Sara and Price Rauch, owners of Planet Beach Contempo Spa in Manhattan, KS

Sara and Price Rauch already owned a successful restaurant when they heard about Planet Beach Contempo Spa in 2007.

The entrepreneurial duo didn’t need another business, but it was too late. They had fallen in love with Planet Beach’s vision of an affordable day spa for the masses. Their Manhattan, Kansas, spa was an instant success, is an award winner and is among Planet Beach’s Top Ten franchises.

Planet Beach: How long have you been a Planet Beach Contempo Spa franchisee?
Sara Rauch Almost four years.

PB: Why Planet Beach?
SR: It’s growing. It’s a very smart business. We researched several different franchise opportunities and ended up choosing Planet Beach because it has great  long-term potential. They are constantly thinking ahead.

PB: What’s your background?
SR: After I graduated from college we moved to Colorado where my husband managed a Pizza Hut. I helped out, too. After three years, we moved back to Kansas and bought a Valentino’s Italian Buffet franchise. You’d think that would be enough, but we really loved the Planet Beach concept and thought it would be a great business for our town – Manhattan, Kansas. I mostly concentrate on the Planet Beach end of things, and my husband handles Valentino’s. It can get crazy with so much going on; but we love it most of the time. We just really like to start businesses and watch them grow.

PB: How did you hear about us?
SR: Internet research – Planet Beach has a really visible brand and there is lots of great information online about the company.

PB: What do you like best about the Planet Beach franchise opportunity?
SR: It’s the members, the customers. I love the personal interaction. The members that come into your store become your family and you really get to know them. I also really like training the spa consultants.

PB: Can you share one of your secrets? What really works for you in your market?
SR: Guest passes and free coupons really work. In today’s economy, people are wired for promotions and they have become a way of doing business. People love a free day at the spa, and some will become loyal members. Manhattan is a college town, so guest passes are a great tool for getting students to come in.

PB: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned?
SR: How much the customers trust you and seek out your opinion and expertise.  I’m also impressed by how much there is to learn. I’ve learned a ton from Planet Beach’s skincare and nutrition webinars and they are really good about ongoing education and training. We focus on the face a lot, selling a lot of facial lotions and tanning solutions. Customers learn quickly that the more you stay hydrated the better your skin is. That makes the Hydration Station a favorite spa service here. Plus, it burns calories, so it really brings fantastic results.

The Rauch boys

PB: What keeps you active in your free time?
SR: We have three boys – Kaylen, who’s 10; Chase who’s 7 and Crayton who’s 4. Most of our free time is spent doing activities with the children. One of the nice things about being a franchise owner is having more time to spend with your kids. Mine often ask to go to Planet Beach for a massage. My middle child is planning on owning a Planet Beach when he grows up.

PB: Why would you recommend Planet Beach to someone interested in owning a business?
SR: It’s a great concept with a great future that helps people and there is nothing like it on the market.

Want to learn more about joining the Planet Beach team? We’re expanding and growing ot meet the need for our day spa for the masses. Fill out the request information form and start a conversation with us!