CharlieBodywork's Massage Interview

Do you remember your first client ? Tell us something about that first day when you decided to be a Masseur!

I was very nervous, I just wanted to make sure he was happy and the massage was the best I could deliver. It all went fine. He was probably more nervous than I was since it turned out that it was his first massage as well.
I have learned so much since then and I give much better massages now. You have to keep learning and exploring in this profession. I do exchanges with other masseurs whenever I can. It is a great way to learn new techniques!

Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?

When I started this work, I had no idea I would still be doing it 20 years later. Most masseurs last no more than 5 years in the business. I have clients that have been seeing me the entire 20 years! Would I miss it? Yes, definitely! I love my clients, I love meeting new guys, I love listening to their stories, and I love helping men feel better!

Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?

Yes. I can't believe I have done this for 20 years. I can't believe some clients have seen me for the entire 20 years. 85% of my business is all repeat clients. The other 15% are a combination of tourists, guys who try all of the masseurs they can find, and a few for whom I was just not what they were looking for. And that's OK.
I am not going to be the right fit for everyone. However, I often tell my regulars that if they want to try new masseurs, I am fine with that. If they would be happier elsewhere, they should go there. Fortunately for me, they mostly come back. I think that the difference is that I focus on making sure my clients get a real massage.

How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?

I want them to feel relaxed. I want them to feel that they got their money's worth. I want them to feel like they made a new friend. I want them to feel that they know a little bit more about how to relax and take care of themselves.

What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I am also a professional actor. I love to read. I love movies. I work at the MD Ren Fest as an actor. I love to travel. I also really enjoy hosting brunch.

Why did you become a Masseur?

I enjoyed some of the massages I received. I loved the connection that is felt between two men during massage. However I also received some really terrible massages. I couldn't afford as many massages as I would have liked and a masseur offered to teach me some moves so I could do exchanges. He told me I was a natural so I went to school to learn the art of massage. I was not planning on doing this full time, but I discovered I hated working in the corporate world so I devoted my work time to something I felt good about.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?

This business is not about getting rich. If your goal is just to make money, you may do OK in the short term but you will not be happy in the long term. That will show up in your work and you will not be able to keep a regular cliental. So love what you do or move on.

What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?

Great question. I believe that a good massage is really important. If you are looking for a light rub and tug, I am not your guy. If you are looking for a thorough massage that is therapeutic first and foremost, then I think I can make you happy. I am not here to be worshipped by you, I am here to make you feel better. That includes if you want to talk about what's bothering you, I am glad to listen while I work. If you have questions about whatever, I will tell you what I can.

How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?

I have been working full time as a masseur since 2005, I was doing it part time for about 5 years before that. Not sure how long I will continue, no plans on giving it up any time soon.

How often do you travel? Do you prefer to travel or are you more of a homebody?

I love to travel. Every 3 or 4 years my hubby and I take a 10 day trip to some country in Europe. Other years we will take road trips around the country. Love going to the beach a few times a year, going to clothing optional gay campgrounds is a lot of fun as well. Then there are the trips to New York to see Broadway shows and take in the life of NY. I generally do not work when I travel, but see them as complete vacations.

Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?

I would say yes. It won't help everyone, there are some guys who just don't have the natural ability and those will never be good masseurs. However, all great masseurs never stop learning. They continue to take classes, doing exchanges, receiving massages and reading up on new methods.

How do you like clients to feel about the experience when they leave?

I want them to feel relaxed. I want them to feel like they have made a new friend. I want them to feel like they got their money's worth. I want them feel happy they met me. I want them to feel less tense. And of course, I want them to feel like they can come back anytime.

Tell us a little about yourself, if you were to pick something what would you like your clients to absolutely know about you?

I am happily married to a wonderful and understanding man and that relationship is more important to me than anything else. Also, that I don't judge. I don't care if you are married (to a man or a woman). I don't care what your religion is (I have had a leader from every major religion in the world on my table). I am fine if you are nervous, I get it. Let me try to help you with that.