A Hands-Down Winner: Hand and Stone Massage Spa Embraces America’s Love Affair with Affordable Therapeutic Massage Services

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John Marco’s entrepreneurial career began when he was only seven years old with a lemonade stand in front of his home. Every kid has at least one lemonade stand, but that’s where Marco was different. When sales were brisk, he wasn’t thinking that he needed to make more lemonade; he was thinking that he needed more locations.

“Except my CEO mom said I couldn’t open another one any further than 50 feet from our front door. So I took some notes and planned for my next venture,” Marco laughed, recalling his first attempt at multi-unit operations. Marco must have scribbled some insightful notes, because 44 years later the 51-year-old Marco has embarked on another business venture with the opportunity for spectacular growth. But this time the boundaries don’t end at his parents’ property line.

Marco is the founder and CEO of Hand and Stone Massage Spa, a franchised spa concept that offers convenient, affordable, top-quality massage services. Hand and Stone Massage Spa offers consumers flexible hours, low introductory pricing and low-cost membership programs with incentives for repeat business. The locations themselves augment the experience, with relaxing stone waterfalls, subdued lighting and comfortable, contemporary furnishings. Introductory prices for first-time visitors start at $39.95 for a full-body therapeutic Relaxation Massage. The first Hand and Stone Massage Spa opened in Toms River, New Jersey in November 2004, followed one year later by a location in Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey. Read more.