Laws was Drawn to the Spa Franchisor’s Values and Commitment to Wellness
Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, a leading luxury spa franchise, has named Chris Laws chief financial officer. As CFO, he will manage all aspects of financial planning, including analyzing the brand’s operating model. He brings experience in health care, technology, consumer services, distribution, logistics and real estate to the position.
Laws said he was drawn to Hand & Stone’s values and commitment to enhancing people’s lives through wellness. “The idea of being part of a business genuinely focused on helping individuals establish and maintain their wellness routines, leading to an improved quality of life, was incredibly compelling,” he said. With his background in finance, Laws added that he was excited by the opportunity to contribute his insights to drive growth.
CEO John Teza said he is thrilled that Laws will take the helm of financial operations. “Chris will provide valuable insights as we continue to expand and innovate in our industry. I am confident that he will leverage his experience to quickly align with and assess the Hand & Stone operating model to drive continued financial growth and improved profitability for our brand.”
Fascination with Finance
Laws said he was initially attracted to finance because of the logical and data-driven nature of the field. He finds satisfaction in using data to create strategies to reach goals, and seeing those goals come to fruition.
He advises people interested in the field to seek out opportunities that allow them to tackle complex problems as great learning opportunities. “Embrace the process of trying, failing and iterating until you find the right approach or solution. It’s through these experiences that you’ll develop as a professional and find the most fulfillment in your career,” he said.
From Private Equity to Wellness Franchising
Before joining Hand & Stone, Laws served as CFO at PetroChoice Lubrication Solutions and CFO and COO of Veterinary Practice Partners. Having previously worked in private equity with Greenbriar Equity Group, Blue Point Capital, and Morgan Stanley Real Estate Funds, Laws said the transition to a spa concept has been dynamic. He added that he has seen how private equity enables brands to accelerate growth and explore new concepts. “This freedom to innovate and take calculated risks ultimately leads to better outcomes for everyone involved and strengthens the brand.”
In franchising, he views private equity as a crucial resource for entrepreneurs to expand their brands rapidly and invest in enhancing services. He said the business model and services provided by Hand & Stone, acquired in 2022 by private equity firm Harvest Partners, position the brand well in the health and wellness industry.
The Power of Entrepreneurship
In his own life, Laws said his entrepreneurial father allowed him to witness firsthand the fulfillment that comes with being your own boss. “That’s what really sparked my interest in franchising. My favorite part about this industry is seeing how it enables individuals to make their dreams a reality.” He added that the first year of operation for franchisees is “incredibly gratifying to witness” because they can positively impact their communities through economic development and more.
About Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa
Since its founding in 2004, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa has expanded to over 600 locations across 36 states and Canada. Available for men, women, and teens, the spa franchise’s services are performed by licensed estheticians catering to clients’ needs.
