Family comes first for Orland Park business owners

Married for 39 years, Mike and Kathy Hendershott know what it takes to form a thriving and long-lasting partnership.

It is no surprise, then, that their joint venture into the business world has proven equally successful.

In May, Mike and Kathy opened Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Orland Park. And Mike noted the prime Orland Park Crossing location as a contributing factor to the steady stream of customers who have patronized the business since then.

This is the couple’s fourth franchise location, with additional spas in Wheaton, Geneva, and Naperville.

The Hendershotts had big plans in mind for retirement. They dreamed of working collaboratively to build something special within their community. Starting a business was on the top of that list.

Kathy, who worked in purchasing before retiring in 2009, always loved massages and facials. So, when she and Mike met with a franchise matcher who connected them with Hand & Stone, it was a natural fit. And Kathy spearheaded the opening of their first location in Wheaton in 2013.

Soon after, Mike retired from his position as a management director for a banking company and joined Kathy with the franchise expansion efforts. This dynamic husband/wife duo attributes communication and collegiality as the cornerstones to their success as a team.

They also credit their focus on family. And Mike and Kathy stressed the importance of building community within their business.

“We want to create a family atmosphere that people want to be a part of, something not too small but not too big,” Mike said.

This business philosophy is at the forefront of everything the Hendershotts do.

“Kathy likes to bring cupcakes to the staff,” Mike added. “We try to say ‘hello’ to every employee and greet everyone by name.”

It helps that their business is a family affair.

Native Texans who now live in the western suburbs of Chicago, Mike and Kathy recruited their daughter Amanda to move to the Chicago area to assist with the growing business. As a mother of four, Amanda knew this was the right decision not only as a business endeavor but also to reunite their family.

“My parents missed their grandchildren,” Amanda said. “Family is important to us.

Working together as a family team has proven advantageous, as each member of the family brings unique skill-sets to the business. Mike’s business savvy allows him to focus on marketing and analytics, whereas Kathy’s eye for detail allows her to organize daily in-spa operations. Amanda, on the other hand, focuses on employee training efforts — a skill that was honed by her 10 years of experience as a special education teacher.

Ultimately, though, the Hendershotts’ priority is on community and customer service.

“What really enticed us to get involved in this business is customer service,” Mike said. “We aim to provide that extra level of service that keep our clients coming back. We want them to have a good experience and to feel like part of our family.”