Franchise Focus - Massage Heights

Owner: Michael Brands.
Product or service: Therapeutic massage treatments.
Location: 2900 Tonsgate Road, Suite #210, Westlake Village.
Date Established: July 2008.
Hours open: 9a.m. to 9p.m. Monday through Friday; 9a.m. to 7p.m. Saturday; 10a.m. to 6p.m. Sunday.
Telephone: 418-1850
E-mail: mbrands@massageheights.com
Employees: 15 to 20.
Franchise fee: $42,000.
Estimated annual gross revenue: $800,000 to $900,000.
Questions to Michael Brands:
What prompted you to start your own business?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, which is why I founded my own tax company when I was 27. I was young at the time and I learned so much from that experience. Healthy living and holistic healing has always been a passion, so it just made sense to start a business in that industry. This time, I decided I wanted to be with a franchise brand that has a proven system to follow, which still allows me to be an entrepreneur, but still benefit from the company’s existing infrastructure and support.

What is your educational and career background?
I have a bachelor’s degree and management experience from managing health food stores. I gained my most beneficial experience from owning my own tax industry business for four years.

How much research did you do before starting your own business?
I did extensive research once I decided to open my own business. I decided early on that I wanted to be involved with a franchise that has strong potential for growth and one I could get in at an early stage. I discovered the massage industry has become a booming segment since it became franchised. When I came across Massage Heights, I was impressed with the concept and the growth the company has experienced over the past year. After several months of searching, it became an easy decision once I discovered Massage Heights.

What were the most helpful sources, including Web sites?
Some of the helpful sources were the franchise and small business publications that I found in most bookstores. I also researched individual franchise’s Web sites and industry sites such as FranchiseGator.com and MassageHeights.com.

When were you the most discouraged?
Working with city officials was frustrating at times, because they were on a different schedule than I was. I had difficulties with the signage for my new location, but in the end I was able to compromise with the city and we were all satisfied with the end result.

What company or individual do you admire?
I’ve always admired Sam Walton because he was a great visionary. He built and maintained control of his company, while valuing his employees by understanding their importance in the success of his business. I also admire his ability to maintain a relatively humble lifestyle even though he had a high net worth.

What will make your business stand out from competitors?
There are a few competitors because the massage industry is relatively new to franchising. Massage Heights really set the new standard in massage franchising by having a smaller, more efficient footprint and a more relaxing environment. The company offers personal touches such as aromatherapy and hot stone therapy. The “Heights at Home” retail products and multiple tiers of programs allow the customers to personalize their experience with Massage Heights. We offer our own line of products for sale, including body milk, body scrubs, candles and linens.

Who is your target client/customer base?
Our target client base is anyone 18 to 80 from Ventura and Los Angeles counties interested in receiving therapeutic massage or becoming a member of Massage Heights. For the past 20 year, the massage industry has focused on a female target client. However, due to a recent study on the positive effects of massage therapy, we have found that more men have been educated and enjoy massage therapy on a regular basis. Massage has become a regular therapy instead of an occasional pampering session.