Franchisee Profile: Julie and Brian Bulatovic of Denver, CO

Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I’m originally from the Colorado and grew up between, Denver and the Vail Valley. My husband Brian is from Fort Collins.

Q: Before Franchising, what were you involved with?
A: I’m wrapping up a long career, 20 years, in the real estate development/construction industry. I did everything from leasing properties, assist in designing office buildings and tenant suites, hiring architects, contractors and working with attorneys and lenders. As a part of my leasing services I helped recruit physicians to join the staff at hospitals and help with tenancy in our buildings. My job has taken me all over the country.

Brian owns a development and construction consulting business in Denver. He founded his company three years ago, and has been working in construction since the age of 16.
Q: How did you learn about the brand?
A: After becoming a mom, I have realized that a work / life balance is more important than ever. With two young boys and a husband it became too challenging getting on a plane every week. It was not the best option for my family. I want to contribute in the working world and be present for my family. As a result of looking to find this better balance, I began looking at what my next step could be. Brian and I looked into franchising for four years and several different business models. We found that we wanted to become franchisees with a brand that was up and coming and had great growth potential. That led us to Hand & Stone in January of 2011. I loved the business model – a fresh concept and a fantastic leadership group through the corporate office. We wanted to be a part of stable business with tremendous growth potential. We signed an agreement for two locations and anticipate opening more spas after that as well.

Q: Why was this brand the right fit for you?
A: The business model is solid and the leadership team is going to grow the business at a steady yet strong pace. I love the fact that we can help build the Hand & Stone brand in Colorado. Our stores will be the second and third locations in Colorado. I’m most excited to help people realize the health benefits of massage, facials and waxing and be able to afford it on a consistent, monthly basis.

Hand and Stone featured in Denver Daily News

Hand and Stone was recently featured in the Denver Daily News. The article, entitled "Town Talk," talks about Hand & Stone’s tax day deal. This deal will help relieve people of their tax stresses! Click here to view the full article!

Town Talk
Denver Daily News staff report

Benny’s Restaurant & Tequila Bar: If you are looking for great Mexican food and a delicious margarita then check out Benny’s Restaurant and Tequila Bar, located at 301 E. 7th Ave.
It’s simple Ń the food is great, the drinks are great and so is their friendly staff.
Stop in today!

College Inn is the friendliest place in town!
Check out this local neighborhood bar located at 4400 E. 8th Ave.
Tonight from 5-10 p.m. check out Monday Burger Madness where you can get a burger, cheese and chips for just $5.
Wash that down with a cold one and it’s the perfect Monday night!

(Read More)

Hand & Stone Expands Skin Care Service and Products with Dermalogica

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

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 & Stone featured in Highlands Ranch Herald

An article called “Holiday shoppers seek stress relief,” ran in the Highlands Ranch Herald, and published Dec. 23. This article references Hand & Stone in Highlands Ranch as somewhere to go to relax after all that holiday shopping! Erik Bostrom was quoted in the article telling readers why many holiday shoppers pit stop at Hand & Stone - to get a break and some relaxation amidst all the crazy holiday shopping. View the full article here.

Holiday shoppers seek stress relief
By Chris Michlewicz

Traffic congestion. Long lines. Aching feet. They are the signatures of holiday shopping. But there is relief from the hustle and bustle if you know where to look.

With the shopping season starting earlier every year, there is little wonder why consumers tend to run out of steam by the time Christmas hits. Most people are ready to relax with a movie or curl up with a good book. However, those who become stir crazy during holiday breaks have options right in their own backyard that can melt the stress away.

Many find relief in working out, particularly yoga classes, which offer a period of silence and decompression. Moms and dads have the chance to escape the excited sounds of children on school break or the expectation to assemble toys. Recreation centers operated by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, South Suburban Parks and Recreation District, as well as public fitness facilities in Parker and Castle Rock, offer yoga classes on a regular basis.

The sessions can be therapeutic and great for the well-being of both mind and body. Some classes focus on using yoga as a tool for reducing pain, fatigue, stiffness and stress.
Some find spa treatments as a source of comfort during the stressful holiday shopping season. Whether it is someone who desires relaxation after hosting a large family dinner or out-of-town guests, a deep-tissue massage or facial can be just the answer.

“It’s a perfect way for people to get ‘me’ time,” said Erik Bostrom, owner of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Highlands Ranch. “They feel more effective in other areas of their life, whether it’s as an employee, boss, mother or father. They leave with a different mind set.”

(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)

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."