We are thrilled to announce that Sumit & Monica Bansal have been honored as IFA’s Franchisee of the Year! This prestigious recognition celebrates their outstanding leadership, commitment to excellence, and dedication to both their teams and the communities they serve. 
Sumit’s journey in franchising began in 2005, when he transitioned from a career as a computer engineer to a multi-unit franchise owner in the salon industry. Seeing the potential in the Great Clips brand, he steadily grew his portfolio to 13 locations across Michigan by 2013. His success in the salon industry highlighted his keen business acumen, but it also fueled his desire to expand into the broader health and wellness space.
That passion led Sumit and his wife, Monica, to Hand & Stone in 2015, where they saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while growing alongside a strong and supportive brand. Together, they opened their first Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, blending their professional expertise with their commitment to exceptional client experiences. From the very beginning, they were impressed by Hand & Stone’s robust franchise support system, which helped guide them through real estate selection, construction, design, recruitment, training, and marketing. This reinforced their decision to invest in the brand and scale their business even further.
Today, Sumit and Monica own and operate 14 Hand & Stone locations across Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin, creating a lasting impact in wellness-focused communities. A pivotal moment in their journey came when Hand & Stone launched a major expansion initiative, converting 23 Massage Green locations into Hand & Stone spas in 2023. Recognizing the incredible potential, Sumit acquired four of these locations, leading to a 65% increase in his spa ownership within just a few months. His strategic leadership ensured a smooth transition, maintaining Hand & Stone’s culture while successfully integrating former Massage Green employees into his growing team.
Beyond his business success, Sumit is deeply committed to his employees’ growth and professional development. He believes the foundation of the beauty and wellness industry is about taking care of people, and that philosophy extends beyond clients to his staff. His leadership is characterized by mutual respect, career mentorship, and fostering opportunities for his team members—including supporting his lead operator, Melissa Koolwick, on her journey to becoming a franchise owner herself.
Sumit and Monica’s journey from a single-unit franchise to a multi-state, multi-unit powerhouse is a testament to their vision, perseverance, and passion for franchising. Their ability to adapt, scale, and cultivate strong team environments continues to set them apart as industry leaders.
Congratulations, Sumit & Monica, on this well-deserved honor! Your passion for franchising and dedication to Hand & Stone continue to inspire us all.
