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