article discusses the grand opening of Hand &Stone in Charlotte on Black Friday.  The article details Martin Snell’s experience as the director of oncology at Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast and how that career inspired him to open the spa. Martin notes that opening a franchise was the best option because he has been able to take advantage of the great network of company franchisees. 

"First-time small-business man Martin Snell holds staff meetings that could be nicknamed 'Lessons I've learned.' But to Snell, who recently opened Charlotte's second Hand & Stone Massage Spa franchise, this particular learning curve -- from lease negotiations to the daily laundry pile -- has been a labor of love. Snell celebrated the grand opening of his business, located in the Village at SouthPark, on the busiest shopping day of the year, Black Friday. And it marked the biggest turning point of 51-year-old Snell's career: Just one year earlier, he was the director of oncology service lines for Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast, an administrator with one of the nation's largest hospital systems. Now, Snell oversees a staff of 13, who offer their own brand of healing, he says. 'I spent a lot of time developing the mind, body, spirit approach when I was working in health care,' Snell says. 'We built a spa here...where they aren't just giving massages or facials but they're really rejuvenating people's spirits.' Eventually, Snell said, he'd like to offer respite care for cancer patients as well, and one of his therapists is pursuing certification." 

(Charlotte Observer)

Click over to the Charlotte Observer's website to read the full article.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/01/08/3772390/spa-with-healing-touch-got-black.html#storylink=cpy

Hand & Stone featured in The Denver Post

The article profiles Hand & Stone spa owner Julie Bulatovic.

The article included two great photos and showcased Julie’s background, as well as her passion for helping her community through alternative healing. The article highlights Julie’s work with Re-Org and the special deals she offers cancer patients and their caregivers. Dara Purdy, a massage therapist at Julie’s spa, noted that the spa “doesn’t feel like a medical setting”. Eric Bostrom added that he offers oncology-related massages at his Highlands Ranch location.

Denver massage business transforms to cater to cancer patients
by Howard Pankratz for The Denver Post

Julie Bulatovic's dream is that all people struggling with the aftermath of cancer, and their caregivers, can receive the benefits of massage therapy.

About 15 of her massage therapists — most of those she has on staff at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Cherry Creek — have been trained to give oncology massage treatments to cancer survivors.

Bulatovic knows the territory. Her stepmother had breast cancer years ago and has recovered. But the memories lingered — of the stress faced by her stepmother and the strain her dad lived through.

"I've always believed in alternative healing — and massage is part of that stress reduction, energy collection, energy healing," said Bulatovic.

Click here to read the entire article.

Hand & Stone CEO Todd Leff on CBS Philly

Hand & Stone's President and CEO Todd Leff dropped by CBS3 Let's Talk Philly on Friday.  He dropped off gifts during the Salvation Army's Joy of Sharing gift drive.  In total, the Joy of Sharing campaign collected more than 5,000 toys for youngsters in need throughout the Delaware Valley region.  Todd spoke about the growing number of Hand & Stone locations in the Delaware Valley and the importance of giving back during the holidays.

Click here to watch the segment or click on the video below.

Hand and Stone receives National Ranking of #248 in Entrepreneur Magazine's 2013 Franchise 500!

We are very proud to announce today that Hand and Stone has been
ranked for the first time in Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2013 Franchise
500. Hand and Stone was ranked #248, and second in the industry ahead
of all other massage and facial chains, except Massage Envy. The
ranking is based on financial strength, growth, store sales, closings
and years franchising. We are happy to obtain some national
recognition for the great success our system has had over the past few
years.

Click here to read more!

Hand & Stone mentioned in The Charlotte Observer

Hand & Stone appeared in the December 7, 2012 issue of The Charlotte Observer. The brief discusses the grand opening of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Charlotte. The brief also mentions Martin Senell’s plans to hire massage therapist trained in oncology.

Friday Spotlight: Area small-business happenings
by Celeste Smith for The Charlotte Observer

Here’s a look at some small-business happenings and announcements:
-Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa opened in SouthPark earlier this month. According to the company, spa founder Martin Senell recently resigned as director of oncology services at NorthEast Medical Center to pursue his dream of owning a small business. Because of his background working with cancer patients, Senell wanted to open a business that could provide help and healing. So in addition to regular spa services, Senell is also hiring massage therapists trained in oncology to help clients with cancer. Hand & Stone spa is located at 4310 Sharon Road X11. Visit the website here.

Hand & Stone featured in Mullica Hill Mom blog

Hand & Stone's new Mullica Hill, NJ location was featured on this popular blog designed to explore "topics that we care about: people, places, events and (of course!) deals" for the Mullica Hill community.

The story talks about the new location in Mullica Hill Shopping Plaza, seasonal promotions going on at the new store, a little background on the crew and benefits of signing up for the Healthy Lifestyle Program.

Hand & Stone is now open in Mullica Hill
By Marisa Miloszewski for Mullica Hill Mom

We’re thrilled to welcome the brand new Hand & Stone massage and facial spa to Mullica Hill! Hand & Stone is now conveniently located in the Mullica Hill Plaza shopping center (in the former Blockbuster space.)

New owners Christopher and Elissa McShea and Melanie Vesper are excited about their new venture and couldn’t be more pleased with the warm welcome they’ve received from our community.


Click here to read the entire article.