StarrCast

How does a massage therapist evolve from practitioner to business owner, build a thriving team, and then expand beyond a labor-dependent business model? In this episode of StarrCast Podcast, host Lisa Starr talks with Kelly Hander, owner of Be Well Body Works in Longmont, Colorado, about her 25-plus-year journey in massage therapy and the lessons she learned while becoming an employer, leader, and wellness business owner. Kelly shares how she built a financially healthy business, created a culture that supports therapist career longevity, and recently expanded Be Well with private contrast therapy rooms and red light therapy.  What You'll Learn Why being a talented practitioner does not automatically prepare you to run a successful wellness business How financial health can support better jobs, training, equipment, and client care Why workload, compensation, culture, and career longevity matter when attracting and retaining massage therapists How Kelly created consistency without asking every therapist to deliver an identical massage Why Be Well added contrast therapy and red light therapy as a way to expand services and create growth that does not require therapists to physically do more How memberships can encourage clients to use wellness services consistently and support recurring revenue  Episode Highlights 03:27 – How clinical massage shaped Kelly's approach to therapeutic care 08:49 – The transition from skilled practitioner to business owner 11:38 – Why a financially healthy business supports better care 13:42 – Creating a workplace where massage therapists can build lasting careers 18:28 – Building consistent guest service without creating cookie-cutter treatments 24:36 – Recognizing when the original business had reached its growth limits 25:04 – Adding contrast therapy and red light therapy to the business model 33:45 – Growing revenue without asking therapists to physically do more 40:38 – How to evaluate new wellness equipment and modalities before investing 47:06 – Evolving from a massage studio into a place designed to help people feel better  Meet the Guest Kelly Hander is the owner of Be Well Body Works in Longmont, Colorado. With more than 25 years in massage therapy, Kelly began her career with extensive therapeutic and clinical training before building Be Well into a team-based wellness business. Her newly expanded facility combines six massage rooms with five private contrast therapy rooms and a red light therapy bed.  Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Kelly discusses therapist mentoring and ongoing training, management structure, massage and contrast therapy memberships, private sauna and cold plunge experiences, red light therapy, and the importance of researching new modalities based on client needs, business culture, and long-term goals.  Closing Insight Kelly's story is a reminder that sustainable growth in a spa or wellness business requires a willingness to keep learning, adapt the business model, invest in the team, and stay focused on the experience you want to create for clients. As Kelly puts it, "If you're willing to keep going, the door will keep opening." Subscribe to StarrCast Podcast for more conversations with spa and wellness professionals about leadership, operations, guest experience, team development, and building stronger wellness businesses. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting  Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/  Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses  Other Links: Connect with Kelly Hander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-hander-36b7a55/ Connect with Be Well Bodyworks: https://bewellbody.com Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness  Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube: https://wynnebusiness.com/starrcast-podcast/  Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks  Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynnebusiness/   

What should spa and wellness operators know before opening a bathhouse or adding sauna and cold plunge experiences? As thermal bathing and contrast therapy continue to grow, Lisa Starr speaks with MacKenzie Boling of Longevity Law and Adam Wilkins of NFP, an Aon company, about the legal, operational, and insurance risks that can affect guest safety and long-term business viability. Their conversation offers practical guidance for owners who want to build a durable business, protect their guests, and understand the responsibilities that come with these increasingly popular wellness experiences. What You'll Learn Why regulatory classification, permitting, and water-vessel requirements should be addressed before construction or opening. How to evaluate insurance coverage beyond general liability, including professional liability and potential waterborne illness exposures. Why marketing claims, waivers, informed consent, and staff training need to support the experience being offered. How guest education and proactive supervision can help reduce risks associated with heat, cold, and social pressure. What to review before adding new modalities to an existing spa, and how to identify gaps in your current risk management approach. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why the growth of bathhouses is raising new questions for spa and wellness operators 07:47 – The regulatory and paperwork risks that can threaten business durability 10:02 – Insurance exposures beyond slips and falls 18:44 – How marketing promises can influence an operator's duty to guests 29:14 – Why waivers need to be supported by informed consent and intake 36:13 – What to do before adding a sauna or cold plunge to an existing spa 43:48 – How additional modalities can complicate insurance procurement 46:31 – Two practical risk management actions operators can take tomorrow Meet the Guests MacKenzie Boling, Esq. is the founder of Longevity Law, where she conducts risk reviews for bathhouses, saunas, thermal bathing programs, and pre-opening projects. Her background includes criminal defense law, massage therapy, and sauna master training. Adam Wilkins is a property and casualty insurance broker with NFP, an Aon company. He works with businesses in alternative wellness and medicine, including hot and cold exposure, helping operators understand and insure their business risks. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned The conversation explores MacKenzie's risk architecture approach, including operational compliance, staff training, the guest journey, and alignment between marketing and practice. It also introduces her work on a nationwide water-classification database and the need for defensible sauna standards. Closing Insight A safe and successful bathhouse begins with informed decisions, clear operating standards, and an understanding of the risks your business is taking. Whether you are opening a new facility or expanding an existing spa, this conversation will help you approach growth with your eyes wide open. Subscribe to StarrCast Podcast for more conversations about the business of spa and wellness. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting  Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/  Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses  Other Links: Connect with MacKenzie Boling, Esq: https://www.linkedin.com/in/longevitylawllc/ Connect with Longevity Law: https://longevitylaw.law/about  Connect with Adam Wilkins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-wilkins-insurance-broker-and-mental-health-advocate/ Connect with NFP an Aon Company: https://www.nfp.com Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness  Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube: https://wynnebusiness.com/starrcast-podcast/  Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks  Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynnebusiness/   

What does it take to transform a historic hot springs property into a thriving wellness destination? In this episode of StarrCast, Lisa Starr sits down with David Dronet, Founder and CEO of Olympus Real Estate Group, to explore the intersection of wellness real estate, thermal wellness, hospitality, and destination development. David shares his remarkable journey from banking and real estate development into senior living and ultimately the restoration and expansion of two of the most significant hot springs resorts in the United States: The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and Murrieta Hot Springs Resort in California. Together, they discuss what investors look for in wellness properties, why thermal bathing is gaining momentum, and how hot springs, hydrotherapy, and evidence-based wellness experiences are reshaping the future of hospitality. What You'll Learn • How David transitioned from banking and real estate development into wellness hospitality • What makes a wellness real estate project financially viable and operationally successful • Why thermal wellness, hydrotherapy, and hot springs are experiencing renewed consumer demand • The challenges and opportunities of developing geothermal wellness destinations • How guest insights, wellness programming, and operational excellence drive long-term success Episode Highlights 03:02 – Why David left traditional banking to pursue entrepreneurship 06:09 – How a personal family experience led him into senior living development 10:11 – The unexpected path that led to acquiring The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs 18:03 – Recognizing unmet demand and expanding a wellness destination 23:40 – The role of geothermal pools, contrast therapy, and hydrotherapy experiences 27:05 – Bringing evidence-based wellness into thermal bathing experiences 30:44 – Reviving Murrieta Hot Springs and restoring a historic health resort 37:01 – The complexities of geothermal resources and thermal wellness development Meet the Guest David Dronet is the Founder and CEO of Olympus Real Estate Group. With a background in banking, real estate development, senior housing, and hospitality, he has become a leading voice in wellness real estate and thermal wellness destination development. Under his leadership, The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs and Murrieta Hot Springs Resort have become two of the most prominent hot springs and hydrotherapy destinations in the United States. Tools, Frameworks, and Strategies Mentioned • Thermal Wellness • Hydrotherapy • Contrast Therapy • Geothermal Resource Management • Wellness Destination Development • Guest-Centered Hospitality Design • Evidence-Based Wellness Programming • Wellness Real Estate Investment Strategy Closing Insight As wellness continues to move from a luxury amenity to a lifestyle priority, destinations built around natural healing resources, authentic experiences, and evidence-based wellness practices are positioned for long-term growth. If you're interested in the future of wellness real estate, thermal bathing, hospitality innovation, and destination wellness, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Subscribe to StarrCast for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of spa, wellness, hospitality, and healthy living. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting  Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/  Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses  Other Links: Connect with David Dronet: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddronet/ Connect with The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs: https://www.pagosahotsprings.com/  Connect with Murrieta Hot Springs Resort: https://www.murrieta-hotsprings.com/ Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness  Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube: https://wynnebusiness.com/starrcast-podcast/  Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks  Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynnebusiness/   

What happens when some of the world's leading spa and wellness executives gather to discuss the future of the industry? Recorded live at the W3Spa EMEA event in Portugal, Lisa Starr sits down with hospitality and wellness leaders Sharon Barcock, Louise Moore, Egle Ruksenaite, and Kerry Turpin to explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping spa, wellness, longevity, and hospitality across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. From the rise of longevity-focused guest experiences and wellness-driven hotel design to the growing importance of natural resources, accessibility, and inclusive wellness, this conversation offers a fascinating look at where the industry is headed next. What You'll Learn • Why longevity has become one of the most important conversations in hospitality and wellness • How leading hotel brands are integrating sleep, movement, nutrition, and mindfulness into the guest journey • The role technology should play in spa and wellness experiences • Why education and staff training remain critical to successful wellness innovation • How natural resources such as thermal waters, climate therapy, and local healing traditions are shaping future     wellness destinations • Why the future of wellness may depend on making experiences more accessible to broader populations Episode Highlights  03:35 – Why longevity is becoming a defining trend in hospitality wellness 05:15 – Hilton's approach to meeting guests where they are on their wellness journey 07:30 – Wellness technology: What's worth investing in and what may be a passing trend? 10:25 – The ongoing challenge of training and educating wellness teams 15:45 – How geopolitical events are impacting tourism and hospitality across the Middle East 20:00 – Why today's travelers are seeking wellness, culture, and meaningful experiences 24:00 – Egle Ruksenaite's vision for wellness development beyond luxury 29:00 – Designing wellness destinations that serve people of all abilities 31:00 – Building one of Northern Europe's largest thermal wellness destinations 38:45 – Why the future of wellness is about creating healthier ways of living Meet the Guests Sharon Barcock is Director of Spa Operations for Hilton across the Middle East and Africa, overseeing a rapidly growing portfolio of luxury wellness destinations throughout the region. Louise Moore is Director of Spa Development and Operations for Hilton across Europe and brings extensive expertise in hospitality wellness, guest experience, and spa strategy. Egle Ruksenaite is Founder of E77 and one of Europe's most respected wellness consultants, known for developing innovative spa, medical wellness, thermal, and hospitality projects throughout Europe and beyond. Kerry Turpin is Global Head of Spa and Wellness for Corinthia Hotels, where she leads wellness strategy across a growing luxury hotel portfolio. In this conversation, she shares how Corinthia is integrating movement, mindfulness, recovery, and nourishment into the guest experience.  Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned • Longevity and healthy aging • Wellness hospitality trends • Spa development and operations • Wellness tourism • Guest experience design • Natural healing traditions • Thermal wellness destinations • Accessibility and inclusive wellness • Hospitality leadership • Future wellness concepts Closing Insight "The future of wellness isn't just about building more luxury spaces. It's about creating healthier ways of living that are accessible, meaningful, and connected to the needs of real people." If you enjoyed this episode of StarrCast, subscribe and follow for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of spa, wellness, hospitality, and longevity. Subscribe to StarrCast for more conversations with the innovators, operators, and thought leaders shaping the future of spa, wellness, hospitality, and longevity. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting  Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/  Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses  Other Links: Connect with We Work Well: https://weworkwellevents.com/ Connect with Sharon Barcock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-barcock-7379704/ Connect with Louise Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-moore-205ab46/ Connect with Egle Ruksenaite: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruksenaite-egle-00593174/ Connect with Kerry Turpin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-turpin-35572a180/ Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness  Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube: https://wynnebusiness.com/starrcast-podcast/  Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks  Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynnebusiness/   

What happens when ancient sauna traditions meet modern wellness culture, theatrical storytelling, and world-class competition? In this special on-location episode of StarrCast, Lisa Starr travels to New York City for the Aufguss USA Championships to explore one of the fastest-growing movements in wellness. Through conversations with industry leaders, international judges, competitors, and bathhouse operators, this episode uncovers how sauna culture is evolving into a powerful force for wellbeing, connection, recovery, and community. What You'll Learn What Aufguss is and why it has become a global wellness phenomenon How sauna rituals combine heat, aromatherapy, storytelling, and sensory immersion Why contrast therapy is gaining momentum across the United States How the communal sauna experience supports emotional wellbeing and social connection What the future holds for sauna culture, bathhouses, and wellness destinations in North America Episode Highlights  01:23 – Cassandra Cavanah explains what Aufguss USA is and how the organization supports sauna culture across America 05:36 – The emotional, therapeutic, and communal benefits driving sauna's popularity 08:17 – Why developers, operators, and wellness brands are investing in large-scale sauna experiences 15:20 – Deborah Carr shares how the British Sauna Society helped grow sauna culture throughout the UK 20:35 – How post-pandemic wellness trends accelerated public interest in sauna and cold-water therapy 27:50 – Competitor Tovi Wayne discusses his journey from professional dance to championship-level sauna mastery 37:04 – Former NFL player Mitch Mathews explains the business model behind FlowHaus and the future of social wellness 45:14 – The opportunities and challenges of financing and scaling bathhouse concepts 47:35 – World-class sauna master Alonzo Solorzano shares how Aufguss evolved from a side job into a career and artistic pursuit 59:24 – The future of Bathhouse expansion, sauna training, and competitive Aufguss in North America Meet the Guests Cassandra Cavanah is President of Aufguss USA and a longtime advocate for hydrothermal wellness experiences through her work with the Global Wellness Institute's Hydrothermal Initiative. Deborah Carr is President of the British Sauna Society, sauna educator, juror, and industry leader helping establish sauna standards and professional pathways throughout the United Kingdom. Tovi Wayne is a Bathhouse sauna master and competitor whose background in dance and performance informs his immersive and emotionally engaging Aufguss experiences. Mitch Mathews is a former NFL wide receiver and Founder of FlowHaus, a growing wellness concept focused on guided sauna, contrast therapy, and community wellbeing. Alonzo Solorzano is Director of Aufguss at Bathhouse, the 2024 U.S. Solo Champion, and one of the leading figures advancing competitive sauna culture in the United States. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Aufguss Rituals Show Aufguss Competition Modern Classic Cup Contrast Therapy Hydrothermal Wellness Sauna Master Training Community Wellness Experiences Guided Sauna Programming Cold Plunge Therapy Wellness-Focused Bathhouse Development Closing Insight Sauna is no longer simply a place to get warm. Around the world, it is becoming a platform for wellbeing, human connection, emotional expression, recovery, and community. As Aufguss continues to grow across the United States, this movement is redefining what modern wellness experiences can be. Whether you're a spa professional, wellness entrepreneur, sauna enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of hydrothermal wellness, this episode offers a fascinating look at a movement that is only beginning to gain momentum. Subscribe to StarrCast for more conversations with the innovators, operators, and thought leaders shaping the future of spa, wellness, hospitality, and longevity. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting  Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/  Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses  Other Links: Connect with Aufguss USA: https://www.aufgussusa.com/ Connect with Cassandra Cavanah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-cavanah-a847b211/ Connect with Deborah Carr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-carr-101bb0135/ Connect with Tovi Wayne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tovi-wayne-b9205b102/ Connect with Mitch Mathews: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchmathews/ Connect with Alonzo Solorzano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alonzo-solorzano-72ab6298/ Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness  Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube: https://wynnebusiness.com/starrcast-podcast/  Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks  Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynnebusiness/