Buy-in | Massage Heights offers flexible memberships

Company: Massage Heights, 4800 W. 135th St., Leawood; 913-660-0099; www.massageheights.com

About the company: Massage Heights is a membership-based massage therapy spa. The purpose of membership is to provide frequent massage services at an affordable price.

Owners: Tom and Ruth Dusterhoft

How long did it take you to start your business?

“We began our research in May of 2008, and we incorporated in June. The first week in December, the corporate trainers came to our retreat and trained our staff before we officially conducted our soft opening Dec. 5,” Tom Dusterhoft said.

“Overall, the process to open our doors took six months, and there were many challenges along the way. We were able to overcome these challenges by paying attention to details and anticipating the holes in the road.”

What made you decide to go with a franchise, rather than building a business from the ground up?

“During our investigation of potential businesses, it was important that we consider a franchise that provides excellent structure and tried and true methods and processes that were proven successful.”

Why this franchise?

“The products and services are carefully linked to the wellness of our guests at our retreat as well as the products that further their experience at home.”

Did you seek help or advice from anyone else?

“We selected a company, Benetrends, that specializes in business start-ups that helps you incorporate your business and provides financial guidance to resource your business. We also applied for a loan through the Small Business Administration.”

Were there any challenges with financing?

“Because of the times, we were concerned about our financing but, in the end, these fears were mostly self-inflicted. We kept hearing that loans from lending institutions were no longer being made, especially to small businesses. We looked for a well funded lending institution who was lending to small businesses.”

How did you select your location and how big is it?

“Our space is 2,600 square feet, and it accommodates 10 massage rooms and two rooms that can be used for couples massage. We settled on our Leawood location because of how well it fit the Massage Heights demographics, Leawood’s business growth and support of small business owners, and the potential of the Parkway Plaza Shopping Center.”

Were there any special challenges when deciding to locate in Leawood?

“Before April of this year, couples massage was not allowed in Leawood. Through a series of steps I took through the Leawood City Council, I successfully led the effort to overturn this ordinance.”

You did open your business in a tough economy. Have you had any specific challenges in that regard?

“Fear of the unknown that many people have about the economy did present challenges to our business. Guests were becoming increasingly fearful of losing their jobs, thus were reluctant to make long-term membership commitments,” so month-to-month memberships were added.

How many employees do you have?

“Currently, we have 10 massage therapists and four lifestyle consultants.”

One piece of advice you would give to anyone wanting to open a business now?

“Go with your strengths and what you enjoy doing in life. You want to be happy about your decision because of the commitment it takes.”

Tom Dusterhoft discusses the process of starting his business, Massage Heights in Leawood.