---
title: "Franchise Development Players: Bob McQuillan of Hand & Stone"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/f729f308-3055-44e5-b09b-fb0842168fb3
source: "1851 Franchise"
original_url: https://1851franchise.com/franchise-development-players-bob-mcquillan-of-hand-stone-2704074
category: "Spa & massage"
industry: "Beauty & Wellness"
segment: "Spa & massage"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2017-10-30T12:07:02.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T03:02:06.789Z
image: https://newimage.1851franchise.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=85,format=webp,width=1280,height=720/story/featureImage/ed850f6a4c0c0ffda08a1ed39d447f942848.jpg
---

# Franchise Development Players: Bob McQuillan of Hand & Stone

**TL;DR:** Bob McQuillan, founder of Hand & Stone, shares his experience in franchising and approach to building a successful brand. He discusses his background, the importance of following a proven playbook, and the value of speaking with existing franchisees.

*originally published in 1851 Franchise on 2017-10-30. [Read the original](https://1851franchise.com/franchise-development-players-bob-mcquillan-of-hand-stone-2704074).*

## Story

It’s kind of a long story! Back in the late 90s, I was in the medical industry for about eleven years. During that time, I watched the technology sector go crazy when the dot com’s were achieving four digit plus growth in stocks. I saw an opportunity to get involved with a tech company during this growth. I ended up on the software end when I joined Cisco systems. I thought my plan had worked, but then in 2000 the industry crashed. I could have gone back to medicine, but decided to look at other opportunities.

On November 11, 2001 I had my last interview scheduled in a building across from the towers. I never made it to the city because the interviewer canceled. After that, my fate was sealed. I said to my wife, “If not now, when? Why don’t we start our own business?” From there, we turned to franchising and became involved with Hollywood Tans.

I actually lived the American dream part and like helping others to do the same. I can talk to you about how the journey is because I have done it and continue to build it.

What do you wish would change in franchising?

Good question--the regulations that we go through every year. If we could have one set of rules for all states that we do business in, it could prevent a loss of great franchisees and opportunities.

The best franchisees follow the playbook. They don’t come in and change the recipe--there’s a reason that it works. Don’t reinvent the wheel.

What’s the No. 1 thing that sells franchisees?

Other franchisees are a powerful tool. Don’t listen to the sales guy--do your due diligence and speak to franchisees.

## Entities

- 1851 Franchise (publication)
- franchise development (topic)
- Beauty & Wellness (sector)
- Hand & Stone (company)
- franchisee recruitment (topic)
- brand building (topic)
- Cisco (company)
- regulations (topic)

---
Originally reported by 1851 Franchise (https://1851franchise.com/franchise-development-players-bob-mcquillan-of-hand-stone-2704074). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/f729f308-3055-44e5-b09b-fb0842168fb3).