So Why Did I Join Hand & Stone?
I’ve heard this question multiple times since I informed family, friends, and colleagues about my career move to Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa as the Franchise Development Marketing Manager. A plethora of reasons came to mind, but I have narrowed them down to three.
My initial attraction to the spa franchise is its place in the health and wellness industry. Over the last year, I have personally prioritized my health and wellness to enhance myself mentally, physically, and emotionally. With that being said, I am only 25 years old, so my health and wellness budget is not robust. Hand & Stone offers the highest quality massage and facial services at affordable prices, making the soothing wonder of the massage experience accessible to a more diverse group of consumers.
The continued business growth of the company is very impressive. Since its establishment in 2004, Hand & Stone boasts over 475 spas throughout the US and Canada, and we are on track to open our 500th franchise in 2021! It is reassuring to join a company with a proven track record of success and is exciting to enter an industry where the room for expansion is endless.
The final push that encouraged me to make the jump to Hand & Stone was the team and the company culture. The Franchise Development team, consisting of John Teza, President & CDO, Nicole Alburger, Sr. Director of Franchise Development, and Sarah Moudry, Director of Franchise Development, made a great first impression during my interview process. Showcasing their work hard, play hard mentality, I knew I wanted to be a part of this team. Their collective enthusiasm for the brand was also a selling point for me. Sarah said it best in her interview with 1851 Franchise, “It was clear that the team has a mission to take care of each other and everybody has a passion for health and wellness,” she said. “The franchise development team isn’t just focused on sales — they are passionate about the brand and creating a winning opportunity for prospects.” After a week with the team, this holds true!
Why Franchise Development?
The second most asked question I’ve received is ‘why franchise development?’ Being the daughter of a salesman and entrepreneur, I have always admired the passion to own a business and run it successfully. I am also the daughter of a finance executive, which reminds me that the business model must be secure to ensure success.
Whenever you make a career change, especially in a new industry, you want to make sure that there is promise and opportunity where you are headed. After doing my research on the franchise industry, it is clear that it is poised for growth. According to Entrepreneur Magazine, “Historic access to labor, real estate, and capital has created an environment extremely favorable to franchise growth, and shifting social and cultural norms will create opportunities for new concepts to expand quickly in the months to come.”
Hand & Stone has been named No. 1 in the spa category by Entrepreneur Magazine for 2021, ranked No. 8 on Forbes' Best Franchises to Buy list for 2019 in the high investment category, and is the fastest-growing spa concept in the country. With an impressive trophy case like this, why wouldn’t I want to join and help entrepreneurs achieve financial freedom, expand their business skills, and more?
Although I am new to the franchise development industry, I am sure that my team of veterans and my eagerness to learn will get me up to speed. Follow Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa on LinkedIn for the latest updates on our new and upcoming franchises!
