San Francisco Business Majors Should Keep Their Eye On The Big Picture
San Francisco business majors seeking career advice can learn a great deal from someone like Leo Scrivner. That's because over a number of years, he has proved himself to be an effective leader as an officer in the U.S. Military and in civilian life. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Mr. Scrivner served his country as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army before spending more than 25 years in the corporate world, primarily as a human resources manager, including serving as VP of human resources at Cisco Systems and director of human resources with Motorola. Now a franchise owner of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in the East Bay, he spent a few moments to talk briefly about his small business and offered a few words of expert advice to business majors and those interested in launching their own small business.
What is your background and education?
"I grew up on a ranch in Northern Mexico before leaving for college at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. I am also an alumnus of Harvard Business School and the Fuqua Business School at Duke University through their executive education programs. I served as an infantry officer in the US Army and worked in corporate America primarily as a human resources professional prior to opening Hand & Stone."
What type of services do you provide at your business?
"Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spas offers a wide variety of services including hot stone massages, facials and waxing services. Our walk-in customers are always treated to an introductory one-hour massage at $49.95, but can also opt for a monthly membership at $59.95 which includes all Hand & Stone services."
What career advice can you share to someone interested in starting a new business?
"Some advice I can share is to really do your homework and due diligence on the business and its background, reputation and infrastructure if the business is a franchise. With any business you will need a lot of patience. Expect the unexpected and keep your eye on the big picture and your end goal."
Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.
