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About Acara

Acara, led by industry expert, noted speaker and blogger Francis X. Acunzo, is the leading business team in the world of Aesthetic Medicine, Spas, Medical Spas and Wellness Centers. Acara partners with spa owners, physicians, hospitals, hotels, health clubs, and investors to develop successful businesses.  Acara's approach integrates their team’s expertise in business development, marketing, sales and operations to increase their client's revenue and profits. It's through Acara's experience working with over 100 companies nationwide and internationally that they are able to create business and market strategies that drive success for our clients. To learn more visit our website or visit our business blog for industry professionals.

 

For more information contact:

Colleen Acunzo
(203) 488-0028 x. 305
cacunzo@acarapartners.com

 

NEWS & INFORMATION

Acara Partners, Leading Buiness Experts, Report Increasing Demand for Digital Marketing Support in the MedSpa Industry

MedSpa owners discovering that a solid and effective on-line presence is essential to revenue growth.

Throughout 2012, Acara Partners saw increasing demand for its digital marketing services to provide effective online programs that achieve a high return on investment.  Acara CEO, Francis X. Acunzo, expects this trend to continue in 2013, as effective digital marketing and social media management becomes increasingly essential for medspa and aesthetic medical practice marketing.
“Most practices understand the value of an informative and attractive website,” said Acunzo.  “But the website itself is only the beginning.  Its real value comes from its power to attract visitors. Search engine marketing includes both search engine optimization and other tactics to support it such as pay-per-click.  This is supported with powerful social media tactics on Facebook and through e-mail marketing campaigns.”

Acara’s Digital Marketing team has been accomplishing great results for its clients with over 90 leads per month generated through high return-on-investment online marketing programs.

“While there is still value in traditional marketing tactics,” said Acunzo, “the best return on investment is increasingly coming from digital marketing.  A well-run digital marketing campaign can generate qualified leads at less than half the cost of print.  In the medspa industry, the average cost per lead from print advertising is over $250.  We have been able to generate leads through digital marketing for our clients at a fraction of that.  In fact, two of our clients are currently seeing up to 60 leads per month at an average cost of just $25 per lead.  Those are fantastic results!”

“Managing a digital marketing campaign takes training and time,” says Lauren Levy, Acara’s Digital Marketing Manager.  “Most small business owners just don’t have the time or expertise to do it well.  That’s where we have been able to help a number of clients achieve great success with on-line marketing.”

For more information on digital marketing management by Acara Partners, contact Colleen Acunzo at (203) 488-0028 X305 or cacunzo(at)acarpartners(dot)com. 

About Acara Partners:
Acara, led by industry expert, noted speaker and blogger, Francis X. Acunzo, is the leading business team in the world of Aesthetic Medicine, Spas, Medical Spas and Wellness Centers. Acara partners with spa owners, physicians, hospitals, hotels, health clubs, and investors to develop successful businesses.  Acara's approach integrates their team’s expertise in business development, marketing, sales and operations to increase their clients’ revenue and profits. It's through Acara's experience working with over 140 companies nationwide and internationally that they are able to create business and market strategies that drive success for our clients. To learn more, visit our website or visit our business blog (http://spabusinessmd.com)acher for industry professionals.

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Acara, Leading Aesthetic Medical Marketing and Business Consulting Group, Grows and Expands its Team

Acara, the leading US aesthetic medical practice and medspa consulting and marketing firm, announced the addition of several new team members.

Acara, the leading business team in the aesthetic medical practice and medical spa industries, announces the addition of several new team members dedicated to serving its growing clientele.

“2011 was a banner year for Acara, and we more than doubled our client base,” states Acara CEO, Francis X. Acunzo. “In order to give the best possible service to our clients, we have added several new members to our team of business professionals.”
Acara has built a strong group of highly-skilled aesthetic medical business leaders in the areas of sales, marketing, advertising, operations and business strategy. The latest team members to join include:


Beth Nichols, Director of Creative Services

Beth Nichols brings nearly 30 years’ experience as a business owner, writer and marketing researcher to her role as Director of Creative Services at Acara. Beth attended Hobart & William Smith Colleges and is currently working towards her Master of Arts Degree at Wesleyan University. Prior to working with Acara, Beth founded and ran WordFlow, Inc., a successful service business which provided support to clients around the world, including national-level political pollsters and marketing researchers, pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions and local physicians.  She is a seasoned professional at managing people, quality and deadlines and is pleased to be working with Acara’s outstanding creative team to best serve its clients.

Angela Taylor, Sales & Marketing Manager

After graduating with a BS in Marketing from Providence College, Angela began her career in marketing with Clear Channel Communications, where she worked with local business owners and advertising agencies alike to create and implement successful programs in radio and sponsorship advertising.


Lauren Balser, Graphic Designer

Lauren Balser graduated magna cum laude from Paier College of Art with her B.F.A. in Graphic Design. Since then Lauren has worked with several award-winning design firms in Connecticut, including Mason, Inc. and Peapod Design.  Lauren is the co-founder and art director of the independent arts publication, HERE Digest.  Early in her career, Lauren enjoyed her position as technical director for the Middletown Connecticut Childrens’ Circus.


Sheehan McGuirk, Social Media Copywriter

Sheehan McGuirk graduated magna cum laude from Emerson College where she earned her B.F.A. in Creative Writing. Her award winning writing has been published many times online and in print. She is a licensed Aesthetician and freelance Beauty Writer who previously operated her own spa. Sheehan is uniquely suited to interpret our clients’ presence in print.


About Acara Partners:
Acara, led by industry expert, noted speaker and blogger, Francis X. Acunzo, is the leading business team in the world of Aesthetic Medicine, Spas, Medical Spas and Wellness Centers. Acara partners with spa owners, physicians, hospitals, hotels, health clubs, and investors to develop successful businesses.  Acara's approach integrates their team’s expertise in business development, marketing, sales and operations to increase their clients’ revenue and profits. It's through Acara's experience working with over 100 companies nationwide and internationally that they are able to create business and market strategies that drive success for our clients. To learn more, visit our website or visit our business blog for industry professionals.

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Acara Achieves Rapid Growth with Cutting Edge Marketing & Business Development in Aesthetic Medicine

Acara, the leading US aesthetic medical practice and medspa consulting and marketing firm, announced today sales doubled in 2011 over 2010. The Acara Team of aesthetic medical business leaders generated this success for their clients through targeted cosmetic medical marketing, sales, operations and business development programs.

Acara, the leading business team in the aesthetic medical practice and medical spa industries, announced today that their 2011 sales doubled over 2010.

“This incredible growth was driven by Acara’s excellent reputation and client loyalty. What’s more, as banks have begun to loosen the reins on lending for cosmetic medical practices, we have seen an increase in requests for feasibility studies and development projects, and established practices are able to capitalize new equipment and services.  Our client loyalty has grown through the combination of our superior client service and by the addition of new marketing programs such as social media management,” states Acara CEO, Francis X. Acunzo.

“I can’t say enough good things about Acara,” said Dr. Dawn Rogers from RefineMD of Menasha, Wisconsin.  “Thanks to Acara, our practice is doing better than we’ve done in our five years in business and we see it getting better every day.”

“Our business relationship has been a positive experience, and we appreciate the support and assistance our practice has received.  We have enjoyed working with each and every one of Acara’s personnel,” said Dr. Eric Emerson of Southeastern Plastic Surgery and Laser Center of Gastonia, NC.

Acunzo attributes the success of Acara's clients to both the skill and expertise of his team as well as the willingness of clients to work closely with Acara to implement best practices for both management and marketing.  “Many of our clients have already established themselves as highly skilled surgeons and aestheticians. We give them the types of business management and marketing assistance they need to bring their practices to the next level.”

About Acara Partners:
Acara, led by industry expert, noted speaker and blogger, Francis X. Acunzo, is the leading business team in the world of Aesthetic Medicine, Spas, Medical Spas and Wellness Centers. Acara partners with spa owners, physicians, hospitals, hotels, health clubs, and investors to develop successful businesses.  Acara's approach integrates their team’s expertise in business development, marketing, sales and operations to increase their clients’ revenue and profits. It's through Acara's experience working with over 100 companies nationwide and internationally that they are able to create business and market strategies that drive success for our clients. To learn more, visit our website or visit our business blog for industry professionals.

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Acara Announces Q1 2012 Complimentary Webinars for Cosmetic Physicians, Aesthetic Medical & MedSpa Industry Professionals

Acara, the leading US Aesthetic Medical Practice & MedSpa consulting firm, announces its upcoming Q1 2012 Educational Webinar Series featuring industry expert Francis X. Acunzo.  Register for any of the bi-monthly complimentary webinars, and learn how the Acara Team of aesthetic medical business leaders create success for their clients through targeted marketing, sales, operations and business development programs.

Acara, a leading business team in the Aesthetic Medical Practice & Medical Spa industries, announced today its Q1 2012 bi-monthly complimentary educational Webinars for industry professionals.  These Webinars offer insight into how Acara’s Team of Medspa business experts strategize and implement successful aesthetic medical business programs.

“Through our 2012 Q1 Webinars, Acara delivers education for Aesthetic Medical and Medspa industry professionals worldwide based upon our benchmarking 2011 best practices,” states Francis X. Acunzo, Acara CEO.  “Our clients experienced so many great successes in the past 12 months through the implementation of Acara’s Business Boosting Programs, that we decided to share both our experience and expertise.” Mr. Acunzo goes on to say, “Education is critical when potential business growth is on the horizon.  As our economy strengthens, you need to prepare to take advantage of the many growth opportunities that will become available to your cosmetic medical practice.  Our online training provides the insight needed to help aesthetic medical leaders make the types of decisions that promote growth and success.”

Acara Webinars are typically attended by cosmetic physicians, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, medical directors, practice managers, entrepreneurs, and investors in the world of aesthetic medicine.

There are six new Webinars in the series, and some are back by popular demand, including topics on development, management, marketing and sales.  Here are the new 2012 Webinars:

2012 Top Aesthetic Medical Trends

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 -- 1:00 pm, ET / 10:00 am, PT

Join Francis Acunzo, cosmetic medical business visionary as he discusses his top 2012 Aesthetic Medical trends and how you can stay on trend to strengthen your business in 2012.

Securing Financing For Your Medical Spa Or Aesthetic Medical Practice

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 -- 1:00 pm, ET / 10:00 am, PT

Leading Medical Spa business expert, Francis Acunzo, will review the basics on financing your Aesthetic Medical Practice or Medical Spa. How do you determine your financial needs for a new medical practice, re-capitalization of an existing business, or the cost of acquiring an established Medical Spa? Learn how to analyze your risk tolerance and decide what your debt-to-equity ratio should be based upon your business and personal needs.

Opening A Successful MedSpa Or Cosmetic Aesthetic Practice

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 -- 1:00 pm, ET / 10:00 am, PT

The Acara team visits Aesthetic Medical Practices and Medical Spas nationwide on a regular basis; most of the time we find great clinical services, but mediocre customer service. This is a difficult problem to fix, because most of the time it is cultural: deep-rooted customs or practices in which business is being conducted day to day.  This is not a situation where a set of protocols will solve the problem.  So how do you implement change?  What is the solution? How do you create a Customer Centric Medical Practice?  Join Francis X. Acunzo, Acara CEO, as he discusses how to convert your Practice into a Customer Centric Organization.

Maximizing Medical Spa Interior Design

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 -- 1:00 pm, ET / 10:00 am, PT

Francis X. Acunzo has opened and/or acquired over 75 Medical Spas nationwide. He will provide insight into Acara's methodology when working with top architects and designers to ensure a successful design.  In addition, he will share his pearls of wisdom when developing Medical Spa interiors that are aesthetically pleasing, functional and profitable.

Top 10 Questions When Buying A Cosmetic Laser

Tuesday, March 6, 2012 -- 1:00 pm, ET / 10:00 am, PT

So many laser companies – so many different types of lasers! The process of buying a cosmetic laser can be overwhelming. Find out what questions you should ask prior to even speaking with laser companies and then what questions you should ask once you begin the process of identifying the right laser company for your cosmetic practice or medspa. Francis X. Acunzo has been purchasing cosmetic lasers for the past 15 years. Throughout his career he has placed orders for over 70 lasers. Join him while he shares his experience with you

Practice Success & The Physician's Role: It's About Leadership Not Management

Tuesday, March 20, 2012 -- 1:00 pm, ET / 10:00 am, PT
Francis X. Acunzo has successfully led individual medical spas and cosmetic practices with teams of 10 to large multi-site organizations with 37 locations and teams of 1,000. Join Mr. Acunzo as he shares with you his experience in leading a team to success.

Review all six Q1 2012 Webinars.

About Acara Partners:
Acara, led by industry expert, noted speaker and blogger, Francis X. Acunzo, is the leading business team in the world of Aesthetic Medicine, Spas, Medical Spas and Wellness Centers. Acara partners with spa owners, physicians, hospitals, hotels, health clubs, and investors to develop successful businesses.  Acara's approach integrates their team’s expertise in business development, marketing, sales and operations to increase their clients’ revenue and profits. It's through Acara's experience working with over 100 companies nationwide and internationally that they are able to create business and market strategies that drive success for our clients. To learn more, visit our http://www.acarapartners.com or visit our http://www.spabusinessmd.com for industry professionals.

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Medical Spa Society Announces New President

Francis Acunzo CEO of Acara, an aesthetic medical practice management & marketing company, was voted in as president of the Medical Spa Society.

Branford, CT (Vocus) April 8, 2010 -- On April 5, 2010 Francis Acunzo, CEO of Acara was appointed as the new president of the Medical Spa Society, an organization dedicated to raising and upholding the level of professionalism practiced within the cosmetic practice and medical spa industry through professional and consumer education.

“I look forward to working with Francis to further the success of The Medical Spa Society,” says Bruce Katz, MD, chairman of the Medical Advisory Board for the Medical Spa Society.  “Francis has been at the forefront of the medical spa industry since its inception.  The Medical Spa Society will surely benefit from his strong leadership skills, expertise in the industry, and depth of knowledge and experience in business development and strategy.”

As President, Mr. Acunzo will first focus on the revitalization of the organization which has been impacted by the recession.  Acunzo’s plan includes a repositioning of the organization to broaden the membership base. In order to reposition effectively, there will be a more comprehensive inclusion of cosmetic practices. The Society plans to include representation of these practices in both committees and board positions. Confirmation of the new board will be announced in the next few weeks. “One of the board’s first tasks will be to appoint committee chairpersons for the development of marketing, membership and education.

“I am very excited to be named President of the Medical Spa Society. I look forward to personally spearheading the growth and revitalization of this important organization. As the cosmetic medical industry has grown, it has become clear that there is a need for business and clinical education / training. I believe that the MSS is the organization best suited to provide this for the industry’s professionals..  I am honored that the Society believes in and values my extensive business experience in the aesthetic and spa industries. By leveraging my experience pioneering and leading industry trade associations we will move the MSS forward to become a major support to its members and the industry as a whole,” says Mr. Acunzo.

To learn more about or to join the Medical Spa Society, visit: www.MedicalSpaSociety.com

About Francis X Acunzo

Francis X Acunzo has over 25 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge in the spa, retail healthcare, hospitality, beauty, and fitness industries. As an entrepreneur, business owner, operator and investor, Mr. Acunzo possesses a critical perspective and an ability to provide visionary leadership to a variety of industry opportunities.  As CEO of various spa, health and wellness companies he and his team have executed upon 24 acquisitions involving over 60 spa and club locations, completed over 100 feasibility studies, operated a national chain of 22 Day Spas and managed a West Coast chain of 37 medical spas.

Mr. Acunzo is known for his firsts in the industry: In 1999, Mr. Acunzo had the vision to create the industry's first consolidation of day spas aggregating almost $40M in annual revenue through the acquisition of 22 of the best spas in top U.S. markets. In 1996, he opened the country's first medical spas through a merger between his Spa Company and Candela Laser, one of the leading cosmetic laser manufacturers in the U.S. In 1991 he was the first spa operator to place lasers into spas.  In 1985 he led the development of the first resort spa in the Northeast at the Norwich Inn in Norwich, CT.

Mr. Acunzo has been actively involved in industry leadership within the spa, medical spa and fitness industries: Board Member for the Medical Spa Society, President of the ISPA Foundation, ISPA Foundation Board Member, Board Member of the ISPA Board, member of the Advisory Board for the Day Spa Association, Chairman of IHRSA's Spa Advisory Council, and member of the IHRSA Spa Advisory Council.

About the Medical Spa Society

The Medical Spa Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising and upholding the level of professionalism practiced within the medical spa industry through professional and consumer education. The Society’s mission is to promote education, communication and standards of excellence for the medical spa profession. They are committed to providing educational forums that allow the industry to stay informed about the latest innovations and cutting-edge developments in the spa and medical fields.

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