Latintherapy'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 working for a Chiropractor On my first day I was introduced to a large Russian man with a ***** accent be told he hated the last two Massages he had gotten from previous Masseurs because they were not strong enough. I assured him I was the the right man for the job. Through a brief initial consult asking the client what areas troubled him most and what area needed attention and tailoring my technique to meet that clients expectations helped me gain the trust of my clients And the admiration of my piers in that chiropractic office . In this business being a good listener and anticipating a clients needs goes farther then just offering a cookie cutter approach to all your massage clients .
Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?
Being a masseur you meet an eclectic group of men . It truly is the job that I look forward working each day . A day never goes by that I’m not proud to call myself a Masseur . I can make a difference in someone’s life be it to offer a caring touch to someone that hasn’t had a mans touch in 15 yrs Work out the kinks from a long days work . Offer the healing touch to a 42 yr old client that was just diagnosed with MS . Provide a relaxing neutering experience to someone who has the stress of the world on their shoulders at the end of a long week . It is addictive and I would miss not making a difference in someone’s life no matter how small .
Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?
Success is a relative term . I view that twofold . Monetary success yes I paid off the mortgage on my home in Rancho mirage drive a late model Mercedes I own a lake house on the east coast . But more then monetary success I would never trade the friendships I’ve developed the life experiences that have been privileged to partake in . The ability to live life on my terms . I have been truly blessed with the trappings of monetary success but I feel especially proud of my professional success has enabled me to be a well rounded person. In that respect I feel truly successful
Tell us a little about yourself, if you were to pick something what would you like your clients to absolutely know about you?
Born in New York raised in southern calif. I have always felt the need try and be the best me I could be one of 6 children being in the middle I always tried just a little harder to gain the love and admiration of my parents . A feeling that only those born in the middle can truly understand . I knew even at a tender age I would seek a profession where I could make a difference in people’s lives . Working in physical therapy and incorporating massage as part of my repertoire enabled me to reach my goals . Everyday I challenge myself to make a difference . I always ask more from myself than I could ever receive from somebody else .
How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?
I would love my clients to feel a sense of euphoria. When they leave I want them to truly want to come back and experience the same feeling again .To feel like they have had a one hour vacation. There is nothing better then getting texts from my clients Saying I slept like s baby . That pinched nerve pain is gone or just to say thank you the session was amazing .
What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to travel . I live to cook and I really enjoy going to the gym and feeling those Endorphins kick in .
Why did you become a Masseur?
Incorporating physical therapy and massage was the perfect way to not only deal with the physiological but also connect on a more intimate level with my patients/clients . Once the Physiological condition had been remedied maintaining that with an incredible massage made all the difference.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?
Apprentice under an experienced Masseur. Think outside your comfort zone and study as many techniques as possible . Never think so much of yourself that you feel like you’re doing somebody else a favor by giving them a massage. Be a good listener and anticipate your clients needs.
What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?
I guess what I get most from clients is I’m a very kind person. It’s all about the client with me. I treat the bodybuilder and the polar bear with the same respect. I never lose fact That if not for the kindness of strangers I would not have Achieve the level of success I have had. Stay humble
How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?
I Incorporated massage With physical therapy about 20years ago I started in my mid-20s and now I’m in my mid-40s. Today my practice is almost exclusively Massage based. My ability to utilize My professional skills in my practice has made me the go to person for over 20 years now from athletes to those who are getting back into the gym or those in later life that want to experience the bliss of a truly amazing massage experience .
How often do you travel? Do you prefer to travel or are you more of a homebody?
I have a Lakehouse on the East Coast and I usually leave the Rancho Mirage area in the summer and travel back-and-forth throughout the East Coast till the fall and then back between coasts but I call Southern California home in the winter months and the spring . I don’t really go out to bars so in that respect I consider myself a homebody
Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?
For some it’s a natural for others it can be a challenge I think formal training is always a good thing but if you can take direction and you have strong hands and good organizational skills you’ll go far and you can be very successful with or without formal training .
How do you like clients to feel about the experience when they leave?
It’s always flattering when a client will tell me that’s the best massage I have ever had . Anytime you can turn stress into a positive outcome you have done your job .