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.

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

How his early struggles shaped his approach to business and coaching

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

What successful suite renters need before moving in

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

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

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

Building a supportive renter community that reduces turnover

• 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

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

💆🏻‍♀️ Spa Marketing 🔗 https://go.spamarketing.com/gaelwood
💎 CoreStones 🔗 https://corestonemassage.com/
🧣 Modesty Massage Wrap 🔗 https://modestymassagewrap.com/  

🎁 Unlock unlimited replay access and bonuses with the 2025 Summit Upgrade!
Check it out here 🔗 https://www.massageandspasuccess.com/offers/sUU4Pjpn 

Links & Contact Info:

📚 Join the Massage and Spa Success Club 🔗 https://www.elevatewithgael.com/the-new-massage-and-spa-success-club 
📩 Download the Free Massage & Spa Success Guide 🔗 https://www.elevatewithgael.com/massage-and-spa-success-free-ebook 
📧 Email Gael 🔗 [email protected]
🎙️ Send a Voice Memo 🔗  https://www.speakpipe.com/MSSPODCASTVOICEMAIL 

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps spread the word to other massage and spa professionals looking to grow their businesses. Thanks for tuning in, and see you in the next episode!