Hand and Stone was founded by John Marco, a visionary entrepreneur with a keen eye towards changing consumer trends. While operating a successful private practice as a physical therapist, John kept abreast of related industries. Of particular interest was the massage industry. John observed its explosive growth but noted that there were no recognizable national brands. He also observed a lack of convenience and an ability get affordable spa services under one roof. After careful research and planning John opened a Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa and refined the model. Today John is the driving force behind developing the "perfect spa experience" and serves as the company's founder and COO.

In 2009, Todd Leff, a 20 year franchise industry veteran who had been President and CEO of a 1,100 unit automotive chain, became an investor in and part of the Hand and Stone Management team. Todd brings to Hand and Stone franchise management experience having successfully grown other national franchise brands. He is leading the company's marketing, franchise development, real estate and finance functions and serves as the company's President and CEO.

Tara Kelly, with some 15 years of retail advertising experience, is Director of HSM Advertising, the in-house advertising agency exclusively serving Hand and Stone franchisees. Tara joined HSM in 2009 having previously headed up Accel Advertising, the AAMCO Transmission in-house advertising agency. At Accel, Tara was responsible for developing content, media plans and promotions for AAMCO franchises throughout the country. Prior to working at Accel, she served as a Senior Media buyer for the in-house advertising agency at Cottman Transmission where she was responsible for all advertising and marketing plans for approximately 100 Cottman Centers with an annual budget of some $3 million. Tara has been successful in managing main market media campaigns, developing unique and effective in-store promotions and coordinating direct mail efforts.