How To Succeed as A Multi-Unit Franchisee: Tara McLain, Hand & Stone

Tara McLain worked with several other franchises before discovering Hand & Stone. But after experiencing Hand & Stone’s services for herself as a customer, she was sold on the new opportunity. Now, she owns four Florida locations with the 475-plus unit massage and facial spa franchise.

When McLain was a member at her local Hand & Stone spa, she reached out directly to corporate to discuss franchising opportunities with the brand. “I got in touch with a regional developer and from there, talked to other owners about the brand, read reviews about the brand and eventually opened my first location,” she said.

McLain says she focuses on her location’s team members rather than focusing on herself as a leader, and that is why she believes she has found success as a multi-unit owner.

“It’s not about me — it’s about the team that we’ve created in each individual location,” she said. “And it’s about empowering the leaders within the organization to want to be there and build the culture.”

McLain advises other franchisees who are looking to expand their portfolio to do the same. “Work on building a team, allowing your leaders to feel important and valued, and try not to micromanage them,” she emphasized.

McLain believes a strong support network is essential for brands to generate franchisee interest. “Right now, we have regional developers who come into the spa on a quarterly basis and visit with our leaders to provide feedback and positive reinforcement,” she said. “I think having hands-on access to a corporate office is why Hand & Stone has become so successful. If I were to look at a different brand, I’d be looking at what kind of support network they have outside of the local store.”