Massage Heights, a leader of professional, affordable and convenient therapeutic massage and facial services, recently named Atlanta-based franchisee and regional developer Tom Gustoff its 2016 Developer of the Year during its annual international conference in Nashville. Currently, Massage Heights has more than 90 franchisees that own and operate 147 locations across North America.
Additionally, Gustoff's Brookhaven location in Atlanta was honored with the Top Annual Retail Sales Peak Performer award for reporting the highest revenue for retail products — more than $54,000 — in the system. Gustoff also was recognized with the Living Our Purpose award for elevating the everyday lives of the thousands of Members and Guests served across his four Retreats in the Atlanta area.
Gustoff's Team Members were recognized for three out of the four awards given to Massage Heights Team Members at the convention. Lyndon Ramsey was selected as the Regional Manager of the Year for supporting and elevating each Retreat in the Atlanta region, leading multiple locations to become some of the leading Retreats within the Massage Heights system. Angela Glenn was recognized as the Lead Massage Therapist of the Year for demonstrating a passionate work ethic and her ability to coach and collaborate with her Team Members at the Buckhead Retreat in Atlanta for the success of the overall business and team. The Lead Skin Therapist of the Year was awarded to Rachael Tipton who has exhibited a strong passion and love for skin therapy ever since beginning her career with Massage Heights.
The Pinnacle Award, an annual recognition given to the highest-grossing Retreat in the system, was awarded to franchisee Ken Carter, of Calgary, Alberta. Carter received this award for being the top-grossing Retreat in 2016 with more than $1.9 million in revenue.
"We're elated to recognize so many of our high-performing franchisees and developers within Massage Heights," said Shane Evans, founder and president of Massage Heights. "We attribute the remarkable growth that our brand experienced in 2016, such as breaking in to new markets and reaching $95 million in revenue, to the hard work and commitment of our franchisees."
Massage Heights, which aims to have 300 Retreats open by the end of 2020, plans to develop franchised locations in cities like Denver, Kansas City, Tampa-St. Petersburg, San Diego, Nashville, Knoxville, and Las Vegas in 2016. Additionally, Massage Heights is seeking area developers to grow the brand in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Northern Virginia, Nashville, Tampa-St. Petersburg and Salt Lake City.
As part of its nationwide expansion plans, Massage Heights is seeking qualified franchisees and area developers to join its growing brand. Prospective single- and multi-unit franchisees should have $175,000 in liquid assets and minimum $400,000 net worth per location, as well as experience in sales or retail management and managing hourly wage employees. Prospective area representatives should have $375,000 in liquid assets and minimum $600,000 net worth, as well as previous experience in franchising, sales, marketing and operating multiple sites, preferably in the retail, restaurant, hospitality or customer services industries.