Hand and Stone New Jersey

Hand and Stone featured in Asbury Park Press

2011-06-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

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!

N J lost 400 jobs i n 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.

(Read More)

Hand and Stone featured in Shore News Today

2011-05-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

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.

(Read More)

Hand and Stone featured in Manalapan Patch

2011-05-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

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)

Hand and Stone featured in Entrepreneur Magazine

2011-04-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

Hand and Stone was recently featured in an article in Entrepreneur Magazine entitled, “The Crossover: From the corporate world to franchise ownership -- how business owners make the transition.” The article was built from in-depth interviews with franchise executives who later became franchisees in the systems they worked in, including Bob and Denise McQuillan. The article discusses that Bob’s experience of owning a location helps him understand what franchisees must go through to open their own Hand & Stone. Click here to view the article in its entirety.

The Crossover: From the corporate world to franchise ownership -- how business owners make the transition.
By Jason Daley

Bob McQuillan and his wife, Denise, were preparing to open a Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa when a recruiter called. It turns out Hand and Stone was looking for a vice president for franchise sales--a position Bob had held elsewhere--so he entered the corporate and franchisee worlds simultaneously.

While Denise heads up their franchise in Cherry Hill, N.J., Bob has gained a deeper understanding of what the franchisees he's working with are going through.

(Read More)

Hand and Stone featured in The Press of Atlantic City

2011-03-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

Hand & Stone was recently featured in an article which published Thursday, March 10, 2011 in The Press of Atlantic City entitled, “Just opened: Massage franchise comes to Mays Landing." In the article, Mitchell Sands highlights the different massage and facial services that he will be offering at his spa. He discusses the popular Swedish deep tissue and prenatal massages as well as the signature hot stone massage. Mitchell also discusses his future expansion and development plans into the Washington Township, Turnersville, and Atlantic City. Click here to view the full article.

Just opened: Massage franchise comes to Mays Landing

Hand & Stone is a franchise, with more than 40 locations nationwide. Our facility is new, with warm colors, a water wall, an inviting place for hard-working people to take a break, relax and de-stress.

Primarilly, we offer massage, facials and waxing.

We offer Swedish, deep-tissue, prenatal, cancer and deep-muscle-therapy massages. There are many other massages as well.

(Read More)

Hand and Stone featured in the Sunday edition of The Courier-Post

2011-02-28T10:16:00.000-08:00

Hand and Stone was featured in an excellent article in the Sunday edition of The Courier-Post entitled, “In the right hands: Cancer inspires woman to open spa.” In this 3-page feature article, Denise McQuillan shares her inspiring personal story about surviving breast cancer and opening up her own spa as a result of the ordeal. Denise talks about how massage was a huge source of relief for her during cancer treatments, and inspired her to become a Hand & Stone franchisee once she recovered. Todd Leff and Fred Vicario weigh in on Denise’s qualities as a franchisee, and why she makes for a perfect candidate. Click here to view the article in its entirety!

In the right hands: Cancer inspires woman to open spa
By KARYN D. COLLINS

Denise McQuillan had always worked in the corporate business world.

She was a numbers cruncher, doing accounting outsourcing for BNY Mellon Financial. She was good at it, had always been good at numbers. And, while it maybe wasn't the most personally fulfilling work, McMcQuillan said she was happy. Life was good for her, her husband and their two daughters. The couple, who live in Mullica Hill, even ran a couple of franchises of a tanning salon on the side.

Then, in an instant, everything changed.

(Read More)

Alternative Medicine Becomes Mainstream: Spa Franchise Provides Massage For the Masses

2011-02-14T11:33:00.000-08:00

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

Looking to double its store count nationwide by the end of 2011, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa will open in Mays Landing on January 31 at 4215 Black Horse Pike, bringing its total spa count to eleven in the South Jersey/Philadelphia area.

“We see Mays Landing as a prime market for our brand’s development,” said Todd Leff, CEO and President of Hand & Stone. “We are pleased to have Mitchell Sands join our system and lead our brand with top-tier services and integrity in Mays Landing.”

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.

Coming from a background in automobiles, motorcycles and insurance, Mitchell Sands has worked in a variety of different industries. Now, he says, he is ready to take a new direction in the massage industry where he has seen firsthand people’s passion for the job. “I look forward to working with people who not only have a passion for their career, but also enjoy bringing pleasure and relaxation to other people,” Sands says.

This will not be the only Hand and Stone location Sands will open. Native to Washington Township, Sands owns the rights to develop multiple Hand & Stone locations in Washington Township and once the May’s Landing location becomes established, he projects to open another in Rio Grande.

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.

Hand & Stone Expands Skin Care Service and Products with Dermalogica

2011-01-31T11:02:00.000-08:00

Hand in hand with its mission to begin aggressive nationwide expansion, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa stays at the top of the game by adding not only locations but new products to keep the brand fresh and to give consumers more reasons to keep coming back. Most recently, Hand & Stone began distributing Dermalogica, a 25-year old professional skin care line free of common irritants and ingredients that improves skin health, at its spa locations nationwide.

Hand & Stone researched Dermalogica intensely to ensure it was the right fit to carry at their spas nationwide. What they discovered was a perfect match as both brands were founded on the belief that massage and skin care is not about pampering or luxury, but rather about the health benefits associated with them.

“We had been examining skin care product lines closely for the past several years,” said Todd Leff, CEO of Hand & Stone. “The addition of facials and waxing to the services roster at Hand & Stone as well as growth in massage has boosted the average comparable store sales by over 40 percent during this past year, in a very tough economic environment. We see this category only increasing in years to come and needed the right skin care line for our spas. Dermalogica comprises everything we were looking for.”

Dermalogica has grown to a worldwide brand with a cult-like following among professional skin therapists and consumers alike due to its no-nonsense skin care that helped it grow from a modest store-front in Marina del Rey to today’s 145,000 square foot global headquarters in Carson, California.

Hand & Stone believes that Dermalogica will create exceptional brand awareness for its skin care services including facials and microdermabrasion while its revolutionary hot stone massage therapy is getting consumers in the door and its membership model is keeping them coming back.

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 just $49 per visit.

“We are revolutionizing how consumers approach massage and facial services. Instead of considering them a luxury, we are working to show consumers the health benefits involved, from anti-aging benefits to stress reduction, pain relief and much more,” Leff said.

Massage Industry Poised for Rapid Growth in 2011; Hand & Stone Sets Eye on 40 New Spas

2011-01-27T10:43:00.000-08:00

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Rub Out the Line Between Health Care and Luxury

When Todd Leff took the reins to fuel growth for Hand & Stone in 2010, he was fast out of the gate. Hand & Stone opened 12 new locations last year and awarded 28 more totaling 40 locations. In 2010, Hand & Stone marked its name across several cities in its home state of New Jersey and entered new territories nationwide including Missouri, California, and Illinois.

In 2011, Hand & Stone is launching an aggressive growth strategy for 40 new locations in accordance with the growing industry. According to the 2010 AMTA Industry Report, massage use among 18-24 year olds has risen to 48%; 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 the same time.

Hand & Stone stayed ahead of the curve in 2010 by giving consumers what they want in a massage and facial spa concept including increasing facial and waxing services at their locations. That strategy has proven to be successful, as the average mature store sales have boosted by over 29 percent in 2010, in a very tough economic environment.

While consumers are relaxed, even de-stressed by the mainstreaming of massage, Hand & Stone is taking this change to the bank. Launched in 2005 by John Marco, a physical therapist with 20 years of experience, Hand & Stone says its mission is to bring massage therapy to the masses. Clients enjoy the treatment, but "most aren't just coming for the indulgence," said Todd Leff, chief executive and president of Hand & Stone. "They're coming for stress reduction and pain relief, and many on the suggestion of their doctors."

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 just $49 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.

Todd Leff, 51, invested in and became president of Hand & Stone in July of 2009 after a brief attempt at retirement. Having worked in franchising for over 20 years, first growing Cottman Transmission, then leading the merger between Cottman and its main rival, AAMCO, Leff sold his stake in the then 1,100-unit franchise and decided to play golf and relish in his success. That lasted all of three months before he was itching to get back in the game.

"I started looking for a young franchise in an industry that had tailwinds," says Leff. "I figured I could build a management team, implement some larger company processes and take it to the next level."

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.

"Most of our franchisees have no massage experience, they are just business people who understand that this industry is ripe for growth and love the fact that we are providing a positive health related service," Leff said. "Twenty-two percent of Americans got a massage last year, 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."

Hand and Stone featured in The Times of Trenton

2011-01-20T15:12:00.000-08:00

Hand and Stone was recently featured in an article in The Times of Trenton. In the article, Kevin McArdle talks all about his new Hand & Stone spa that he opened in Princeton in December. McArdle shares his entrepreneurial story and talks about why he decided to become a Hand & Stone franchise owner after years toiling away in the corporate world, how many jobs it will bring to the community, and how many additional locations he plans to open in the future. He also talks about how he plans to use his new spa to appeal to a broader male audience. Todd Leff discusses the franchise from a corporate perspective, and weighs in on growth and development plans in the region. Click here to view the article in its entirety.

Franchise of a peaceful and gentler kind
By Rich Bockmann

Princeton- After Kevin McArdle lost his job in 2008 due to downsizing, he did some freelance work as public relations consultant, and considered opening his own consulting firm.

But after 25 years working in Corporate America - seven years as the head of the communications department of Harleysville Insurance - he started to give serious thought to purchasing his own franchise.

(Read More)

Hand & Stone Featured in New Jersey Business Journal

2010-12-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the New Jersey Business Journal in an article titled "NJ-based franchise finds downturn a soothing time to grow" in which Bob McQuillan, VP of Franchise Development, discusses opening 4 Hand & Stone locations in two weeks. He also talks about why holiday season is optimal for growth (great opportunity for gift card sales), and Hand & Stone’s business model of massage – a service that was once considered a luxury, is now affordable and accessible to everyone. A portion of the article is included below and it can be read in its entirety by clicking here.

N.J.-based spa franchise finds downturn a soothing time to grow
By Beth Fitzgerald

Hand & Stone, a New Jersey-based spa franchise targeting customers seeking affordable treatments, is adding four new locations in the next two weeks, bringing the number to 11 in New Jersey and 36 nationwide.

Bob McQuillan, vice president of franchise development, said the pre-holiday season is a key time for new spas to open, with gift cards making up about one-third of the revenue. A new franchise that opens up just before the holidays will get an immediate infusion of cash from the sale of gift cards, he said. Cash flow from gift cards provides working capital “until the business ramps up and revenues increase,” he said. Valentine’s Day, along with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, also are big holidays for spas selling gift cards, he said.

Hand & Stone was founded in Toms River in 2005, and is now based in Hamilton.

McQuillan said Hand & Stone is aimed at customers who want to be pampered with a massage or a facial, but can’t afford the $150 to $200 per session prices at upscale spas; Hand & Stone offers its services at around $50 to $60 — “a beautiful atmosphere, minus the champagne and the robe,” he said.

The four new locations will be in Cherry Hill, Princeton, Voorhees and Delran.

(Read More)

Hand & Stone Founder John Marco interviewed by Advcance for Physical Therapy and Rehab Medicine

2010-10-29T11:06:00.001-07:00

Hand & Stone was recently featured in Advance for Physical Therapy & Rehab Medicine in an article called “Five Questions with John Marco.” The article discusses how Founder of Hand & Stone, John Marco utilized his background as a physical therapist to create and grow Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. John speaks about massage therapy being extremely beneficial for health reasons but lacking in accessibility and affordability, which ultimately gave him the idea to create the concept, Hand & Stone. Read a portion of the story below or check out the full article here:

5 Questions With: John Marco
by Jonathan Bassett

As awareness of the health benefits of massage continues to rise, massage therapy is no longer considered a luxury item. It's become a lifestyle choice for those seeking longevity and wellness.

With corporate offices in Hamilton, NJ, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa has grown to incorporate 35 franchise locations across 11 states and in Canada. In 2005, company founder and COO John Marco leveraged a 25-year career in physical therapy to establish a unique business model that allows clients to schedule an appointment on the day of service, rather than tracking down a freelance massage therapist and waiting days or weeks for an appointment. Membership rates mean clients pay far less than traditional hourly rates.

In this interview with ADVANCE, Marco discusses his 25-year physical therapy career, how the idea of his business came about, and what's next for Hand & Stone.

ADVANCE: How did you get your start in physical therapy?

Marco: In 1977 I volunteered as a physical therapy aide in a rehabilitation hospital in Toms River, NJ. Within a few weeks a job opening became available for a PT aide position, and I took it. It didn't take long for me to see that some very special things were being done right before my eyes. I was hooked on a healing profession. I was hooked on physical therapy. (Read More)

Local Mom and Career Woman Wins Hand & Stone’s Hardest Working Person in America Contest

2010-09-27T06:31:00.000-07:00

Chosen by Fan Votes on Facebook, Joanne Vadas Wins Free Massages for a Year from Hand & Stone

In a nationwide contest hosted by the 30-plus unit massage and facial spa Hand & Stone, Howell, New Jersey mom, caregiver and nurse, Joanne Vadas, was named “Hardest Working Person in America.” Nominated by her daughter Natalie, Joanne’s story captured the hearts of Hand & Stone fans nationwide, who voted her story the most compelling in the nationwide Facebook contest. As winner, Joanne Vadas will receive free massages for an entire year at Hand & Stone’s Spring Lake location for her selfless giving and hardworking character.

Natalie’s nomination stated, “My mom, Joanne, is the hardest working person I know. My father passed away last year from malignant melanoma so for the past two years my mother has been consumed with not only taking care of him for his last few months, but now she is working so very hard to keep this household afloat. She is a nurse in a dermatologist office, and she is on her feet all day-- with one knee replaced and the other needing to be replaced any day now (which she would, except she cannot afford to take the time off of work). She does everything for everyone, but never anything for herself.”

Natalie Vadas’ nomination was one of seven heart-felt nominations selected to move to the final round, where Hand & Stone’s Facebook fans voted on the nominations to determine the winner. Joanne Vadas was announced the winner on Monday, Sept. 20, 2010. The 2nd place winner is Jean Sable of Phoenix, AZ.

“I am amazed, awe struck. I was completely unaware about Natalie (Joanne’s daughter) signing me up for the contest,” said Joanne Vadas. “It came as quite a surprise just how many people had nice things to say and showed their support for me.”

Hand & Stone’s “Hardest Working Person in America” contest was designed to build individualized and personalized connections with would be and established members alike.

“Especially in trying economic times, Americans are forced to work harder and longer hours,” said Todd Leff, CEO of Hand & Stone. “We wanted to hear our member’s stories, as well as the stories of their friends and families, and then reward them with a little relaxation.”

The contest launched Hand & Stone’s social presence and built individualized and personalized connections with their Facebook fans and educated fans about Hand & Stone’s services.

“While the typical massage client used to have to track down a freelance masseuse, 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,” said Leff, noting that when they sign up for a one-session-per-month plan, they end up paying just $49 per visit.

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 store sales by over 20 percent during this past year, in a very tough economic environment. Hand and Stone expects to open 15 new locations currently under construction by the year end.

"Most of our franchisees have no massage experience, they are just business people who understand that this industry is ripe for growth and love the fact that we are providing a positive health related service," Leff said. "Twenty-two percent of Americans got a massage last year, 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."

Alternative Medicine Becomes Mainstream: Benefits Provided to the Masses

2010-09-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

What was previously thought of as just a luxury and pampering experience is now being called a way of life for millions of Americans, even to the point of a necessity. Massage clearly delivers the physical and mental benefits that are very easy to understand and appreciate.

“After being in physical therapy for 25 years, I recognized that many patients’ injuries were improved better and more quickly through massage therapy,” said John Marco, Founder and COO of Hand & Stone. “No longer is massage considered a luxury item, it’s now driven by those who are seeking longevity and wellness, making it a lifestyle choice above all else.”

The industry alone had over 130 million visits annually and boasted sales of $12.8 billion in 2009 and there’s not one finite person who typically gets massages; they are from every walk of life, male or female, young to old. According to the 2010 AMTA Industry Report, massage use among 18-24 year olds has risen to 48%; 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 the same time.

These staggering statistics indicate that consumers are “getting it” and they now understand that massage has positive medical implications. According to John Marco, massage does much more than just relax you. It:

• Relives Tension and Stress
• Decreases Pain
• Lowers Blood Pressure
• Increases Circulation
• Strengthens the Immune System
• Improves Recovery Time from Injuries
• Reduces Fatigue
• And a lot more…

Marco said that stress is the number one reason why consumers continually receive massages. Massage therapy relaxes the muscles which aids the body in generating more blood flow, and therefore helps to repair and regenerate muscles faster.

“What fuels the rapid growth of the industry is the direct ‘feel-good’ results that occur due to instant relaxation that each client experiences during and after a massage,” said Marco, “The treatment is so desirable for consumers because it has identifiable and measureable results, where they feel rejuvenated after an hour session.”

While the typical massage client used to have to track down a freelance Massage Therapist, schedule an appointment days in advance, and pay as much as $90 or more 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 even less per visit.

As massage becomes more and more mainstream in the health care industry, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa 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 store sales by over 14 percent during this past year, in a very tough economic environment. Marco expects to sign another 25 new franchisees to the Hand & Stone system this year, each one investing a total of around $325,000.

“Massage and facials are a great way to maintain a healthy body and healthy skin,” Marco said. “It provides an escape for many individuals, where you can take an hour or two to focus on pampering yourself while receiving long-term health benefits too.”

Hand and Stone franchisees Fred and Steve Vicario featured in the Courier Post

2010-09-22T12:00:00.001-07:00

A great article called “No-frills approach to spa pampering,” published Sunday, Sept. 15 in the Courier Post in which Fred and Steve Vicario, franchisees and regional developers of Hand & Stone, were interviewed. It discusses multiple facets of Hand & Stone including Hand & Stone’s model, the customer benefits of getting a monthly massage service, the breadth of services like waxing and facials, the growth of Hand & Stone in South Jersey, and the franchise opportunity. Check out a portion of the article below or read the full story here.

No-frills approach to spa pampering
By EILEEN SMITH • Courier-Post Staff • September 5, 2010

EVESHAM — At Hand & Stone, the spa concept has been massaged to make the price of pampering more accessible.

There are no fluffy white robes, no showers, no lounge with cucumber water and fashion magazines.

"Our clients want to come in, get a service and get on with their busy lives," says Steve Vicario, who owns the spa at Green Tree Plaza with his brother, Fred.

One in four American adults -- 24 percent -- got a massage last year, according to "American Spa Industry Insider," a trade publication.

Hand & Stone franchises grew 30 percent in 2009, capitalizing on cheap rents and other incentives offered by landlords amid a glut of vacant commercial space.

"We have been able to reduce start-up costs by as much as $100,000," says Vicario, 37. "That's part of the reason we are growing so quickly." (Read More)

How Hand & Stone Adjusted to the New Economy

2010-09-17T09:34:00.001-07:00

Bob McQuillan, Vice President of Franchise Development for Hand & Stone

Over the past two years, the state of franchising has changed quite a bit. Positively, a new report just released by the U.S. Census says that 10.5% of U.S. businesses are franchises, which indicates a large percentage of people are still continuing to turn to franchising. However, the tightened credit crisis has been the main contributor to the change in the franchising industry, but Hand & Stone is doing some innovative things to keep growing amidst a tough economy.

From the franchise level, we’ve gone back to basics. We are developing and leveraging strategic relationships in the franchise industry to help foster the growth of our business. We are turning to business coaches (franchise brokers) to help bridge the relationship with prospective franchisees, and we work very closely with them to get their clients into our system.

One of the negative effects of the economy has been the ability for a franchisee to get financed in a new business. We (the franchisor) are pulling out all the stops for franchisees – leasing arrangements, home equity loans, and 401k rollover programs are some of the ways that we are helping aid first-time business owners in the process, and thus, we’ve been fortunate to recruit a very sophisticated group of franchisees.

Additionally, Hand & Stone is experiencing a very positive effect from corporate America down-sizing, as we are seeing more qualified prospective franchisees with a very sophisticated set of skills that enables them to be a perfect fit for our type of business. As companies continue to offer early retirement packages or downsize their current workforce, companies like Hand & Stone will be a good place for them to turn to and utilize those skill sets.

Hand and Stone Featured in Philadelphia Business Journal

2010-08-23T15:38:00.000-07:00

Hand & Stone was just featured in the Philadelphia Business Journal because of its success helping franchisees save money! With the economy in a rough patch, Hand & Stone is pitching in where it can to support their franchisees. Check a portion of the story below or read the entire article here:

In a slow year, franchisors cut deals to keep growing
Philadelphia Business Journal - by Sonja Sherwood Staff Writer

With business loans still hard to come by, franchisors unwilling to sacrifice growth are making their systems more affordable to new owners by reducing franchise fees, offering incentives, providing in-house financing or scrutinizing their business model for savings that can be shared throughout the system.

Hand & Stone, a Hamilton, N.J.-based spa concept with eight locations in the Philadelphia area, saves each franchisee tens of thousands of dollars on average by negotiating favorable rent and cashback from the landlord for tenant improvements.

“A lot of landlords have got a lot more vacancy than they used to,” said Bob McQuillan, vice president for franchise development. “There’s not a lease that we’ve done that we haven’t received money back from the landlord.” (Read More)

Hand & Stone featured in The Trentoninan

2010-07-12T18:21:00.001-07:00

Hand & Stone was recently featured in The Trentoninan in Trenton, NJ about its new Hamilton location as well as CEO Todd Leff’s decision to move the franchise’s headquarters to the Hamilton area. The new spa location has been receiving tremendous traffic since its opening in early June. Leff hopes to capitalize on the demand in the area by drawing on Philadelphia’s “wealth of talent in franchising” to bolster his management team.

“It was awesome. I really enjoyed it. I’m really relaxed now,” said 25-year-old Lindsay Linderman of Bordentown after she received a 15-minute rubdown at the new Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa at the Hamilton Marketplace.

“He did exactly what I needed him to do: He relieved the tension in my back,” Linderman said of the Hand & Stone employee who gave her the soothing massage.

That man was Anton Yankelevich, 26, who became a certified massage therapist about two years ago after giving up on his unrewarding stints as a car salesman and construction worker.

“I’m doing something I enjoy,” Yankelevich, a Philadelphia resident originally from Ewing, said of his prowess as a massage therapist. “It’s kind of an art. I like muscles.”

When Yankelevich found out how pleased Linderman was with his massage, his face widened with a big grin and he said, “That feels good. Just making the world a better place.”

Yankelevich’s co-workers share the view that they make people’s lives better through the therapy they provide as massage therapists.

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Fred and Steve Vicario, Regional Developers of Hand and Stone, New Jersey

2010-06-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

Franchisees Since: February 2008

Franchise Locations: Owners of Marlton and Vorhees locations; Regional Developers of Central and South Jersey

How Fred and Steve Vicario Got Started With Hand and Stone…
Between Fred and Steve, the two brothers have extensive business experience in franchise development and small business ownership. Fred comes with a long list of experience in the franchising industry, which spans over 20 years. He got his start with Maaco, an auto body and collision center franchise, on the franchise development team, where he was responsible for helping entrepreneurs become franchisees with Maaco. While there, Fred and his wife, decided to become franchisees themselves. They bought The Goddard School, which they have been running for the past nine years in Laurel Springs, NJ. Steve owns a hardscaping business, which he has been doing for about five years.

Ready for their next adventure, Fred and Steve had discovered that the massage industry was booming and looked into their options in franchising within the industry. At first, Fred and Steve researched a competitor of Hand and Stone, but determined that the support would be better with Hand and Stone since the corporate office was virtually in their backyard. It also seemed to Fred and Steve that Hand and Stone was vested in supporting its franchisees more so than the competition.

Fred and Steve became Regional Developers for Hand and Stone…
In February 2008, Fred and Steve opened their first Hand and Stone location in Marlton, NJ. With previous experience in franchise development, they felt that they had the opportunity to build something for their futures with Hand and Stone. Only four months after opening their first location, Fred and Steve became regional developers for Hand and Stone in Central and South Jersey.

In the regional developer role, they work with potential Hand and Stone franchisees in Central and South Jersey including Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterton and Mercer to educate them on the Hand and Stone concept and walk them through the franchise process. Currently, Fred and Steve have three locations within their territory and are in the process of opening seven more this year. Despite the economy, 2010 has been the fastest-growing year in terms of sales and number of locations for Fred and Steve, and within their territory, there is potential for 20-30 more Hand and Stone locations.

This September, Fred and Steve are opening their second location as franchisees in Vorhees.