How Military Experience Helps Establish a Strong Path to Success

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa currently has over 150 units in the United States and Canada with two notable locations in the greater Tampa Bay area. These two locations are unique because they are owned and operated by Debbie Gulledge, a U.S. veteran with over 15 years of military experience.

Gulledge began her career with the military while acquiring her degree in communications from Marylhurst University.  After graduating, Gulledge continued her training at the Oregon Military Academy on the weekends while simultaneously working full time.  She was then commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and was the Public Affairs Officer for the 41^st Infantry Brigade, and was made Captain before leaving the Reserves to take care of her two children. While in the Reserves, Gulledge received the Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Prior to Hand & Stone, Gulledge spent many years working in the financial services industry and even moved her way up to the Marketing Director of Western Union in 2006. When her mother passed away abruptly at the age of 70, Gulledge began to look at life differently and decided it was time for a career change. “Her passing made me take a look at life and realize that I wanted to do something that was meaningful,” said Gulledge. “I wanted to do something to give back to others.” Gulledge naturally thought of massage therapy as a her next career path and spent about a year researching different companies until deciding on Hand & Stone. “There were two reasons why I fell in love with Hand & Stone. One, it offers a massage at an affordable price,” said Gulledge. “The look is also very elegant and attractive but doesn’t come across as stuffy. Then, I found out that the franchise gives a substantial veteran discount for the franchise fee.” Gulledge opened her first Hand & Stone location in 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The spa currently has more than 30 employees and 1140 members. After much success with her first location, she decided to open a second location in April 2014 in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Gulledge is still very committed to serving the veteran community. She has partnered with the Get Fresh Product Line to donate 10 percent of the Warrior Princess product sales to the Wounded Warriors Project, and she also provides discounts to all veterans who sign up for the Healthy Lifestyles Program at Hand & Stone. Gulledge’s Hand & Stone locations are located at 13129 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Suite E, Tampa FL 33618 and 1664 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543. For more information, visit www.handandstone.com