What’s next after military service? For veterans considering entrepreneurship, the transition to civilian life can come with plenty of questions, especially when it comes to starting a business. Franchise ownership offers a way to pursue that next chapter with an established business model and ongoing guidance rather than starting from scratch.
At Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, veterans can apply their experience in a growing wellness industry with the support of dedicated corporate teams, established operational systems and a membership-based business model. This structure gives former service members a foundation for learning the business, building a team and navigating the responsibilities of spa franchise ownership.
Why Military Experience Translates to Spa Franchise Ownership
What skills do military veterans bring to franchise ownership? Many of the qualities developed during military service translate directly to operating a business, including:
- Leadership: Recruiting, developing and motivating employees while creating a culture of accountability.
- Operational discipline: Following established procedures and maintaining consistent service standards.
- Problem-solving: Making informed decisions and adapting when challenges arise.
- Long-term planning: Setting goals, managing resources and keeping teams focused on performance.
These strengths can be especially valuable in a service-driven business like Hand & Stone, where leading a team and delivering a consistent guest experience are central to daily operations.
For a firsthand look at how military experience can translate into franchise ownership, meet Gregg Billy, a military veteran and Hand & Stone multi-unit franchisee. His story offers prospective owners a look at how veterans can apply their leadership experience to building a business in the wellness industry.
Watch Gregg’s story below to hear about his journey from military service to Hand & Stone franchise ownership.
Veteran Incentives That Support Franchise Ownership
Hand & Stone recognizes the experience veterans bring to franchising and offers financial incentives to help qualified former service members pursue business ownership.
Through our participation in VetFran, Hand & Stone offers eligible honorably discharged veterans a 20% discount on the initial franchise fee, representing potential savings of up to $9,900.
Hand & Stone Chief Development Officer Matt Stanton believes the connection between military experience and spa franchise ownership goes beyond operational discipline.
In a recent interview with Franchise Magazine USA, Stanton explained that Hand & Stone is a people-focused business, where strong leadership directly influences the guest experience. Veterans often bring experience building teams, maintaining standards and identifying problems early, making those skills especially valuable in a service-driven environment.
Stanton also emphasized the importance of strong franchisee training and established lender relationships in helping veterans transition into entrepreneurship. Alongside Hand & Stone’s veteran incentive, these resources are designed to help qualified former serv
ice members take their next steps toward business ownership.
Read Matt Stanton’s full interview: Why Military Veterans & Franchising Are a Perfect Fit
Veterans are already building businesses within the Hand & Stone system. U.S. Army veteran Anthony Nocito and his wife, Traci, are among the brand’s multi-unit franchise owners, demonstrating how military experience and entrepreneurial ambition can come together through spa franchise ownership.
Is Franchise Ownership Your Next Mission?
Leaving military service doesn’t mean leaving leadership behind. Spa franchise ownership offers a way to apply years of experience managing teams, following established systems and working toward long-term goals.
Ready to explore your next opportunity? Fill out an inquiry form to learn more about veteran incentives, investment requirements and available markets.
