Carmel Man Opens Local Hand & Stone Massage And Facial Spa

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Fourth-generation Hoosier and current Carmel resident Mark Roger has worked as a business consultant focusing on startups for more than 25 years. While starting his fourth season as a moderator for Entrepreneurship Carmel (E Carmel) at the Carmel library this month, Roger is also putting his wealth of knowledge of the business world into a franchise opportunity with Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, at Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis. Rogers, the location's owner and manager, and his staff are celebrating the first day of new clients at the new spa on Monday, Jan. 21.

The 2,700 square-foot location at 8505 Keystone Crossing houses the 375-plus unit massage and facial spa franchise with a mission to bring massage and facial services to the masses, according to a release sent to Patch. The franchise was launched in 2004 by physical therapist John Marco and now led by franchise veteran Todd Leff, and now has locations in 28 states and Canada.

Through E Carmel, Rogers said he collaborates with people who aspire to start a family owned or local business within their own community, and several have done just that. Rogers was drawn to Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa because the spa allows individuals of all ages to take care of themselves with the affordable wellness services that this franchise offers, according to a statement sent to Patch.

Patch reporter Rebecca Bream wanted to know more about Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Franchisee Mark Roger's business background, and why he chose this franchise and specific location. Here is her recent interview with Mark:

(R) - Have you or your family members ever owned a business before this one?

(M) - Yes, my father and all of my grandfathers and great-grandfathers have owned businesses both in Indianapolis and Lafayette, IN. Business ownership has always been an attainable career
option growing up.

(R) - Why consulting? What sparked your initial interest in that field of work? (Including the decision to become a moderator at the library's program?

(M) - I’ve been involved in coaching and teaching entrepreneurship and business ownership my entire career – I became a Myers-Briggs Instructor when I opened a business consulting division for Blue & Co. CPA firm in ’94. MBTI would tell me that I enjoy teach/sharing new ideas as well as societal concerns like growing businesses.

(R) - Why this franchise (besides the affordability aspect)? Have you experienced the franchise's services before?

(M) - I consult on selecting franchises/teach for FranNet which represents franchises nationally. While I’ve owned many local businesses over the years (currently own the Artist’s Studio Retreat which is an Airbnb in the Village of WestClay) – I’ve never owned one myself until now. I knew I wanted to own a business on a bigger scale and elected to focus on a franchise with a proven record. I’m personally not a big risk taker. Hand & Stone was recently ranked #1 Spa Franchise and #133 overall by Entrepreneur Magazine.

(R) - What's different about this spa compared to others around the area? Why choose this one if you're in need of services?

(M) - In my work, I represent several spa franchises but elected to go with Hand & Stone because they really get the industry. They stay on the cutting edge of both massage (this year we will be introducing Cupping Therapy) and facial (this year we will be introducing our 4th LED Light Technique). The business fits will in the trend of wellness and fitness and the month-to-month membership commitment is very well received.

(R) - Why Keystone location?

(M) - I am a fourth generation Hoosier and know all to well the significance of having your brand at Keystone Crossing. It’s the center of retail for Indianapolis and the vortex of health and beauty. It’s the right business at the right time at the right location.

(R) - Will you still work as a moderator for Entrepreneurship Carmel? Is anyone in the program working at or taking part in the spa's new location?

(M) - Previous to this, I developed the SOURCE River West Entrepreneurship Center on the near west side of Indianapolis in conjunction with the Kelly Business School – I will definitely continue with E Carmel as it’s moderator. I’m used to having a couple of things going on – keeps it interesting.

(R) - Do a number of people come out of Entrepreneurship Carmel doing what you're doing?

(M) - Yes, most recently Kristen Monson opened Office Evolution in Carmel, but we have had several entrepreneurs find success with E Carmel.

(R) - What do you hope comes out of this business?

(M) - Our hope is to become the premier Spa in Indianapolis for wellness of body and skin.

For more information, including introductory prices and details on services, visit the Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa website, or the Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa (Indianapolis - IN Keystone Crossing) Facebook page.

Image courtesy of Matt Puttin