Business Q&A: Paul Mahler of Hand and Stone Massage

Melville native Paul Mahler has made a major career switch to bring a state-of-the-art wellness center to Levittown. A former lawyer, Mahler knew he wanted to own his own business one day and after research, Hand and Stone Massage seemed like the perfect choice.
What made you want to open a Hand and Stone location in Levittown?
I wanted to get into a field that helps people. I'm also a volunteer fireman and EMT for the Melville Fire Department so I've always been interested in the medical side of things. Massage therapy is one industry where people are always walking out of here feeling refreshed and better than before. 
What sort of services do you offer at Hand and Stone?
At Hand and Stone, we offer massage therapy and facials by New York State licensed therapists and estheticians. Various massage treatments are available including swedish, deep tissue, couples, pre-natal, reflexology, sports and cranial sacral massages. Different facials are also available for men, women and teens.
What do you think will separate your business from others in the area?
We offer an experience, not just a clinic where you come to get a massage and leave. When the client walks in the door, it's all about them. We want to make an experience and atmosphere where it's all about them and they're completely relaxed.
What do you think will be the most challenging obstacle opening up a business in this economy?
Price point, really. Many centers are doing lengthy contracts, but our business model is driven behind a month-to-month membership that can be canceled in 30 days notice. It's a very important selling point. People are concerned about whether or not they can afford things in this economy. Massage therapy is very good for you and we want to be able to offer our services to everybody.
Do you offer any introductory specials for new clients?
Yes, we have three different introductory items to choose from. We have a regular 50-minute treatment ($49.95), a hot stone 50-minute treatment ($69.95) and a facial treatment ($49.95). All clients can use each one once before becoming a member.
What do you look for when hiring your staff?
Personality, and of course, the ability to do the treatment. This is an experience here and we want our staff to be able to relate to the people they're interacting with. Our clients want to see someone with a smile on their face who will make them feel comfortable.
Have you seen support from the Levittown community as you've been building?
We have seen tremendous support from surrounding businesses and the Chamber of Commerce and have develeoped some great relationships so far. I've always had volunteer in my blood and hope to give back to the place my business calls home.
What are your hopes for Hand and Stone as it grows?
I want to succeed and Hand and Stone is behind me 100 percent. We want to provide clients with a place they can come to and forget the world for an hour. It'll still be there when you leave, we can't do anything about that, but we want our clients to know it's all about them while they're here.

Hand and Stone Massage, located at 3515 Hempstead Turnpike, will open on March 25.