For countless entrepreneurs exploring spa franchise opportunities, Hand & Stone becomes a clear choice for one simple reason: the experience speaks for itself! Long before they signed an agreement or opened their first spa, many franchisees were Hand & Stone members first — people who genuinely believed in the benefits of massage, skincare, and the ritual of self-care.
When owners deeply understand the guest experience, they lead with authenticity, empathy, and a firsthand appreciation for what makes Hand & Stone the best spa franchise in the wellness market.
Across the system, former members are now some of the brand’s most prominent owners. Their journeys offer a unique perspective into why the Hand & Stone franchise attracts aspiring entrepreneurs who want a business with purpose, impact, and long-term potential.
Below, meet three standout owners whose stories reflect why member-turned-franchisees make exceptional operators and trusted voices for the brand.
Sindy Vasquez: From Member to Multi-Unit Owner
Before Sindy Vasquez owned her first spa, she was a regular Hand & Stone member who saw firsthand the value that the brand brought to her wellness routine.
She loved the care, quality, and consistency, and eventually realized it was an experience she wanted to bring to more people in her community.
Sindy originally joined the system through an acquisition in 2022 and quickly became known for her hands-on leadership style and her passion for creating warm, welcoming spa environments. Most recently, she expanded with the opening of Hand & Stone Monroe, continuing her growth as a respected ambassador of the brand.
Her member-first perspective remains one of her biggest strengths. She understands what clients want because she was one, and that experience continues to shape the service culture inside her spas.
Eric Danver: A Longtime Member Who Turned Love for the Brand into Ownership
Eric Danver didn’t initially set out to become a spa owner, but after experiencing the services firsthand in New Jersey and hearing his wife rave about the brand, he knew it was something special.
Like many members-turned-owners, Eric got to know the brand from the inside out before opening his first Hand & Stone franchise in Chantilly, VA, in 2015. He knew exactly what made Hand & Stone different: the membership model, the elevated esthetics program, the quality of the services, and the way the brand puts guests first every day.
Today, Eric is not only our largest multi-unit franchisee but also a powerful spokesperson for the Hand & Stone franchise system. His perspective reinforces a simple truth: people who believe in the brand as consumers often become the most passionate and successful owners.
Ron Urton: How a Loyal Member and Military Veteran Built a Thriving Multi-Unit Franchise
For Ron Urton, a retired Air Force flight surgeon and anesthesiologist, Hand & Stone began as the place his wife loved — so much so that she drove past other brands just to visit her preferred spa.
That loyalty sparked Ron’s curiosity, and soon he began considering Hand & Stone franchise ownership.
What he experienced was a business opportunity rooted in wellness, care, and purpose. After meeting with the development team and seeing the strength of the model, Ron and his wife moved forward. Today, Ron owns three Hand & Stone spas in Florida, backed by a deeply engaged team and a loyal client base that continues to grow.
As both a veteran and a healthcare professional, Ron was drawn to Hand & Stone’s focus on well-being and the positive impact the spa has on guests. His story also represents why the brand has become an increasingly popular choice among franchise opportunities for veterans — providing structure, support, and a mission-driven business environment that aligns with military leadership experience.
Why Former Members Make Exceptional Hand & Stone Franchisees
Whether they come from corporate careers, healthcare, or military service, many of our franchisees share one defining trait: they were loyal Hand & Stone members long before they were owners. That firsthand connection to the brand shapes the way they lead and is often the reason they choose Hand & Stone over other spa franchise opportunities.
Former members understand the power of the membership model at a deeper level. They’ve experienced how the structure drives loyalty, visit frequency, and long-term guest relationships, which gives them a natural advantage when stepping into ownership. This perspective also makes them strong advocates for the guest experience — because they’ve been on the receiving end of the brand’s elevated massage, facial, and skincare services. They know what exceptional service looks and feels like, and they work hard to replicate it in their own spas.
Many also arrive with a genuine passion for wellness, seeing ownership not just as an investment but as a way to bring meaningful, health-focused services to their communities.
And because they’ve spent time inside Hand & Stone as clients, they already recognize the consistency and professionalism that define the system — the predictable service quality, the clean and calming spa environment, the knowledgeable therapists and estheticians, and the strong operational processes. When it comes time to invest, that lived experience often becomes the deciding factor.
Ready to Turn Your Hand & Stone Experience Into Ownership?
Explore what makes our brand stand out, learn more about the Hand & Stone franchise model, and discover why so many loyal members turn their passion for wellness into local franchise ownership.
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