Franchisee Employee Spotlight

Chris S. made a major career change five years ago. He had spent 15 years in the restaurant industry and was looking for a change. He found his calling with massage therapy. He loves helping his clients improve their mobility. Seeing the impact on their quality of life validates the work he does each and every day. Chris is also a trainer at his franchised location, so he helps his fellow therapists be the best they can be.

When did you decide to pursue a career in massage therapy?
I decided that it was time for a career change near the end of 2012. After spending 15 years in the restaurant industry, it was time for a change. As I began to look at local schools to figure out a new path, the topic of massotherapy kept popping up. I figured, if anything, I could utilize this field to get out of the restaurant industry for a time. However, after I started school, I found my calling.

Describe your experience at massage school. What did you like about it?
I was very fortunate with the instructors that I had. They made the program what it was and really pushed the students in the class to excel in the areas they were passionate about. For me, the medical and analytical challenges were my favorite parts of the classes. I liked figuring out what was causing issues and creating a plan of action to address those issues.

What excites you most about working at a Massage Envy franchised location?
There are two things that make me love my franchised location. The first thing is my clients. I would not be here if it was not for them. I love the unique challenges that each one presents and the relationships that I have built with them. I have been seeing some of them since my first month working at my Massage Envy franchised location. The second thing is my co-workers. We are a giant, dysfunctional family that absolutely loves each other and has each others' backs. There are not many places that I have worked where I look forward to seeing everyone I work with every day. Just don't tell them I said that.

Massage therapists have access to 12+ free CEs each year at Massage Envy franchised locations. Have you taken any of the free CE courses?
As a trainer, I have taken almost all of the CEs that Massage Envy has to offer. I slowed down quite a bit while pursuing my master's degree, so I have yet to get to some of the new literature available. I will say, however, the education that Massage Envy provides is amazing.

Please tell us about a day where you felt especially proud about the work that you do?
I am proud every day of my work because I get to help people move easier and spend their time living their lives. The day that really sticks with me is the day that my general manager pulled me aside to tell me that I was chosen for the honor of "Therapist of the Year" for our location. She also told me that not only did I have the numbers to warrant the honor, but I was the leader by a large margin in the vote by the staff. I never really thought I would get that honor and to have it come not only from the management team but the whole clinic, I was so proud of the work I put in every day.

What excites you about the next couple years of your career?
Just to see the team I work with evolve and expand. I am the clinic trainer and have trained most of the staff that is still with our location. It makes me so happy to see how all of our therapists grow and expand on their knowledge every day.

When are you happiest at work?
If you ask my team, I am happy almost every day. I am the clinic goofball. I firmly believe that a simple smile can change the world. So, I try to make sure that there are as many of those out there as possible. When I get presented with a challenging bodywork issue with a client, trying to find a solution to their issue makes my heart soar.

Why should somebody consider working at a Massage Envy franchised location and building their career there?
A Massage Envy franchised location is a great place to start and build a career. There are all kinds of learning opportunities available. You get to work with and learn from experienced therapists, and for those who are ambitious, there are growth opportunities.

What's the best part about living in Ohio? Tell us something about it that others living outside the state might not know.
One of the best parts of living in Ohio is getting to be out hiking and walking in all the seasons. Ohio has more than 5,000 miles of trails, from biking, hiking, running, walking, water, and equestrian trails throughout the state.

What are your favorite hobbies and interests outside of work?
Looking at my time spent outside of work, I am just learning these things again. For a while, all of my outside time was spent on class work. Now I find myself going to the gym, gaming, sitting down to read, knitting, going for runs and bike rides, hiking, exploring with my dogs, gardening, and doing home renovations.