Regional Director of Colorado, Erik Bostrom

Franchisee Since: December 2008
Franchise Location: 2030A East County Line Road, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

How Erik Bostrom Got Started With Hand and Stone…

At only 30 years old, Erik Bostrom is a veteran of the franchising industry by association. His father is a 20-year industry veteran who is a master franchisee for Coverall. Growing up, Bostrom learned the ins and outs of franchising and at the fresh age of 28, Bostrom decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, but with a new, young concept in an evolving industry. Bostrom has become the Regional Developer for Hand & Stone, a 30-unit massage and facial spa franchise.

Prior to stepping into the franchising world, Bostrom received a degree in Computer Science from Montana State University. He then went to work for Hewlett Packard in product development while obtaining his MBA at the University of Denver. While at HP for eight years, Bostrom acquired the knowledge necessary to run his own business. In December 2008, Bostrom opened the first Hand & Stone in Colorado in Highlands Ranch. As the Regional Developer for the area, he is also responsible for expanding Hand and Stone throughout the state.

What intrigued Erik Bostrom about Hand and Stone…

Erik was attracted to Hand and Stone for many reasons including the evolving industry, which is now focusing much more on middle America than even 10 years ago, the breadth of services offered at Hand and Stone, making it the first complete spa in the area, and the ability to interact with clients on a daily basis and learn about client needs and to provide relief and relaxation.

Something Interesting About Erik Bostrom’s Story…

Erik Bostrom is the Regional Developer of Hand and Stone Colorado. He is responsible for working with potential franchisees to help them become acquainted with Hand and Stone and walk them through the process of opening their own Hand and Stone location in the state.

June 2010 eNews: Letter from the Owner

Welcome to another edition of the Hand & Stone Highlands Ranch eNewsletter. This month I’d like to remind all our clients of the availability part of our value proposition. One of the things that I appreciate about Hand & Stone is that we are here when our clients need us, not the other way around. I’m often shocked that some of our members don’t know that we are open until 10 PM on the weekdays and open 7 days a week. In addition the only holidays which we close the spa are Easter, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. While we are unable to accommodate every appointment request we do accommodate over 95% of our client requests for appointments. So remember next time you need an affordable escape, give us a call, we are here for you 90 hours a week and 362 days a year.

Sincerely,

Erik Bostrom
Spa Owner & Colorado Regional Developer

June 2010 eNews: Massage & Your Wellness

Massage & Your Wellness

By: Wade Rivas

Massage therapy has been utilized as a therapeutic measure for generations and of different cultures around the world. Even though distinct types of massage techniques are designed to target specific areas to promote natural healing processes, you can find some distinctive rewards that you can get from regular massage. Physical positive aspects range from improved circulation and flexibility in tense muscles, as well as lower tension levels. Mental benefits include a calm mind, increased awareness, better focus and concentration, as well as elevated alertness. Aside from those physical and mental benefits mentioned, here are the other health benefits that you can get from massage.

Promotes deeper breathing. Deep breathing is very important to ensure that oxygen circulates easily throughout your body, thus promotes healing in the process. Decreased oxygen circulation results in headaches, tension aches and muscle pain. By enhancing your oxygen intake, you will naturally promote the release of toxins and negative energy within your body.

Improves posture. Although massage should not be used as a replacement for a chiropractic diagnosis, posture can slowly and normally improve as the spine and muscles around the spine become more flexible and supple. Improved posture also aids in breathing and lessen the tension throughout the body.

Improves blood circulation. An improvement in both blood and lymph circulation helps your system gain strength and maximizes your power level. Massage can assist in removing toxins inside blood and encourage fresh energy to circulate fast. Efficient circulation also assists in muscle recovery and growth, as well as promotes the normal healing process.

Enhances skin tone and skin wellness. High-quality oils and creams used by massage therapists can significantly improve the tone and wellness of your skin for just a few massage sessions. Skin cells are revitalized, moisturized and replenished naturally. Choose Vitamin E and organic grape seed oil bases for maximum positive aspects.

Increases and promotes joint flexibility. Recurring state of anxiety or overused joints can stunt growth and create problems later. Massage helps to relieve stored tension and encourages flexibility of the joints after rest. Any soreness experienced soon after a massage is usually an indication that these are tension spots for you and focusing on these areas on your next massage will boost joint recovery. You will discover even some special oil formulations to target joints, so do check with your massage therapist beforehand to discuss some options.

So, if you feel those muscles aching, [visit one of our] reputable massage therapists, sit back, relax and enjoy the benefits a soothing massage can give you.

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We've endeavored to make Hand & Stone an escape, a place where people can feel better whether they have minor aches and pains, or a mind that has been stretched to its limit.

Out staff's experience is unrivaled. They know how to put your body at ease, while creating an environment that recharges the mind as well. And at a price that accommodates any budget!

Call us today at 303-586-5700 to book your Relaxation, Signature Hot Stone or Specialty Massage.

June 2010 eNews: Benefits of Getting a Facial

Benefits of Getting a Facial

By: Deborah Schwabe

When was the last time you treated yourself to a spa facial? A facial is a great way to treat your skin. Getting facials will help you achieve a clear complexion and a nice glow.

A facial can offer many benefits. The face is always subject to the elements such as the sun, maybe smoke or an improper at home regime. Facials offer you the opportunity to work with a professional skin care specialist who will analyze your skin, help you improve your complexion and show you how to take proper care of your skin.

A facial can give you a deep cleansing, deeper than the cleansing you will get at home. A facial includes cleansing as well as exfoliation which can help to unclog your pores. Extracting open comedones will also help rid the skin of acne. Your [esthetician] will help soften the skin with steam, hot moist towels, and enzymes or other exfoliants.

An esthetician will choose the ingredients to help your skin type. The esthetician may choose a mask to detoxify your skin or hydrate your skin. By getting a proper analysis you will not only learn your skin type, but an esthetician will be able to create a facial experience that addresses your skin’s needs.

A facial helps increase circulation and stimulates the skin. It can also help slow down premature aging by custom-targeting your skin care. Facials are a great preventative treatment to help you beat wrinkles before they occur. Keeping your skin hydrated will help keep the skin moist and stop dehydration.

A facial may help you understand the proper skin care products for your skin. Most people are using the wrong products for their skin type; this causes the skin to become sensitized. A good esthetician will work with you to create a home care regime that will be both easy to use and work with your individual skin type. Skin type is determined by pore size, tone, and texture. It is also determined by oil production, called sebum.

Most importantly a facial will relax you. [Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa] offers a serene environment that encourages stress reduction. Facials not only help your skin, but can be soothing. When you are comfortable with your skin, that confidence comes through in a natural glow. Many people have never experienced a facial. A facial makes a great gift for someone you love. Facials are great for both men and women, and a facial is a great introduction to skin care for a teenager.

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Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa offers many types of Facial Services starting at just $49.95 for members and $79.95 for non-members. We also offer exceptional facial add-ons such as Salicylic Peels, Glycolic Peels, Eye Treatment and Lip Treatment.

Call us at 303-586-5700 to schedule your facial appointment.

May 2010 eNews: Letter from the Owner

Welcome to the first edition of the Hand & Stone, Highlands Ranch e-newsletter. We are happy to have you as a member of the Hand & Stone family and hope that you find this newsletter both entertaining and informative.

When I decided to go into business for myself, I was very excited about joining the Hand & Stone franchise team. I am still very happy with this decision and I believe in the years to come Hand & Stone will be the premier provider of convenient and affordable spa services throughout Colorado. However, one of the drawbacks to being a part of a national franchise brand is that we sometimes lose the identity of being local business owners and members of the community. My wife, Lauren, and I have called Highlands Ranch our home now for five years and absolutely love it. Both of us are originally from the Midwest, but now just can't see ourselves living anywhere else. We find that Highlands Ranch provides many of the benefits of the suburbs while also providing easy access to big city amenities and all of the wonderful outdoor activities that we enjoy in Colorado.

I also feel quite fortunate to be in a wonderful industry, where I have the opportunity to help people on a daily basis. I love the time that I get to spend in the spa interacting with our clients, getting to know them and making them feel welcome in our home away from home. Unfortunately the obligations of family life and running a business don't always allow me to spend as much time interacting with our clients as I would like, due to this it's always a treat when I have the opportunity to meet new clients. Next time you're in the spa experiencing one of our wonderful services please take a moment and say hello. I appreciate each and every one of you and the trust that you place in us.

We also believe that as business owners we have a responsibility to be an active part of the community that we live in. I commend the Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce to providing opportunities to local business owners to be active in their community. I have the privilege of serving this year as chairman for the chamber's annual Turkey Day 5k family run/walk benefitting the Colorado National Guard foundation. It's a great way to start your holiday off and I highly encourage you to consider participating this year and benefiting a fantastic cause!

Here's to a wonderful spring and the coming warmer weather.
Sincerely,
Erik Bostrom
Owner & Manager
Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

May 2010 eNews: Quick Tip for May

Quick Tip for May

Fight Aging with Peptides
Are you looking to tone and tighten sagging skin? Look for peptides in your products they are the essential building blocks necessary to tone and tighten sagging skin. Hand & Stone offers effective peptide serum in it's Clarity product line. Get Fit Multi-Peptide Serum can help spring your skin in to shape! With this product:

• Tests have shown a reduction of wrinkles by up to 50% in just 28 days


• Peptides are essential building blocks to tighten and tone skin


• Also contrains Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and plump the skin resulting in a youthful glow


• Helps to smooth skin's texture making skin feel soft and supple

Drop in to speak with one of our Estheticians to learn more about this product.

May 2010 eNews: Microdemabrasion Benefits

Microdermabrasion Benefits

A Lunchtime Treatment
Hand and Stone Massage & Facial Spa now offers Microdermabrasion. This treatment grazes the skin, removing the dead or redundant cell tissue with little trauma, but with high precision which had previously been unattainable with other techniques. The treatment offers more control over the grazing procedure, many times more than a chemical peel.

Microdermabrasion is of benefit for:

• Aging Skin


• Fine lines


• Wrinkles


• Brown spots/pigmentation


• Acne Skin


• Acne scars


• Congested skin


• Enlarged pores


• Blemished Skin


• Devitalized Skin


• Dull Skin


• Thickened skin

Moreover, microdermabrasion treatment has proven benefits to offer for the treatment of acne scars that are not very deep. These can be removed with microdermabrasion, although with more sessions than usual, of the microdermabrasion procedure and increasing the rate of the flow of crystals to abrade the skin slightly more than usual. The procedure is almost risk free with only some minor side effects.

Microdermabrasion treatment at Hand and Stone starts at only $79.95.

Call us at 303-586-5700 to book your appointment today!