Chris Shonk Wants to Make Austin-area Massage Envy Spas the Premier Place to Work for Highly Qualified Massage Therapists

Austin, TX (May 21, 2009) – Austin-based entrepreneur and investor Chris Shonk believes Austin residents are starting to catch on about the health benefits of massage.

Shonk and his company Liahona Ventures (www.LiahonaVentures.com), which owns eight Massage Envy franchises, have seen an uptick in massages, despite the difficult economic climate.

“I think a lot of Austin residents understand how important it is to reduce their stress,” said Shonk. “At the same time, they see tremendous value in utilizing the expert staff and facilities at Massage Envy at half the price of a typical spa.”

Because of this trend, Shonk is intensifying his hiring initiative, targeting specifically those massage therapists, who have a demonstrated record of success and can become a valuable addition at one of his seven spas (and an additional one soon to be named), which can be found at the following locations:

Arboretum 512-834-3689

N. Austin 512-837-3689

S. Round Rock 512-244-3689

Cedar Park 512-337-0000

Westlake  512-306-0777

Lakeway 512-263-1515

N. Round Rock 512-735-2900

“The quality of our therapists is on par with or exceeds that of the best high-end spas, at half the price and twice the convenience.  Beyond stress management we’re seeing a surge in demand for sports massage to prevent injury and decrease recovery time; no doubt a product of Austin’s highly fit and athletic demographic,” said Jeremy Mendenhall the company’s Chief Operating Officer. 

Rima Star, Shonk’s Chief Quality Officer, echoed her boss’ suggestion about the recognition of massage therapy’s benefits. “It is one of the most effective treatments for the prevention and management of stress, which has been shown as one of the leading causes of disease. Massage is a ‘natural’ approach which helps the body normalize and function in the way it is designed. Studies show people who receive Therapeutic Massage regularly are sick less often, spend less on more costly medical interventions and experience their lives as more satisfying.”

For information on how to apply for a position at Massage Envy, please email Rima@texashands.com, or call (512) 420-0068.