Hand & Stone’s Flexible and People-Centric Business Model Appeals to Families and Married Franchisee Duos

Since its founding in 2004, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa has delivered on its commitment to provide affordable spa and facial services to patrons in markets across the nation, all at an accessible price point. The leading massage and facial spa franchise has expanded from 28 locations to more than 450 in just 10 years through an industry-leading franchise opportunity, stellar support and diversified offerings. The people-centric brand has continued to appeal to families, including married franchise partners.

“At Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, we have a large number of married teams who are thrilled to involve their families in the business,” said Vice President of Franchise Development Bob McQuillan. “As a co-owner of two Hand & Stone spas with my wife, I can speak on the subject from both a personal and business level. The people who work in health and wellness, specifically Hand & Stone, are naturally kind and customer service-oriented which creates an incredible, family-friendly work environment. There is nothing better than bringing in my daughters to work and both the customers and the staff are so friendly and positive that I am happy to have my family around.”

According to McQuillan, Hand & Stone’s family-oriented approach starts at the very top, with many of the corporate team members doubling as franchisees. This creates an internal business family where franchisee candidates feel comfortable investing in the company and involving their own families.

“Every time I speak to a married franchise team, one or both of them have come from a corporate background,” said McQuillan. “Hand & Stone offers a new challenge for franchisees who are tired of the corporate lifestyle and are eager for an opportunity to spend more time with the family.”

The North Carolina-based husband-and-wife duo Eric and Christiana Anthony signed on with the leading massage and facial concept in 2009 and have subsequently opened a spa in Winston-Salem in 2011, then a Fayetteville location in 2015, a Southern Pines location in 2016, Concord in 2017 and Apex in 2018. Their Greensboro and Winston-Salem locations are some of the brand’s highest grossing.

The Anthonys were able to take Hand & Stone’s family-oriented business and use it to give back to their community, raising over $70,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of America. “Hand & Stone is such a positive environment—and as a business, Hand & Stone enriches lives. It makes people feel good to get a relaxing massage and facial on a monthly basis,” Christina Anthony explained. “It’s such a great brand and business model and that’s what gave us the opportunity to be successful and give back.”

Chris and Susan Jewell are Hand & Stone franchisees in the Charlotte, North Carolina neighborhood of Steele Creek who were drawn to the brand’s focus on ancillary services such as facials and wax-free hair removal and the diverse revenue streams that the business promotes.

“Massages will always be the backbone of Hand & Stone’s offering, of course, but we see a lot of growth potential and opportunity on the facial side of the business,” said Susan Jewell. “It’s so interesting and exciting to work with estheticians and be part of a company that offers services that help people feel good and be confident in themselves.”

Owners of the San Antonio Hand & Stone location, Leah and Danny Kilpatrick, specifically decided on the spa concept after leaving their respective jobs to find an opportunity that would allow them to spend more time together. Since signing on in 2015, the couple could not be happier, both personally and professionally.

“When we decided to open a business, we just wanted to find something we could do together,” Leah Kilpatrick said. “We never dreamed that we would find something that we enjoyed so much on a personal level, but that’s what we got with Hand & Stone.”

For many franchisee couples like the Jewells or Kilpatricks, the Hand & Stone opportunity provides the perfect chance for both partners to pinpoint their individual strengths and apply them to the robust business opportunity.

“Whereas my wife is more focused on the operational end, I am stronger with marketing and sales,” said McQuillan. “Hand & Stone offers a multitude of business facets for franchisees, letting couples work together to build a future for their family.”

As more and more franchisees reach new levels of success, it is clear that the Hand & Stone business model, family-oriented atmosphere and flexible opportunity are perfect for spouses looking to succeed together in business.