therapeutic massage and facial services

Master Franchisees Open 11^th Location in Canada as the Sibling Duo Continues to Expand Throughout Canada. 

CALGARY, AB — Massage Heights, a leading massage and wellness franchise, announces further expansion into the Canadian market with the opening of its 11^th retreat in the country. The retreat is located at 70 Shawville Blvd SE, Unit 248 in Calgary, and officially opened their doors on Friday, September 1. Massage Heights Alberta will provide an elevated experience for those in the Calgary community through offerings.

Leading the charge of Massage Heights’ growth in Canada are master franchisees, Will and Zach Carter. The brothers began their journey with the brand when their father became one of the originals investors in Massage Heights Canada. After years of running the business, their father asked them to join and eventually take over the entrepreneurial venture. The brothers, having a sink or swim mentality, dove in headfirst and now are opening their first Massage Heights location since they took over the portfolio.

“At my core, and the core of our business, is helping people and we are able to do that every single day at our Retreats,” said Will Carter. “This is our family’s legacy – and Massage Heights provided us with the foundation and tools to bring wellness to Canada. As we open this new location, I can’t wait to see how this type of therapeutic relief makes a positive impact on our community members.”

Having learned invaluable lessons from their entrepreneurial-minded parents, the brothers have set out to continue to grow their family’s legacy across Canada. An instrumental tool in their success with the brand is the highly skilled team they have built who all align with the Carter’s core values, as well as those of Massage Heights.

To celebrate, the brothers will be hosting a grand opening event at the end of September. Leading up to their formal grand opening, the Carters will also offer a special membership promotion throughout September where each new member will be entered into a weekly drawing to receive an upgraded membership.

“International growth will continue to play a key role in our overall franchise development strategy as we look toward our next era of success,” said Susan Boresow, President & CEO of Massage Heights. “The Carter family have been ideal franchise partners, embodying a deep passion and unwavering commitment to health and wellness.  We are thrilled to have them spearheading our expansion in Canada and look forward to seeing them elevate the lives of more community members through massage therapy.”

Company leadership has identified Canada as a target growth market in addition to the various U.S. territories currently available. As the multi-billion-dollar industry remains primed for increased growth, Massage Heights offers a turnkey business opportunity backed by unmatched support.

Massage Heights is currently seeking single and multi-unit operators to join its growing brand. To learn about Massage Heights franchise opportunities, visit https://www.massageheightsfranchise.com/.

Mechanical Engineer Turned Franchisee to Open Wellness Retreat in Southlake. 

DALLAS — Massage Heights, a leading massage and wellness franchise, announces a signed franchise agreement in the Dallas market, further growing in the brand’s home state. The location will provide an elevated experience to those in the Southlake community who are seeking personalized wellness treatment options. The retreat is located at 100 W Southlake Blvd Suite 175.

Behind the new agreement is Texas native and first-time franchisee, James Crawford. Crawford spent nearly a decade as a mechanical engineer and also started his own real estate business. Despite finding success in these avenues, Crawford hit a roadblock after facing several injuries and surgeries which forced him to slow down his workaholic lifestyle. He found that massage therapy helped with pain relief and inspired him to pursue a new career venture. Coupled with his interest in becoming a business owner and seeking out improved mental and physical health, Massage Heights was the answer he was looking for.

“When life presented me with unforeseen challenges, I saw an opportunity for transformation,” said Crawford. “In determining what would be next as I looked at new business endeavors, I discovered profound potential with Massage Heights. Prioritizing health and wellness is near to my heart, and I’m excited to create an oasis in the Southlake community where people can receive therapeutic relief in a relaxing environment.”

Having learned invaluable lessons from his time working in corporate America, Crawford has set out to foster a team-based, culturally-driven atmosphere. In Crawford’s eyes, the individuals working with him are not just employees. He highly values their professional development and is committed to equipping them with all the necessary tools to have successful careers. Crawford is eager to display his unwavering commitment to the overall health and happiness of those within the organization.

The 2023 Franchising Outlook report from the International Franchise Association reveals that Texas is one of the top states for franchise development, and outpaces all other states in terms of job expansion. The IFA also projected that service-based industries will witness higher growth than other industries with beauty, fitness, health and wellness concepts ranking high on this list. With the industry primed for increased growth, Massage Heights has identified target markets and has vast whitespace available nationwide.

“We are immensely proud to witness Massage Heights’ continued growth, especially within our cherished home state,” said Susan Boresow, President & CEO of Massage Heights. “James is an ideal franchise partner, embodying a deep passion and unwavering commitment to health and wellness. The success and careers of our massage and skin care therapists are equally important to our brand’s growth, and his determination to build an impactful team is inspiring to our leadership team and other franchisees. We are thrilled to have him as an integral part of our expansion in Texas.”

Massage Heights is currently seeking single and multi-unit operators to join its growing brand. To learn about Massage Heights franchise opportunities, visit https://www.massageheightsfranchise.com/.

Experienced Massage Therapist Transitions to Business Ownership with Leading Massage and Facial Franchise. 

SARASOTA, Fla. — Massage Heights, a leading massage and wellness franchise, announces the grand opening of its newest location in Sarasota, FL. The new Retreat, located at 4948 South Tamiami Trail, will celebrate its opening with an event on Wednesday, June 28 from 2 – 6 p.m. With sights set on achieving another record-breaking year, the brand continues to increase its presence to offer more guests massage therapy and facial treatment options.

Behind the Sarasota Retreat is Kaitlyn Innes, a certified massage therapist with more than two decades of experience. When Innes and her husband were looking for a new business endeavor, a massage franchise concept was top of mind.

“Having worked for Massage Heights, I already knew the brand had a strong business model and exceptional service from a consumer and franchisee standpoint,” shared Innes. “Massage is what I know, live and breathe, so I couldn’t be more excited to fully dive into the industry. Having massage therapy experience allows me to better understand the needs of our Retreat’s therapists and guests. I look forward to playing a key role in my community and serving as a place where Sarasota residents and visitors feel supported in leading healthier lives.”

The local Chamber of Commerce will be present for the grand opening event, with a formal ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in raffles and giveaways to win prizes such as facials, massages, wellness products and a 6-month membership. All proceeds from the raffle will directly support the Denis V. Cooper Foundation, a local non-profit dedicated to supporting military Veterans diagnosed with a terminal illness or returning from service as well as their families.

“It is a testament to our brand when we have someone who worked for us on a local level return to become a franchisee,” said Susan Boresow, President & CEO of Massage Heights. “When we have someone like Kaitlyn, who has a raw passion for the industry, we know they will be a strong, successful partner as we look toward the next era of growth. Consumers continue to seek out therapeutic services, and we will continue to meet their needs and open additional locations to do so.”

With Florida being one of the top states for franchise growth, and the southeast being the top region for franchising, the innovative brand continues to expand its footprint in key DMAs. As the multi-billion-dollar industry remains primed for increased growth, Massage Heights offers a turnkey business opportunity backed by unmatched support. Company leadership has identified target growth markets and has prime territories available nationwide.

Leading Massage and Facial Franchise Expands Footprint in Midwest as Demand for Holistic Care Rises.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Massage Heights, a leading massage and wellness franchise, signed a franchise agreement in the Cleveland market, offering resort-quality massage, skincare and wellness services. Already open for business at 18240 Royalton Road in Strongsville, this is the third retreat within the state.

Behind the franchise agreement is Kim Higgins, who previously served as a Franchise Business Consultant for Massage Heights Franchising for six years at the brand’s headquarters in Texas. After making the transition from consultant to franchisee, she’s now serving the Midwest market. Having two decades of experience working in the beauty industry and the experience of supporting franchisees in her operations role, Higgins will capitalize on her industry knowledge to create an elevated member experience and a strong culture for her 20+ massage and skin care therapists.

“I’ve always had a passion for the wellness and beauty industry, which is what drew me to the operations role at Massage Heights Franchising back in 2018,” Higgins said. “I have had the privilege to work with so many Massage Heights franchisees over the years and supporting and guiding them through their journey in business ownership felt like the perfect next step for me.”

According to the 2023 Franchising Outlook report by the International Franchise Association, service-based industries will witness higher growth than other industries with beauty, fitness, health and wellness concepts ranking high on this list. With the industry primed for increased growth, Massage Heights has identified target markets and has vast whitespace available nationwide.

“Having been a consultant for our franchisees for many years, Kim knows exactly how to best support members, massage therapists, and skin care therapists,” said CEO & President Susan Boresow. “With her passion, expertise, and drive to provide personalized, therapeutic experiences, we know that the community will greatly benefit from her retreat.”

Massage Heights is currently seeking single and multi-unit operators to join its growing brand. To learn about Massage Heights franchise opportunities, visit https://www.massageheightsfranchise.com/.

Leading Massage & Facial Franchise Taps into Innovation and Broadens its Service Offerings.

SAN ANTONIO — As the wants and needs of consumers change over time, Massage Heights responds with service innovation and evolution. The North American spa franchise brand has announced the launch of its new facial service, LED Light Therapy, available at select Retreats nationwide. Partnering with LightStim and their FDA Cleared technology, the newest service features two treatments designed to reduce wrinkles and treat acne and its inflammation.

Non-invasive, painless and no recovery or downtime required, this treatment is made up of LED (Light Emitting Diode) wavelengths that are represented by two colors that offer various therapeutic benefits. The LED Light Therapy will serve as an add-on option to the brand’s existing personalized facials. It also joins a robust list of other available add-ons to facial services such as the HydraFacial, microdermabrasion, skin refinement, skin purifying and more.

“Coming off a successful 2022 with record-breaking revenue and Average Unit Volume and more than 1.4 million services, we are continuing to build off this momentum with added services,” said Susan Boresow, CEO and President of Massage Heights. “The LED Light Therapy treatments are the perfect complement to our facial offerings as wellness and self-care remain a priority for our guests. When considering our first service launch in years, we knew it had to be something that would truly benefit our guest’s skincare and wellness, and LED Light Therapy was an easy choice. Further innovation of products and services will continue to be key in our brand maintaining the strong trajectory we are on.”

Selection on treatment mode for each LED Light Therapy add-on is dependent on a guest’s specific skin care needs. Wrinkle mode softens the look of lines and visible pores, encourages a more vibrant and youthful appearance, tones and refines skin texture and stimulates the skin’s natural ability to counteract signs of aging. Benefits of the acne mode include calming existing breakouts, reducing redness, destroying acne-causing bacteria, helping to restore balance of healthy skin and does not utilize harsh chemicals or medication.

While widely known for its elevated massage services, Massage Heights has placed an increased focus on skincare in recent years to reflect the increased consumer demand. High-tech treatments such as LED light therapy are in high demand, as they address both anti-aging and acne concerns, and the service is gentle with no downtime. As more consumers prioritize self-care and skincare, meeting guests where they are needed remains a top priority for Massage Heights.

“Adding LED Light Therapy to our personalized facials provides guests with results-driven treatment through a relaxing experience,” said Jennifer Fredette, Director of Skin Care Services, “Since the treatment is customizable for each guest – we can help them correct concerns from acne and inflammation, or anti-aging benefits such as luminous and firmer-looking skin. LED Light Therapy can be added to monthly facials, or our skin therapists can create a treatment plan with more frequent facials to help correct specific concerns.”

For more information about LED Light Therapy and how to book an appointment, visit: https://www.massageheights.com/elevations/led-light-therapy/.

To learn more about Massage Heights visit www.massageheights.com and connect with their social media pages: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Skilled Marketer Rejoins Massage, Skincare & Wellness Franchise to Build on Brand Rejuvenation.

SAN ANTONIO — As Massage Heights experiences record-breaking revenues, peak company Average Unit Volume (AUV) and introduces innovative new services, the flourishing brand’s marketing efforts will now be led by Ashley Schuetz, who was recently named as Chief Marketing Officer.

Schuetz formerly served with Massage Heights from 2012 to 2020 in the roles of Field Marketing Manager, Director of Marketing and Vice President of Marketing. While at Massage Heights, Schuetz also led the business development of The Gents Place, a membership-based men’s grooming and lifestyle club. Schuetz makes her comeback to Massage Heights following two years of honing her marketing skills as the VP of Marketing at the private-equity owned healthcare company BlueSprig, where she worked to make a positive impact on children with autism.

Marketers are Brand Leaders
Massage Heights President & CEO Susan Boresow said Schuetz’s deep understanding and appreciation of the franchising model, her empathy for franchisees and team members, and her acumen around modern, innovative marketing approaches made her the ideal fit to lead Massage Height’s marketing strategies.

“As someone who has spent the majority of my career in franchising and many marketing roles, I’m a firm believer some of the best brand leaders sit in the marketing seats,” Boresow said. “That’s because they have a deep understanding and appreciation of the customer journey. That is Ashley to a tee. With her obvious familiarity of our brand and appreciation of our Culture of Care, we’ve already seen her jump right in to helping our brand story be shared across various mediums with a new focused energy.”

Back & Better than Ever
Schuetz noted some of her broader initial goals are to help maintain consistent record-breaking revenue increases, uphold the highest of brand standards across the system and promote Massage Height’s best-in-class member and guest experiences. She’s also excited to build local and national awareness of new service rollouts, including a new facial offering in Q2.

“I’ve never stopped admiring the brand and the impact it has in the lives of our franchisees, members, guests, and massage and skin care therapists,” Schuetz said. “There’s been a significant amount of innovation and energy devoted to the refreshed company vision, culture and added resources from the expanded leadership team. It’s an exciting time to rejoin Massage Heights, with development ramping up and a rejuvenated brand story and experience.”

One of the first initiatives Schuetz is building up is the marketing department team, which will be focused on supporting franchisees on their local efforts to further drive brand awareness in each of their communities. “As we maintain a strong brand position on the national level, we know that same positioning has a powerful impact when tailored for our small business owners,” added Schuetz.

Ten Recipients Received a $5,000 Scholarship as Part of New Industry Relations Initiative.

SAN ANTONIO — Massage Heights, a North America spa franchise brand offering high-quality massage, skincare and wellness services, recently launched a $50,000 scholarship program for massage therapy students and has announced the inaugural 2022 winners. In partnership with the Zenoti Foundation, the two organizations have gifted a $5,000 scholarship to 10 massage therapy students who are enrolled in a training program at a select group of U.S. massage therapy schools.

The scholarship has been awarded to each student and will support their educational goals. The 10 recipients who were chosen to receive a $5,000 scholarship are:

• Ashley Avalos from Austin Community College (Austin, TX)
• Geneva Flesher from Academy of Natural Therapy (Greeley, CO)
• Ashley Forgus from Indiana Wellness College (Carmel, IN)
• Leticia Sarmento from National Holistic Institute (Santa Ana, CA)
• Marquisha Mcphail from Austin Community College (Austin, TX)
• Michelle Wallace from Indiana Wellness College (Carmel, IN)
• Quinnese Reese from Austin Community College (Austin, TX)
• Soraya Ceja from Body Wisdom Massage (Urbandale, IA)
• Vianey Granado from Body Wisdom Massage (Urbandale, IA)
• Yakzen Lopez Sosa from Colorado School of Healing Arts (Lakewood, CO)

In applying for this scholarship, applicants were asked to submit written responses to a series of questions on their reasons for pursuing a career in massage therapy and how the scholarship will help them reach their goals. The ten scholarship recipients were chosen for their high level of commitment, professionalism, and passion for their future career as a massage therapist.

“Massage Heights is committed to supporting the massage therapy industry through initiatives like these,” said CG Funk, SVP of Culture and Industry Relations. “Massage therapy is a unique career, and the work of massage therapists is more important than ever in our world today. Through these scholarships, we are helping students achieve their career aspirations while supporting the schools in ensuring graduates are professionally trained and ready to enter the workforce.”

The scholarship program is part of the Massage Heights brand’s strategic industry relations plan that focuses on creating programs to support the massage therapy industry, its associations, massage therapists and massage therapy schools.

“The Zenoti Foundation is pleased to partner with Massage Heights to extend this scholarship opportunity to students matriculating in massage therapy programs”, said Elizabeth Galloway, Manager of the Zenoti Foundation. “At Zenoti, we truly believe in helping others find their greatness and joining together for this scholarship opportunity is a perfect example of that.”

Founded on a passion and an authentic belief that the wellness benefits of high-quality massage therapy and skincare should be accessible to everyone, Massage Heights has a history of care within its actions and culture.

To learn more about Massage Heights visit www.massageheights.com and connect with their social media pages: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Zenoti powers more than 20,000 beauty, wellness, and fitness businesses worldwide. Its comprehensive, cloud-based, mobile-led solution elevates the guest experience, unifies the brand, and streamlines operations. Zenoti enables users to seamlessly manage every aspect of running a service business in a comprehensive mobile solution: online appointment bookings, POS, CRM, employee management, inventory management, built-in marketing programs and more. To learn more about Zenoti, visit www.zenoti.com.

Wellness Franchise Creates Multiple Moments of Surprise at ‘Rise to Lead’ Franchisee Conference.

SAN ANTONIO — In one of many inspiring moments for attendees at its recent 2022 annual conference, Massage Heights promoted Russell Hoff – one of wellness brand’s longest standing team members – to the role of Chief Operating Officer. The on-stage announcement stunned Hoff and brought the more than 250 Franchise Owners, Retreat Directors, Lead Massage/Skin Therapists and others in attendance to their feet to honor Hoff and his well-deserved promotion.

Hoff’s promotion was fitting for the theme of the conference, “Rise to Lead,” which was designed to focus on leadership, team building and culture. Massage Heights, which offers high-quality massage, skincare and wellness services throughout North America, has 120 Retreats, with new locations expected to open in 2023.

Having served the brand in various roles for nearly 14 years, most recently, VP of Operations, Hoff was onstage presenting when President & CEO Susan Boresow surprised him with the promotion to COO. Boresow said of Hoff, “Russell has been an invaluable asset to our brand. His strong analytical, managerial, communication and leadership skills have kept us on pace for the continued growth and success that impacts everyone in our system.”

Humbled, Hoff said, “It’s been a rewarding journey and privilege to grow alongside the brand and the people who show up every day, committed to furthering wellness by caring for guests, members and everyone within the retreats,” Hoff said. “It’s been a great year for the franchise, and these owners and their team members are why we do what we do.”

Another planned surprise moment occurred when CG Funk, Sr. VP of Culture & Industry Relations, announced she was taping her popular “Outside the Room” virtual show and podcast onstage at conference, then introduced special guest – Olympic gold medalist, Kerri Strug, the iconic athlete whose performance in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta cinched the gold medal for the U. S. women’s gymnastics team. In the interview, Strug shared her life story, along with important dynamics of leadership and following one’s dreams.

In addition, dozens of franchisees were acknowledged for their notable accomplishments through a series of awards, including nearly 40 owners who were recognized for reaching the “Million Dollar Club” milestone. The Rookie of the Year honor went to Tammy and Michael Busch in Alamo Ranch, who opened their first retreat in San Antonio in 2020. The couple impressively fast-tracked to the company’s Million Dollar Club just 16 months after opening. The Franchisee of the Year award went to Jennifer Burlington, who took ownership of her first Massage Heights Retreat in 2008 and continues to break performance records year after year. Burlington currently owns five Massage Heights retreats, three of which are in the top 5 in the company for revenue. New this year, the recipient of the inaugural Culture Award was given to Alan Reiman who has been a franchisee for more than a decade. His retreat in Chattanooga, TN is a prime example of Massage Heights culture, executed through a team that is dedicated to elevating the lives of every person who enters its doors. This culture had resulted in high performance and employee retention, and the retreat joining the company’s 1,000-Member Club and Million Dollar Club.

“Between the announcement of Russell’s appointment to COO, to so many of our franchisees being recognized for their hard work and going above and beyond for Massage Heights, it was rewarding to see everyone’s hard work pay off,” Boresow said. “The conference reminded me of how important our work is and inspired all of us to continue on the pathway of providing people with high quality wellness services.”

Leading Massage Franchise Welcomes Tyra Dungan as VP of Marketing and Elena Villaseñor Sullivan as General Counsel.

SAN ANTONIO — Massage Heights, a U.S. and Canadian spa franchise brand, offering high-quality massage, skincare and wellness services, announced two new appointments to its growing executive team, including Tyra Dungan as Vice President of Marketing and Elena Villaseñor Sullivan, J.D. and CCEP as General Counsel. With extensive experience in their respective fields, both women aim to further support the brand’s mission to help others achieve a life of wellness that inspires, transforms, and renews.

Dungan, who holds more than 25 years of experience within the spa, salon, beauty, and hospitality industries, previously served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the technology application Spa Space. Her career also includes roles such as Senior Director of Brand Management as XpresSpa, Assistant Vice President of L’OREAL, and Vice President of Operations at Premier Salons Inc. Dungan is credited with creating Hilton’s first branded spa concept and served as sales lead of Hilton Spa’s franchise business.

“While attending college, I became inspired by the beauty category, and earned my esthetician and massage therapist licenses,” Dungan said. “I soon realized I could make a larger impact by being on the business leadership side of the industry. For over 20 years, I built my career on advocating for global wellness. I am looking forward to applying my skills and industry expertise to further the Massage Heights mission.”

Sullivan, who comes to Massage Heights with nearly 20 years’ experience as an attorney, has provided legal guidance to executive leadership teams on all aspects of business. Before joining Massage Heights, she served as Senior Attorney and Executive Director of Compliance at USAA, advising the company on the legal and regulatory risks associated with its business and led a team through transformational change to enhance its compliance risk management programs. Sullivan also was a partner at a large regional law firm where she handled commercial litigation cases primarily involving contractual disputes, real estate, intellectual property and environmental cases. As General Counsel of Massage Heights, Sullivan oversees the Legal Department, providing legal advice on all aspects of the business, including corporate governance, franchise development and administration, compliance risk management, litigation, and third-party vendor relationships. With extensive experience serving nonprofits, Sullivan also manages the internal charitable arm of Massage Heights.

“By protecting the company’s interests and mitigating its risks, I will help Massage Heights fulfill its vision of encouraging people to live a culture of elevated wellness that inspires, transforms, and renews lives,” Sullivan said.

Susan Boresow, President and CEO of Massage Heights, said the addition of Dungan and Sullivan will further strengthen the support for franchisees, ultimately setting up all Massage Heights stakeholders for success.

“I am proud to add two strong female leaders to our corporate support team who both have a proven track record of creating positive change throughout their careers,” Boresow added. “I am confident our franchisees and existing leadership team will appreciate and benefit from their guidance and expertise.”

Former Retreat Director Turns Franchisee to Offer Holistic Wellness Options.

SARASOTA, Fla. — Massage Heights, a family-owned massage and wellness franchise, signed a new franchise agreement giving the Sarasota market future access to its resort-quality massage, skincare and wellness services. This will mark the fifth retreat within the state.

Kaitlyn and Jason Innes, husband and wife, are local residents. Kaitlyn is a licensed massage therapist who previously served as a Retreat Director for Massage Heights in the Florida market and has a background in sales. Jason will also be directly involved in the business with his 20-plus years in the mortgage industry.

“I’ve always had a passion for health and wellness and owned my own small massage therapy practice prior to becoming a retreat director,” said franchisee Kaitlyn Innes. “There’s fulfillment in helping people lead happy and healthier lives, and we’re looking forward to delivering just that in the Sarasota area.”

According to the 2022 Franchising Outlook report by the International Franchise Association, Florida was ranked one of the top 10 states for franchise growth. That same report forecasted the Southeast region to bring 231,453 total establishments by yearend, employing over 2.5 million workers and contributing $235.9 billion in output to the U.S. economy.

“With entrepreneurs like Kaitlyn who know how to best support members, massage therapists, and estheticians, we know the community with appreciate the personalized, therapeutic experiences,” said CEO & President Susan Boresow. “Everything our retreats offer elevate overall wellness and with people living more health conscious than ever before, we’re happy to support them.”