therapeutic massage and facial services

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.”

Leading Massage Franchise Appoints New Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Franchising.

SAN ANTONIO — As the global wellness category continues to climb, companies within the crowded category are being strategic on how to flourish and best serve those seeking personal wellness routines. Massage Heights, the franchise known for its resort-quality massage, skincare and wellness services, announced two new hires to its growing executive team, welcoming Ginger McNab as Chief Financial Officer and Kim Robinson as Vice President of Franchise Development.

The company driven by helping others achieve a life of wellness that inspires, transforms, and renews people within the organization, members, and communities, has added individuals who reflect the company’s culture of care and who are passionate and diligent.

McNab’s financial guidance has been sought after in different sectors including hospitality, cable television/ telecommunications and predominately the wellness category. She spent over 10 years with Massage Envy managing all accounting operations and financial reporting. Prior to joining Massage Heights, McNab served over two years as the VP of Finance for LunchboxWax.

Robinson comes to Massage Heights with 14 years of franchise sales background and well-versed in real estate development. She’s worked with brands such as TastiD Life, Planet Smoothie and, Chem-Dry. She helped expand the AAMCO Transmissions and Total Car Care Company for seven years and successfully closed 45 new franchise deals and 18 franchise resales within 20 months.

“Ginger and Kim are joining at the perfect time as Massage Heights has been transforming from the inside out with lots of future initiatives designed to do what we do best, providing personalized therapeutic experiences for communities, while always seeking to provide the best practices for our franchisees and their team members,” said Susan Boresow, President and CEO of Massage Heights. “As we gear up to achieve significant growth throughout the coming years we are thrilled to have the right people, in the right seats.”

After achieving a record volume year in 2021, Massage Heights Franchising is projecting +7% AUV growth in 2022. The company projects to expand in Texas, New Jersey, New York and Arizona.

“My career has always been about helping people discover their own American Dream and I’ve had the pleasure of cheering on hundreds of entrepreneurs as they’ve launched their businesses in lucrative industries,” said Robinson. “Thankful to now assist those who want to pair their own deep passions for self-care and therapeutic wellness with a proven business model, that has the systems and support network to help change lives and impact communities.”

Public Encouraged to Nominate a Caring Community Member for a Free 30-Minute Massage.

SAN ANTONIO — To show appreciation for those who go above and beyond every day to care for others, especially throughout the challenging past few years, Massage Heights will be offering free 30-minute massages to nurses, first responders and teachers this summer.

The giveaways are part of the brand’s recently announced Culture of Care initiative which aims to “care for those who care for others” within communities across North America. In the coming months, Massage Heights – a North America spa franchise brand offering high-quality massage, skincare and wellness services – will roll out a series of internal and external Culture of Care initiatives in an effort to make elevated massages and facials accessible to all.

“In launching our Culture of Care program, we felt it made sense to start with recognizing those who unselfishly sacrifice for others every day – nurses, first responders and teachers,” said Susan Boresow, CEO of Massage Heights. “These individuals who demonstrate the act of caring in their everyday careers deserve to be recognized with accessible, elevated self-care.”

Officially launching on Monday, May 9 through Sunday, July 31, Massage Heights members and non-members are encouraged to visit the Culture of Care landing page to make a nomination. The brand will choose 150 winners across the below groups, and accept nominations for all throughout the entirety of the initiative. Both the nominator and nominee will receive a free massage.

• May: The campaign will encourage nominations for nurses in light of it being National Nurses Month.
• June: All first responders (police, firefighters, EMT’s, paramedics, etc.) are recognized during June.
• July: Timed with the end of another school year, this month inspires nominations for teachers.

Founded on a passion and an authentic belief that the health and wellness benefits of high-quality massages should be accessible to everyone, Massage Heights has a history of care within its actions and culture. The giveaways are the first of many programs to come, after the recent announcement of Massage Heights’ renewed mission, vision and core values.

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

Spa Franchise to Introduce Programs that Help Care for Those They Serve, and Serve Alongside.

SAN ANTONIO — Massage Heights, a wellness franchise that provides personalized, therapeutic massage and skincare services at 120+ retreats, is redefining how care should look, act, and inspire in communities across North America.

The brand was founded on passion and an authentic belief that the health and wellness benefits of high-quality massages and facials should be accessible to everyone. Since its beginning, the brand’s desire has been to elevate the communities they serve. As a result, Massage Heights will roll out a series of Culture of Care initiatives over the coming months. This will include special promotions and giveaways offered to members of the community who care for others, such as nurses, first responders, and teachers. In addition, Massage Heights is launching internal care programs to support franchisees in creating and sustaining inspiring and engaging work environments for their Retreat staff.

“Our research showed that what separates us from others in the industry is our genuine level of care – mainly the caring nature of our people who help improve wellness, boost energy levels and elevate lives,” said Susan Boresow, CEO and President of Massage Heights. “We genuinely listen to our guests and design personalized treatment options. As a result, they walk out feeling renewed and heard.”

The essence of the brand is intentionally captured within the Massage Heights logo. The mountains represent the struggles people face every day, and the glowing chi represents the inner life source – the energy that flows through each of us and is needed to be our best selves. The Massage Heights vision, mission and core values reflects a Culture of Care:

• Our Vision: To live a culture of elevated wellness that inspires, transforms, and renews the lives of our people, our members, and the communities we serve.
• Our Mission: To deliver an awesome, personalized, therapeutic experience for each guest, every time.
• Core Values: Loyalty, Authenticity, Passion and Diligence are the four core values.

“We are here for those we serve and those we serve alongside,” said CG Funk, Senior Vice President of Culture & Industry Relations for Massage Heights. “We hear the countless positive stories from our members, massage therapists, estheticians, retreat directors and franchise owners of the renewed energy that’s rising in our retreats. Caring is in our culture and in our actions, not just our branding. Our actions will be seen in our ongoing programs to live out our vision and collectively elevate individual lives and those around them.”

Leading Massage & Facial Franchise Supports Global Movement Aimed to Celebrate Massage Therapy.

SAN ANTONIO — Massage Heights, a North America spa franchise brand offering high-quality massage, skincare and wellness services, announced today their cornerstone partnership with the Massage Makes Me Happy initiative under the Global Wellness Institute (GWI). Massage Makes Me Happy is a global movement that aims to celebrate the healing powers of massage therapy and promote its benefits through research, education, advocacy and awareness.

In support of the initiative, Massage Heights will serve as this year’s exclusive employer partner and will offer promotions throughout the month leading up to Global Massage Makes Me Happy and Healthy Day, Sunday, March 20. This partnership further solidifies Massage Heights as a leader in the spa and wellness industry.

“Massage therapy truly does make a positive difference through the many benefits it offers,” said CG Funk, Senior Vice President of Culture and Industry Relations. “Massage Heights is honored to be a partner for this impactful initiative aiming to promote and educate on the healing powers of therapeutic touch and celebrate the work of professional massage therapists.”

Dr. Tiffany Field, Founder and Director of the University of Miami School of Medicine’s Touch Research Institute and medical spokesperson for GWI’s Massage Makes Me Happy initiative shares, “After 40 years of research, we have yet to find a chronic or systematic human malady that massage does not aid.”

This partnership is one effort the brand has committed to with an overarching goal of increasing awareness on the benefits of massage therapy as well as the career of massage therapists. Massage Heights is also actively taking steps to further support its company culture through care programs, training, self-care initiatives and more.

“I have been a committed receiver of massage therapy for more than 30 years and experienced first-hand how it makes people feel happier and be healthier,” shared Lynda Solien-Wolfe, Massage Makes Me Happy Chair. “The movement and the official Global Massage Makes Me Happy and Healthy Day will be a great celebration of the happiness that massage brings to millions of people throughout the year and around the globe.”

Massage therapists and estheticians are at the foundation of the Massage Heights brand and play a key role in steering its success. Partnering with the Massage Makes Me Happy initiative is one step toward changing the narrative and status quo of a career in the spa and wellness industry.

For further information on the Massage Makes Me Happy initiative, visit massagemakesmehappy.com. To learn more about Massage Heights visit www.massageheights.com and connect with their social media pages: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About The Global Wellness Institute
The Global Wellness Institute, a non-profit organization with a mission to empower wellness worldwide by educating public and private sectors about preventive health and wellness, provides a global platform to support and bodywork. The MASSAGE MAKES ME HAPPY Initiative, aims to celebrate the healing powers of massage therapy and promote its benefits through research and education, advocacy, and global awareness.

Leading Massage & Facial Franchise Premieres New Medium to Raise Awareness, Support Around Massage Therapist and Esthetician Careers.

SAN ANTONIO — Massage Heights, a North America spa franchise brand offering high-quality massage, skincare and wellness services, announced today the premiere of Outside the Room – an engaging, lively podcast and virtual show, hosted by massage industry veteran CG Funk, the company’s Senior Vice President of Culture and Industry Relations.

An industry first, Outside the Room is the first-ever podcast and virtual show that aims to further support the work of massage therapists and estheticians and increase awareness on the purpose and value of these wellness careers.

The podcast version will be available on the Massage Heights website, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Audible and more, and the virtual shows will be housed on YouTube. Each 30-minute episode will feature a regular cadence of special guests and cover topics such as industry news, research, real-life massage and skincare stories, Massage Heights brand innovations and inspirational messaging. The first episode will launch on January 14, 2022 and feature massage industry icon Benny Vaughn, a licensed massage therapist, specialist in sports massage and a certified athletic trainer, who has been a pioneer and trailblazer in the industry for nearly 50 years. Episode two, airing in February, will feature Dr. Tiffany Field, Director of the Touch Research Institute and Lynda Solien-Wolfe, Chair of the Massage Makes Me Happy initiative under the Global Wellness Institute.

“Massage therapists and estheticians spend 80% of their workdays with a guest behind closed doors, which can be isolating and keep them disconnected from the larger world of wellness.” Funk said. “This inspired the name Outside the Room. The podcast and virtual show will serve as a place for professionals in the industry to learn, grow and connect together as hands-on healers, helping to build a community and a resource for massage therapists and estheticians. ”

Outside the Room will highlight and bring much needed attention to massage therapists and estheticians and the importance of their work and career. In addition to this initiative, the Massage Heights brand is actively taking steps to increase and support its company culture through care programs, training, self-care initiatives and more.

The podcast and virtual show is one of many initiatives Funk plans to implement to support, highlight and honor the work of massage therapists and estheticians. Her 30-year experience in the spa, beauty and franchise industries lends significant credibility and benefits for the platform. Recently, Funk was elected to the International Spa Association‘s Board of Directors and will begin her term in May 2022. In addition to various leadership roles, Funk is an Arizona licensed massage therapist, California certified massage therapist and an advanced cranial sacral therapist. Her background includes massage business owner, massage and bodywork instructor and continuing education provider, and she’s also dedicated time to serving industry wide initiatives and groups including the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation, Beauty Changes Lives, Global Wellness Institute and World Spa Awards.

“I deeply believe in the healing power of therapeutic touch and have such high regard for massage therapists and estheticians,” shared Funk. “I’m honored to be a part of this inspiring industry and invite all massage therapists, estheticians and wellness professionals to become a part of the community we are building through Outside the Room.”

To learn more about Outside the Room, visit www.massageheights.com and connect with Massage Heights’ social media pages to stay up to date on the latest episodes: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.