Franchsiee Profile: Beth Maynard of Exton, PA

Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I’m from Gainesville, FL, but I moved to Exton, PA eight years ago.

Q: Before Franchising, what were you involved with?
A: I worked in the privatized student housing industry for 21 years. I fell in love with that specific industry because it was always exciting, fast-paced, and interesting to see how different colleges handle the privatized student housing industry. I loved the energy and involvement with the college-aged students. It’s fun to work with students who you are providing their very first housing experience to and the parents who are dealing with letting their children go into the real world for the first time.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?
A: The only other thing I could imagine doing outside of the student housing industry was owning my own spa. However I had no idea there were franchises in the day spa segment out there. I saw this franchise opportunity with Hand & Stone was actually quite shocked. I thought it was perfect because I have no prior experience in the massage industry but Hand & Stone could teach me all I needed to know. In less than 30 days, I signed up as a franchisee.

I have literally no competition in my market and everyone I’m spoken with so far has made me believe that this concept is going to do really well. People want a place to go to and relax, but there’s really nothing in Exton that can provide that experience. This whole process is really exciting because it’s my first time as a business owner. I have loved finding a business that means something to me and taking it through the entire process of getting it up and running. I’m excited to work for myself and expand when the time is right.

Q: Why was this brand the right fit for you?
A: I had always gotten massages to help with stress so I was very interested in massage from a health benefit standpoint. That is what the corporate team is all about. I felt like Hand & Stone was a step above the competition from the look and feel of the spa to my interactions with the corporate team. I feel comfortable that I will be successful as a result of great support I will receive from them.

Q: What are your future goals? Development plans?
A: It’s my goal to own three locations; two in Pennsylvania and one in Florida.

Franchisee Profile: Bonnie Horwith of Allentown, PA

Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I’m from Walnutport, PA, just slightly north of Allentown.

Q: Before Franchising, what were you involved with?
A: I had a long career in the specific sector of gas and chemical manufacturing. For about 28 years, I was in the information technology group of a fortune 500 company. My department got outsourced in April 2010 and from there I spent some time thinking about what I wanted to do next. Initially I began looking for another job in the IT field, but the IT field had taken quit a hit in my area so there wasn’t much career potential. Upon that realization, I revisited an idea of entrepreneurship I’ve had on several occasions but had never pursued.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?
A: I began thinking of businesses I could start myself and searched the Internet for concepts that I thought fit my personality. I thought that was food but I met with a franchise consultant and after talking with him I started learning about other opportunities and that’s when I learned about Hand & Stone. I had thought about owning a spa before, so it was a natural fit.

Q: Why was this brand the right fit for you?
A: I liked everything about Hand & Stone. It’s a refreshing environment, everyone is friendly. The décor relaxes you; it’s a very soothing feeling.
Q: How do you see the brand connecting with your local community?
A: First and foremost, I see Hand & Stone being a destination for residents in Allentown to relax. We really don’t have anything like this in Allentown. That’s why I believe it’s going to be so popular. People are craving this type of service in my area. I’d also like to become involved with some local nonprofit organizations. My goal is to really become a community staple.

Q: What are your future goals? Development plans?
A: My first goal is to open and be profitable, and grow so that employment opportunities can be extended to others in the Lehigh Valley. After that happens, anything is possible.