ISPA FOUNDATION
FOUNDATION
CG Funk on Supporting
the ISPA Foundation
Massage Envy Franchising, LLC Vice
President of Industry Relations & Product
Development CG Funk believes in the
ISPA Foundation’s mission to bring
research and education to the spa industry. In a one-on-one chat with ISPA
Foundation Chairman Jeff Kohl, Funk
talks about the importance of the
Foundation’s work and how it’s impacting the industry.
ONE-ONE
ON
2014 ISPA Foundation
Board of Directors
OFFICERS
Chairman
Jeff Kohl
Spa & Club Ideations
Vice Chairman
Frank Pitsikalis
ResortSuite
DIRECTORS
Jeff Kohl: How important is the ISPA Foundation’s mission/work to the spa industry?
Funk: The work of the ISPA Foundation touches almost every aspect of spa operations. From the edu-
Ella Stimpson
ISPA Vice Chairman
The Spa at Sea Island
cation scholarships that ensure continued staff entrance into the spa market to the insightful consumer
research that helps spas guide their strategies, the Foundation’s initiatives contribute greatly to the overall
business of spa.
Michael Tompkins
ISPA Chairman
Hilton Head Health
Lynne McNees
ISPA President
K: How do you use the research provided by the ISPA Foundation?
F: While Massage Envy Spa conducts its own internal consumer research, we greatly value the
Foundation’s research as it gives us a gauge to assess and compare the greater picture of spa outside the
walls of our business and how we fit in that picture.
Dr. Brent Bauer, M.D.
Mayo Clinic
K: How does the future of the spa industry look to you?
F: The Massage Envy Spa network has experienced incredible, sustainable growth over the past 13
years. I believe this success has come largely from a consumer wellness movement. Today’s consumers
are more interested and focused on self-care and well-being. The services and experiences that spas offer
truly answer these growing demands and needs. I believe this consumer trend of interest will continue
to grow and become even more prevalent as younger generations age. This demographic will have more
exposure to the importance of wellness in their overall approach to life.
K: What do you see as some of the emerging spa industry trends?
F: Average consumers will gain deeper understanding of various forms of spa services which will drive
the need for spas to invest in the latest modalities and technologies. I also see consumers’ increasing
frequency of spa visits as they begin to truly integrate spa and its benefits into their routines of living.
Personal Side Notes
Book I’m reading: Becoming Odyssa: Adventures
on the Appalachian Trail by Jennifer Pharr Davis
Recently binge watching: Once Upon a Time
My fitness routine: Bikram yoga combined with
hiking, biking and kayaking
App I use a lot: Map Quest and Flixter—it's a
toss up!
64 PULSE
n
March/April 2015
MEDICAL ADVISOR
n
HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS
Ruth Stricker
The Marsh, A Center for
Balance and Fitness
Deborah Szekely
WELLNESS WARRIOR
The ISPA Foundation wishes
to thank the following
supporters for their generous
contributions:
Luminary
Ruth Stricker
Benefactor
Dr. Howard Murad
Patron
Massage Envy Franchising, LLC
Red Door Spas