Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Wentz.
Hi Carolyn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Like many folks at the “mid-point”, I have had a few pivots now. I started my career in sales, having graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in International Business. My primary goal was to make a living to support my travel habit. As fate would have it, my first job sent me on projects throughout the country, where I would live for about 3-months at a time in different locations, consecutively. I loved the excitement of being in new places, meeting new people and being in control of my income. As you can imagine, the 99% travel took its toll and I wanted a bit less after 2 years. I found a great job with a large publishing house where I met my mentor and many others who taught me tons about how to run a successful business . From there, I continued my career in publishing, typically in a business development role, which taught me loads about sales, marketing and relationship building. I always traveled for work and supplemented that travel regularly whenever possible. All of that travel led me to the chiropractic and massage world, where I discovered real bodywork.
In 2012, I took a pivot into the non-profit space, working primarily in holistic child development, on the fundraising side. The first of these companies, Compassion International, gave me invaluable training on system processes, values and budgeting. The huge international non-profit worked extremely hard to maintain its values, brand and programmatic elements. After not as good of an experience at a Denver nonprofit, without the same values and integrity, I began seeking out something of my own. After months pondering the opportunities, I ended up buying a massage and sports recovery business in 2019.
Personally, I have always loved the wellness industry and always sought out means to healthier living, longevity and staying fit. Since being a young, traveling businesswoman, I have maintained getting massages for all of the knots, tightness and spasms. As a young athlete, I frequented fitness classes, ran, skied, rock climbed and did a little bit of everything. Today, my passions are skiing and yoga. I have been a certified ski instructor now for 3 years and hope to attain a yoga instructor certification when the time allows. My husband and I both have a love of nature, especially hiking in the woods and playing in the ocean. Exploring and traveling have always been at the core of who I am. My goal is to someday have the capacity to take some bucket list international trips, to places like South Africa, New Zealand and Antarctica. I have already been to about 30 countries and all 50 states. The travel bug never goes away for someone with wanderlust!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth ride at all. We had to sue the previous Franchisor for fraud, along with a few of our fellow franchisees. They were found guilty. I bought the business 10 months before the Covid shutdown. That is fairly self explanatory, as my staff had to collect unemployment, the doors were close, etc. I had a month long hospital stay in 2022. Last summer, we needed to move locations TWICE. We were building out a space that took longer than expected and so we had to move to a temp space until it was finished because the previous landlord had to start contruction on their next project. We also had a fair amount of staff turnover over the years, which is common in the massage industry, but it led to more time than expected being spent on recruitment than sales efforts.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The idea behind Littleton Massage and Sports Recovery (LMSR) began in 2019. With connections in the massage industry, combined with my love for all things wellness, I decided to start a massage and sports recovery business. After briefly joining a franchise and realizing it wasn’t in line with my values, COVID-19 rocked the world. I decided to use the worldwide shutdown to my advantage and relaunched a new version of the business—Littleton Massage & Sports Recovery, the incredible local Littleton business that is now known and loved.
With over 20 years’ experience in sales, marketing and business development, I knew I was ready to grow something of my own. This endeavor would have the values and service of a top notch local business. It was exciting to explore the variety of ways in which I could present LMSR to the public, attract talent and find opportunities for growth. Like many small businesses, at the core of our model is nurturing relationships. I knew before I could be profitable, expect referrals or sensibly retain top talent, I needed to focus on relationships. This meant getting to know our clients and their needs. It meant networking in the community to find partners, and it also meant paying attention to what our community cares about. In doing so, we have been able to build a recognizable brand, with loyal clients, a reliable staff and community partners who support one another consistently.
In 2019, LMSR had about 35 members going into the pandemic shut down. As of June 2026, we have over 400 members. In 2020 we employed 4 consistent therapists and a few temporary staff. Today we have me, 12 therapists and a 3 person admin team. Additionally, we contract social media and web support to help with the daily needs of promoting LMSR and keeping our website fully functional for the public. In September 2025, we built out a new space, which is more spacious, functional and professionaly designed than our original space. This has made a huge difference in attracting new clients, getting referrals and retaining staff .Each year our revenue grows and in a pinnacle years, like 2021 and 2026, that growth should be over 30%.
We look forward to the future of Littleton Massage and Sports Recovery and what it can become. We have survived a pandemic, a move and inflation. We now look to thrive in a future focused on preventative care, longevity and optimal mobility for all individuals. We know our focus will always need to be on our loyal clients and supporting them in their goals. We do not take for granted the fact that they have many choices for bodywork. We stand out from others in our flexibility with memberships, our personal approach and the fact that as the owner, I am very involved in daily operations and community events. We believe, and want them to always believe, LMSR provides the best service and value for them in a safe, immaculate and comfortable setting.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I have had numerouse mentors and supporters along the way. Some of my past bosses and colleagues were integral in teaching me some of the skills I still possess. My husband, also an antreprenuer, has given me great advice and support over the years. My community partners and I have mutually supported one another during good times, hard times and transitions. My Colorado community has many cheerleaders who pray for me, give me wise counsel and support me regualry. Most importantly, LMSR’s Office Manager has been by by side since day one. She actually worked for the previous company I bought. She has been my rock through all of the ups and downs. I know I can rely on her and my Front Desk Manager to “hold down the fort” when I travel or get sick. They already run the day to day at the front desk and throughout the office as a whole. There are too many people to mention who have stood by me and encouraged me, even when things seemed overwhelming or daunting.
Pricing:
- $109 for first time 60-Minute Massage
- $159 for first time 90-Minute Massage
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.littletonmsr.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littletonmsr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittletonMSR/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/littletonmassageandsportsrecovery/
