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Michael Ortiz Jr – The Salon Suite Business Model

In this session, Gael sits down with Michael Ortiz Jr, a massage therapist turned multi-business owner, suite landlord, and founder of The Unreasonable Life. Michael built his first practice inside a shared room, scaled to a six-therapist operation, transitioned into business coaching, and now runs two multi-room salon suite locations while helping practitioners build profitable, peaceful, sustainable businesses.

This episode breaks down the salon suite model in a way most practitioners have never heard: what it really takes to open one, who it’s best suited for, what renters look for, how to screen tenants, the financial realities, and the unexpected challenges that come with managing a multi-room space. If you’ve ever considered expanding beyond hands-on work, moving into semi-passive income, or renting a suite yourself, this conversation is essential.

Michael’s philosophy is simple: profit creates peace—and the suite model can offer that when executed with clarity, structure, and the right people.

Key Topics Covered

  1. Michael’s journey from therapist to multi-location suite owner

  2. How his early struggles shaped his approach to business and coaching

  3. Employee model vs. suite model: which is right for you

  4. What successful suite renters need before moving in

  5. The must-haves in a suite space: parking, layout, zoning, amenities

  6. How to price suites, evaluate profitability, and avoid costly mistakes

  7. Negotiating leases, free rent, TI (tenant improvements), and contractor pitfalls

  8. Building a supportive renter community that reduces turnover

Memorable Insights

• Renters are your customers—not your employees

• The wrong tenant costs more than an empty room

• Peace comes from systems, boundaries, and choosing the right people

• Pre-screen finances and personality before renting a suite

• Profitability depends more on retention than high rent prices

• Two to three sessions a week often cover rent for a solo renter

• Suite ownership is simple—but not easy

Resources Mentioned

💰 Michael’s Pricing for Profit Masterclass 👉 https://michaelortizjr.com/ 
📲 The Band App (used for renter community and communication) 👉 https://www.band.us/en 

Connect with the 2025 Summit Sponsors

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💎 CoreStones 🔗 https://corestonemassage.com/
🧣 Modesty Massage Wrap 🔗 https://modestymassagewrap.com/  

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Connect with Gael online and stay inspired on your journey to success!

Links & Contact Info:

📚 Join the Massage and Spa Success Club 🔗 https://www.elevatewithgael.com/the-new-massage-and-spa-success-club 
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