BeTheBoss - Tell us about the Massage Addict concept.
Lori Mackenzie - Massage Addict
is a new concept in massage therapy. We have positioned ourselves
to become the leading national franchise in the massage industry.
We have developed an approach to massage therapy that saves clients
money and promotes return visits through our yearly membership
program. Our unique business concept offers franchisees consistent
and predictable revenue and unlimited income potential through
multiple location ownership and area development.
Our clinics are located in convenient high traffic locations. Walk
in visits, online booking and affordable membership rates make it
easy for our clients to take advantage of our services. Our clinics
offer a fresh, modern décor and are open evenings and weekends to
serve the needs of our clients.
BTB - How and when did you become involved with Massage Addict?
LM - In 2008 I opened Canada’s first Massage Addict in Dartmouth, NS. The concept was created to accommodate the growing demand for affordable Therapeutic Massage Therapy without a long wait to get an appointment.
Soon after opening. Recognizing its franchise potential, I went through the steps to franchise the business model and within one year of opening the first Massage Addict location we had 6 locations in two provinces.
BTB - What was your background prior to joining Massage Addict?
LM - Prior to creating Massage Addict I was a multi location owner of a popular fitness franchise. I got into the fitness franchise right out of college, where I studied business, and soon grew to own and oversee operations for 6 locations in two provinces.
BTB - What are some of the advantages of being a Massage Addict franchisee?
LM -
- You are your own boss
- Freedom and flexibility of schedule
- Rewarding to see health progress of clients
- Creating jobs for local RMTs and support staff
BTB - Who is your ideal franchisee?
LM - Our ideal franchisee is someone who is devoted to making their business grow. Someone who believes in the concept and has the financial resources to get it started.
BTB - Tell us a little about the Massage Therapy Market
LM - Massage therapy is more
popular than ever. Massage Addict serves a gap in the market of
people looking for an affordable therapeutic massage at a
reasonable rate, without sacrificing quality or service.
The demand for massage therapy is huge….and
growing!
- 35% of Canadians had tried massage by 2006, an increase of 12% from 1997
- In 2006, 19% of Canadians reported using massage therapy in the past 12 months, up from 12% in 1997
- In 2006, those using massage therapy did so an average of 7.4 times in the previous 12 months
- In 2006, 57% of the cost of massage therapy was covered by insurance, that is up 21% from 1997
- Average annual spending for those using massage therapy increased from $211 in 1997 to $365 in 2006
- Nationally, the average age people first try massage is 34
- In 2006, 82% of those using massage therapy were treated by a ‘professional’
BTB - What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
LM - It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get a business going. Not everyone is necessarily a good candidate to own a franchise or manage a business.
BTB - Do you have a mentor and is there someone you use for inspiration?
LM - Throughout my life I have had a number of individuals who have inspired me and have been influential in my decision making process. Somewhere along the way I picked up a saying that I use quite frequently....”If it was easy, everyone would do it”. I play this over in my mind when facing a challenge. It sounds simple but it’s so true.
BTB - What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?
LM - I suggest you find a franchisor with a philosophy and product you can connect with. It is a lot easier and a lot more fun to own a business with a product or service you are passionate about.
BTB - In your opinion, why do you think that Massage Addict would be a great opportunity for someone?
LM - Massage
Addict is an excellent opportunity because of the current
growth in the Massage Therapy market. It is a low start up
franchise with exciting growth in our future. It’s a great time to
get in on the ground floor of this expanding company.
Be your own boss, low start up, help people feel better, growing
health industry.
