In a fast-growing category like wellness, it’s not just the brand that matters. It’s the people behind it. This month, we’re spotlighting a few Hand & Stone franchise owners who are growing with purpose—and doing it alongside the people they love most.
Eric Danver: Scaling with Heart from 1 Spa to 60+
Like many Hand & Stone franchise owners, Eric Danver’s journey in the wellness business began on the client side. After experiencing the services firsthand in New Jersey and hearing his wife rave about the brand, he knew it was something special. He opened his first Hand & Stone franchise in Chantilly, VA, in 2015 after a long run as a Papa John’s operator, where he built a network of 53 stores across the East Coast.
Fast forward to today, and Eric operates over 60 Hand & Stone spa franchise locations, with multiple family members involved in the business alongside him.
What’s kept Eric growing is simple: his team. His leadership philosophy centers on servant leadership—supporting his people so they can support members and guests. “We go out of our way to let them know how valued they are. If we take care of our internal customers, they’ll take care of the external ones.”
Over time, the business became a family affair. All three of Eric’s youngest children have worked their way up from the front desk into regional leadership roles. One of the most rewarding aspects of the Danvers’ journey so far has been watching their children grow into great leaders—a reflection of the work ethic and values Eric has instilled in them over time.
Eric remains humble about his success, but he’s proud of what he’s helped build. “This brand has been a blessing to our family,” he says. “Being able to promote from within, provide opportunities, and grow without losing the family feel is the best of both worlds.”
Bob Crowley: Bringing Franchise Experience into the Wellness Space
After decades in restaurant and hospitality operations, including leadership roles at Dunkin’, Bob Crowley knew he wanted his next chapter to be more personal. When COVID gave him time to reflect, he found himself drawn to wellness and inspired by the idea of building something of his own.
That’s when he found Hand & Stone.
“What attracted me was the upward momentum,” Bob explains. “The brand was growing, there was wide open territory in my home state of Ohio, and I saw a real opportunity to get in at the right time with a wellness franchise that had room to grow.”
His approach centers on culture. While Bob had never been a franchisee before, he brought years of people-first leadership to the table: employees receive free memberships, a staff recognition board celebrates contributions, and he creates a positive, inclusive environment where team members feel supported.
Bob’s spa franchise is a true family-run business. His wife and son both play active roles in daily operations, and his leadership style prioritizes culture, recognition, and a team-first mentality.
“There’s nothing better than building a team, helping people thrive, and doing it in an industry that improves people’s lives alongside those I love most.”
John & Nick Marco
No story about families in franchising at Hand & Stone would be complete without mentioning the father-son duo who brought the brand to life.
Hand & Stone was founded in 2004 by physical therapist John Marco, who set out to make high-quality massage and facial services more accessible. From the beginning, Hand & Stone was a family endeavor. The brand name itself came from a naming contest among Marco’s children. His son Nick, just 14 at the time, pitched the name “Hand & Stone,” inspired by the pair’s discussions about hot stone massage.
“In November 2004, my father, John Marco, took a chance at 49 years old by opening Hand & Stone Massage Spa in my hometown of Toms River, NJ, with the intent of growing a national franchise. I grew up working in the very first location. Today, Hand & Stone is the international leader of its industry with 600+ locations in the United States and over 30 locations in Canada”, Nick shared.
“I am so proud to be his son.”
Today, Nick Marco oversees 12 spas across New Jersey and Ohio, where he also holds the title of Regional Developer, bringing a multi-unit franchisee’s perspective to ongoing brand growth. His continued collaboration with the corporate team reflects a shared commitment to evolving the brand while staying true to its family-driven roots.
Beyond his leadership within Hand & Stone, Nick is a multi-unit franchisee with other wellness brands, bringing a wealth of experience and insight to the table.
The Takeaway for Future Franchisees
Whether you’re a seasoned multi-unit operator or entering the spa franchise industry for the first time, our brand gives you the foundation, support, and flexibility to grow with purpose. For many Hand & Stone franchise owners, it’s also a way to build something meaningful with the people they care about most.
This Father’s Day, we’re reminded that the Hand & Stone franchise opportunity could be your family legacy in the making.
Interested in bringing wellness to your community? Fill out our inquiry form to get started.
