The cover story: “Massage Franchises: The Impact on the Profession,” by contributing editor Karrie Osborn, highlights how massage franchises have come to fill crucial roles within the profession, helping to make massage accessible in new markets and provide jobs at the same time.

The article reveals that massage has become a booming business and states: “When you consider the expansion of retail massage outlets and the fact that many of these sites are being opened by business and franchising veterans, it becomes readily apparent that massage is now a lucrative investment for entrepreneurs of all shapes and sizes.”

That growth has made massage attainable for a growing audience of customers. Michele Merhib, founder of Elements Therapeutic Massage, told the magazine, “Until recently, the massage profession still had an unknown, back room sort of feel to it. Today, [franchises] are trying to fill a niche for people who wanted a massage but didn’t know where to go.”

Elements, labeled as one of the largest massage franchises by Osborn, has more than 75 locations in 22 states. 

“Retail massage has brought an acceptance and we’ve been able to build on that, not just from relaxation, but from health benefits of what it means to get frequent massages,” added Jeff Jervik, president and CEO of Fitness Together Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Elements.

About Elements Therapeutic Massage, Inc.:
Elements Therapeutic Massage, is headquartered in Highlands Ranch, Colo., and owned by Fitness Together Holdings, Inc. The parent company oversees Fitness Together Franchise Corporation, a one-on-one personal training fitness franchise that began franchising in 1996, and Elements Therapeutic Massage, a massage therapy franchise that began franchising in 2006. Today, the combined franchise network has sold hundreds of franchises across the United States, Costa Rica, Israel, Ireland, and Canada.

With the success of the chain and escalating demand for services, Elements Therapeutic Massage plans to award 12 more locations in Massachusetts in 2010. The expansion answers a growing trend in the number of Americans seeking massage therapy to address stress, tension and muscle pain.

“With so much of the public spotlight on the high cost of healthcare treatment, preventative approaches such as therapeutic massage are quietly emerging as an alternative to traditional medical treatments,” says Bob Haimes, chief growth officer of Elements Therapeutic Massage. “The use of therapeutic massage is growing as a means to reduce stress and provide pain relief.  Currently, 75 to 90 percent of all doctors’ office visits in the U.S. are for stress-related ailments. Additionally, back pain affects 80 percent of all Americans at some point in their lives; so we expect to see the growth trends continuing for a long time to come.”**

In Massachusetts, repeat business, referrals and membership enrollments are at an all-time high for visits to local studios.

“With our Wellness Program, many clients are choosing to go beyond using massage for pain relief and seeking the on-going wellness benefits that result from routine monthly massages at an affordable cost,” Haimes says.

The numbers are also attractive to people looking to buy a franchise, be their own boss and own a business with a good reputation in a growing industry.  With 78 studios across 22 states, business has expanded each of the last three years since franchising began.  And Massachusetts has become the number one market in the system.

Honored in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Fastest-Growing Franchises” in 2009, and named one of Dun & Bradstreet’s “AllBusiness Franchise AllStars” for 2010, Elements Therapeutic Massage is

targeting multi-unit franchisees, entrepreneurs and corporate evacuees in the Northeast to join the network in meeting the rising demand for its health and wellness services.

The company is hosting a “Discover the Elements of Success” franchise event at the Marriott in Newton, Mass., on April 7th to meet with prospects and showcase opportunities throughout Boston and surrounding areas. 

About Elements Therapeutic Massage, inc.:
Elements Therapeutic Massage, is headquartered in Highlands Ranch, Colo., and owned by Fitness Together Holdings, Inc. The parent company oversees Fitness Together Franchise Corporation, a one-on-one personal training fitness franchise that began franchising in 1996, and Elements Therapeutic Massage, a massage therapy franchise that began franchising in 2006. Today, the combined franchise network has sold hundreds of franchises across the United States, Costa Rica, Israel, Ireland, and Canada.

By entering into a partnership with Batteries Plus, facilities management operators are provided with access to more than 40,000 types of batteries and accessories, an ongoing hands-on battery education provided by battery experts to show how to properly work and extend the use of any battery, and the utilization of the Batteries Plus recycling program. 

“Batteries Plus arms facilities operators with substantial buying power,” said Russ Reynolds, CEO of Batteries Plus. “Operators won’t have the need for multiple invoices from multiple suppliers. Instead, they can simply peruse through our unmatched variety of battery products to experience significant savings on batteries, while enjoying unrivaled technical education and customer service that solidifies the relationship.”

Recently, the Wisconsin Public School Districts entered into a partnership with Batteries Plus and has significantly reduced the district’s annual battery costs. At the onset of the partnership, the school district maintenance supervisor was invited to a Batteries Plus “Savings Seminar”. During the seminar, the company’s battery experts give a one-on-one education tutorial on all aspects of the facilities management partnership, from the number of batteries available to fit specific needs to how the company can reduce annual costs associated to battery and battery related products.

In addition to cost incentives, Batteries Plus will also assist facilities management operators with the disposal of their batteries for recycling. As a leader in the recycling of Lead Acid, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, Lithium Ion, and alkaline batteries, Batteries Plus participates in EPA approved methods of recycling in full compliance with all federal, state, EPA, and DOT regulations governing the disposal and recycling of batteries and select electronics.

Batteries Plus has created the ideal retail, warehouse distribution and technical service center model to fulfill the battery-related needs for virtually any company or public entity. For most large B2B orders, Batteries Plus offers same or next-day delivery for free or minimal delivery charges. There is also a national warranty program between all locations, offering local service with national capabilities.

In addition to providing batteries, battery education, and recycling opportunities to facilities management operators, Batteries Plus has also grown to become the largest single source supplier of batteries serving all industries in the United States and Puerto Rico, including manufacturing, communications, government/municipal, transportation, utilities, construction, medical, recreational, and agricultural/mining, among others. Current national business accounts include such prestigious names as Siemens Building Technologies, Sysco Foods, Anheuser-Busch InBev., 3M and Diebold.

Batteries Plus has been keeping up with the “batteries required” demand since opening its first store in 1988. The franchise system’s growth continues to be driven by consistent demand for battery products and services, including battery powered electronic devices such as cell/smart phones, laptop computers and digital cameras and camcorders. This demand, coupled with the high level of support and training the company provides to franchise owners, as well as national brand recognition, makes Batteries Plus one of the most attractive franchise opportunity offerings in the country.

In 2009, Batteries Plus, enjoyed its most successful year in the company’s more than 20 year history. The franchise company opened 43 new stores, signed 40 franchise deals for another 52 stores and saw the continuation of double-digit same store retail sales, a trend that is now four years running. Batteries Plus plans to open more than 40 additional retail stores in 2010.  

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS
Batteries Plus is the nation’s largest and fastest growing battery retailer, selling more than 50 million batteries per year. Batteries Plus, designated by Inc. Magazine as the nation’s fastest growing specialty retailer and ranked as the #1 Battery Franchise by both Entrepreneur Magazine and D&B AllBusiness.com, has 400 locations in 43 states and Puerto Rico. With access to more than 40,000 types of batteries and accessories, Batteries Plus has the widest selection of batteries and battery-related products and offers unmatched service to consumers, businesses and government entities at the national and local levels. Batteries Plus stores also feature Tech Centers equipped to design, assemble, rebuild, and test custom battery packs. Batteries Plus continues its reign as the undisputed battery retailing leader in the expanding $24 billion battery category, estimated to reach $33.6 billion in 2012.

This milestone represents the latest example of the company’s rapid growth since being founded less than three years ago. Games2U Entertainment, a state-of-the-art mobile entertainment company with video game theaters, 4-D movie theaters, outdoor laser tag, human hamster balls, giant robots, and never-before-seen games, is making good on its mission to give every kid in the nation the chance to have a ‘rock star’ party.

“What excites me most about signing our 100th franchise is that Games2U Entertainment keeps getting bigger and better,” said co-founder David Pikoff. “Much of our growth is attributed to inventing unique products that keep our customers coming back and our franchise owners booking parties.”

In addition to the company’s innovative products, Games2U’s brand and growth has skyrocketed. The founders of the company recently teamed up with former Dell Computer Corporation’s President Joel Kocher, who is recognized for presiding over Dell's explosive growth in the early 90’s.

Kocher, who serves as a shareholder and strategic advisor with Games2U Entertainment has helped the company reach the 100 milestone mark by laying the groundwork for explosive growth over the next five years.

“We’ve made a lot of changes internally, which have set the company up for tremendous success looking ahead to 2015,” said Kocher. “I am thrilled to be part of this fast-growing franchise.”

Founded in 2007 by Austin, TX brothers David and Stuart Pikoff, Games2U Entertainment has quickly become the hottest party scene, especially among kids ages 7 to 14 and for birthday parties, school fundraisers and community events.

Each Games2U Entertainment specialized vehicle offers either a 4-D movie theater or an interactive video game theater.

The patent-pending 4-D theater, which debuted in January, offers movie-ride experiences usually seen only in Disney-like theme parks, complete with electronic glasses, moving seats, perfectly synchronized water spritzes, bursts of air and other enhancements that draw guests into the remarkable 3-D landscapes.

The game theater includes multiple flat screens inside and outside with laser lights, surround sound and smoke machines. Top games for XBox 360, Playstation 3 and Wii systems, among others, allow up to 24 gamers to play at one time. High tech laser tag guns function in daylight or dark, and can be set up in front or backyards or in neighborhood parks.  Additional party options such as projection carts, Candy Cannons, a foam pit and several others, are available to further enhance events for all ages and group sizes.

Games2U Entertainment plans to have more than 300 signed franchises by the end of 2010.  Plans call for the addition of several new franchisees to bring Games2U party vehicles to Southern California, Atlanta, Nashville and Chicago in the coming months.

The company was listed as No. 21 in the AllBusiness.com 2010 rank of fastest-growing franchises, and plans for expansion into Canada and other international markets are foreseeable by year’s end.

About Games2U Entertainment
Games2U Entertainment is transforming the party industry. Founded in 2007 by brothers David and Stuart Pikoff, Games2U offers an interactive, state-of-the-art entertainment alternative for birthday, corporate and community gatherings. With parties starting at $199, the franchise is quickly becoming one of the hottest attractions at outdoor events and community and corporate gatherings. Games2U was listed as No. 21 in the AllBusiness.com 2010 rank of fastest-growing franchises and listed as one of the top home-based businesses to start in 2010 by Inc. Magazine.

With a new platform, navigation, database, content, and graphics, the new BatteriesPlus.com website launched on February 3, 2010. The upgrades now make it even easier for Batteries Plus customers to find the battery they’re looking for and also locate the store that’s closest to them.

“The rollout of our newly designed website is further proof of how dedicated we are to growing the Batteries Plus brand and strengthening our already dominant position as the number one battery retailer in the country,” said Russ Reynolds, CEO of Batteries Plus.  “We grew visits to the BatteriesPlus.com website by more than 60 percent from 2008 to 2009 and we expect visits to increase by at least another 35 percent this year with the new site. The way people search for products is changing and we are providing an easy way for our customers to buy batteries online or find the closest store to them.” 

Having an award winning website is nothing new to Batteries Plus, who’s seen great success in e-commerce and online search engine rankings. Batteries Plus ranks #76 for natural search in Internet Retailer’s study of keyword use by 250 top retailers and took the top spot for the keyword phrase ‘car batteries’.

While the BatteriesPlus.com website has made it easier for customers to find and purchase batteries, the Batteries Plus franchise owners have seen first hand how the website drives traffic to their stores. From 2008 to 2009, there was an 83 percent increase in visitors utilizing the “store locator” feature to find the closest store

“The battery business as a whole has risen significantly over the past few years, but I’ve seen how powerful our website has become in helping drive customers to my stores,” said Mark Jensen who owns multiple Batteries Plus locations in Illinois. “It seems that everyone who walks through the door has already been to the website to find our address and what kind of battery they need. They may walk in looking for one type of battery, but when they see all the batteries we have in stock, they end buying additional batteries for their other products as well.”

Total consumer demand for batteries in the U.S. is expected to reach $33.6 billion by  2012, with market growth being driven by the steady demand for battery powered electronic devices such as cell/smart phones, laptop computers, digital cameras and camcorders. All of this points to Batteries Plus remaining one of the most attractive franchise opportunities for years to come.

“The downturn in the economy has shown which concepts are solid long term investments. Potential franchisees are looking for sustainable and fast-growing concepts like Batteries Plus, which continues to flourish in today’s economic market,” Reynolds said.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS
Batteries Plus is the nation’s largest and fastest growing battery retailer, selling more than 50 million batteries per year. Batteries Plus, designated by Inc. Magazine as the nation’s fastest growing specialty retailer and ranked as the #1 Battery Franchise by both Entrepreneur Magazine and D&B, has 400 locations in 43 states and Puerto Rico. With access to more than 40,000 types of batteries and accessories, Batteries Plus has the widest selection of batteries and battery-related products and offers unmatched service to consumers, businesses and government entities at the national and local levels. Batteries Plus stores also feature Tech Centers equipped to design, assemble, rebuild, and test custom battery packs. Batteries Plus continues its reign as the undisputed battery retailing leader in the expanding $24 billion dollar battery category.

The Super Service Award is given to companies who have achieved and maintained a superior service rating on Angie’s List throughout the past year. Fewer than five percent of the companies on Angie’s List meet the eligibility requirements to be considered for the award.

“Our Super Service Award winners are the cream of the crop when it comes to customer service, said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List.

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have maintained a total and overall grade of “A;” have received a minimum number of reports; are NOT in the Angie’s List “Penalty Box” and do NOT have an unsatisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau.

“We’re pleased that our customers continue to select our company and recognize us for the superior quality of work that we provide,” said Kim Grosser, owner of Closets by Design. The company has been in business for nine years in the Blue Ash area serving residents and businesses of Ohio and Kentucky.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2009 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

About Closets by Design
Since 1982, Closets by Design has built a reputation as the nation’s leader in the closet organizing and storage remodeling industry. The concept began offering franchise opportunities in 1998, was purchased by Home Organizers in 2001 and currently operates 33 locations throughout the US. Closets by Design was ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s listing of the nation’s top 500 franchises as a leader in the home organization category.
 
About Angie’s List
Angie’s List is where thousands of consumers share their ratings and reviews on local contractors and companies in more than 425 different categories. Currently, 750,000 consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them find the right contractor or company for the job they need done. Members have unlimited access to the list via Internet or phone; receive the Angie’s List magazine, which includes articles on home improvement and maintenance, consumer trends and scam alerts; and they can utilize the Angie’s List complaint resolution service.