Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Patano.
Hi Ryan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I spent the first decade of my career working for Jostens in sales and marketing. I spent the next decade building and running a revenue cycle management business with other partners. When we sold that business in 2016, we were the largest retina surgery billing company in the country. That was a great business but it was kind of a symptom of a broken medical system in the US. As a result, patients who called were often unhappy, physicians viewed the insurance system as broken and trying to take advantage of them. The physicians were dealing with shrinking reimbursements nearly every year. So everyone we interacted with were kind of unhappy. I told myself that if I ever started a new business, it would be one where people wanted to come and were happier as a result. I had been a frequent spa-goer since my late 20’s (which is kind of rare for a guy) and knew how I felt when I left. I thought owning a spa to provide that experience to others would be a great mission.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been smooth. We signed the lease and loan late in 2019 and began getting construction bids for the extensive build-out in February of 2020 right as COVID was beginning. We did the build-out during the early months of COVID but opened a close, personal service business in the heat of COVID. The opening couple of years were very difficult and did not go anywhere near according to plan. I also learned the importance of having the right people in the right roles. This is a lesson I have learned many times over the years- and I had the “opportunity” to learn it again.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Woodhouse Day Spa Holladay?
The Woodhouse is a luxury day spa located in the heart of Holladay. We feature massage, esthetics and nails in a beautiful environment with top-notch therapists. Think of fluffy robes, sandals, multiple quiet rooms to relax in before and after your treatment, a complimentary steam room, snacks and drinks. It’s a fantastic experience start to finish.
I am most proud of the team we have assembled. Under the guidance of a fantastic manager (Jessica Williams), the team at Woodhouse is truly best in class. Great people to check you in and get you settled, amazing therapists – I believe the team has created a peaceful atmosphere where people can unwind, reset and take care of themselves.
I run into people who don’t know I own Woodhouse and somehow it comes up in conversation. Or I see gifts being given from the spa when I am out to dinner. I talk to guests and they tell me how important the space to relax and recharge is for them.
I know of guests who come in with their spouses, their children or their friends and it becomes a sanctuary to get away, relax and connect with people without the distractions of the world. I love that.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Oh boy. It’s going to be harder than you expect. It’s going to cost more than you dreamed. It will take longer than you planned. You will have to sacrifice in ways you probably didn’t imagine. At least, that’s been my experience in both businesses I have started. There is a kind of entrepreneurial delusion you have to engage in – where you don’t believe failure is an option. When I started the RCM company, people told me how jealous they were and how they always wanted to start a business but didn’t have the courage. I was puzzled (at the time). I figured, we created a plan and things would go according to plan. It never occurred to me that it wouldn’t work. Well, things go wrong. You have to stay positive, adapt and keep grinding away.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://locations.woodhousespas.com/dir/ut/holladay/4690-south-holladay-blvd.
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodhousespaholladay
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWoodhouseDaySpaHolladay
