Hand & Stone Featured in Burlington County Times

Hand & Stone was recently featured in an article called “New Hands-On Career” in the Burlington County Times. It discusses Kathleen’s entrepreneurial story, then moves to the Vicarios having a location in Burlington County as well and being integral in helping Kathleen get her location up and running and then progresses to quoting Todd about why the business works. The article also uses statistics from the AMA to make a claim that this is an industry that is booming. Check out a portion of the story below or read the full article here.

New hands-on career

Kathleen Edwards has already had two fulfilling careers: first as banker and then as teacher.

Now Edwards, a Mullica Hill resident, has started a third career with the purchase of a Hand & Stone franchise.

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa is a New Jersey-based company that focuses on the health-care benefits of massage and skin care.

"The franchise is popular and it was a perfect fit for me," said the new entrepreneur who opened the Hand & Stone at the Hartford Corners shopping center on Route 130 in Delran earlier this month. It is the second such outlet in the county. There are 12 either open or planned in New Jersey. (Read More)

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

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)

Hand & Stone Featured in the Morning Call

The Morning Call just recently published a story about Hand & Stone’s expansion plans for Lehigh Valley, PA. Regional developer, Greg Shishko, spoke to reporter, Tyrone Richardson, about Hand & Stone’s plans for the market where Hand & Stone expects to open 4-6 locations over the next several years. A portion of the story is posted below and it can be read in its entirety by clicking here.

Retail Watch Scanning the Storefronts

... The affordable real estate also is fueling Hand and Stone's desire to open its first Valley location within the next six months, said Greg Shishko, one of the chain's regional developers.

The massage and facial spa chain started several years ago in New Jersey, and since blossomed to about 35 stores, including four in the Philadelphia area.

(Read More)

Franchisee Spotlight: Greg Shishko, Regional Developer of Pennsylvania and Deleware

Franchisee Since: 2008
Franchise Location: Kennett Sq, PA; Regional Developer for Pennsylvania and Delaware


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With recessions come obstacles, and opportunities. Such was the case for Greg Shishko, Hand & Stone’s Regional Developer for Pennsylvania and Delaware. Greg had a long career, 30 years in fact, in the banking industry. He served as Chief Financial Officer of multiple businesses with several different corporations, most recently serving as CFO of Bank of America’s U.S. Credit Card and Consumer Lending businesses. Then, in 2007, we hit a bump, the economy went south and so did the banking industry, but, Greg was ready for the challenge the new economic environment presented. He looked forward to working for himself and not being involved in the corporate rat race any longer. He began searching out independent business opportunities such as car washes or laundromats, but nothing seemed to be just right until he was introduced to the booming industry of health and wellness and a fresh concept to the Pennsylvania and Delaware region called Hand & Stone.

In 2008, Greg was on his way to his next career adventure, signing on as Hand & Stone’s Regional Developer for Pennsylvania and Delaware. He would be responsible for introducing franchise prospects to Hand & Stone in his regions. First, he opened his own location in Kennett Square, PA to build up Hand & Stone’s brand awareness and introduce consumers to a completely new spa experience – one that was easily accessible and more affordable than typical day spas. This year, his own spa is experiencing a 50% sales increase over last year!

In addition to Greg’s Kennett Square spa, and the second Hand & Stone spa which opened in Glen Mills in Dec 2009, two more Hand & Stone locations will open in: Broomall, PA, and Doylestown, PA in early September.

What Intrigued Greg Shishko about Hand & Stone…

Greg was attracted by the growth in the popularity of massage across all age groups, and the increasing recognition of the benefits of massage by the medical and insurance communities. Greg also valued the flexibility that the Hand & Stone corporate team gave to its franchisees and Regional Developers. The corporate team welcomes franchisees input; in fact many of the franchisees suggestions have been incorporated into the business. Also, Hand & Stone is based almost immediately in Greg’s backyard, which makes it convenient for him to quickly and easily communicate with the corporate team and simplifies travel and training for franchisees.

On the consumer side, Greg was impressed by the abundance of services offered at Hand & Stone. The competition only offers massage, but Hand & Stone takes it two steps further with facial treatments and waxing services. The franchise also looks to expand their service line when it makes sense.

Community Involvement…

Greg recognizes that the best way to gain clientele is by being committed to the local community and he is! Greg and his team sponsor local high school sports teams, participate in community events like the town’s festivals and concert events, and donate generously to local charities. His location also offers classes at the spa in massage and aesthetics for the Chester County Night School and provides internship opportunities through Pathstones, a private, not-for-profit regional community development and human service organization providing services to farm workers and low-income families; and the list goes on and on.

Something Interesting About Greg Shishko’s Story…

Greg is married and has four college-aged children. All of his children are attending or have attended Penn State. His two oldest work at Bank of America, following in their father’s footsteps – for now. His 18 year old son and 20-year-old daughter are still in school, and his daughter is managing his spa in Kennett Square while majoring in communication and working toward graduation in December.

Where specifically did Greg Shishko learn about Hand & Stone?

When Greg was looking for independent business opportunities, he looked into a variety of different concepts. As part of his search, he began working with a franchise broker who introduced him to Massage Heights at first. He had actually attended Massage Height’s discovery day, but while there, his wife convinced him to call John Marco, founder of Hand & Stone. Because Hand & Stone seemed more flexible with its franchisees and was located closer to him, he went with Hand & Stone.

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

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

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.”