Take 5: Robert Meinecke Jr., Energy Massage and Float Spa - Yakima Herald-Republic

[massage]

Take 5 is a meetup with a local entrepreneur.


Robert Meinecke Jr.’s quest for relaxation and stress reduction led him to start a business two years ago.


Meinecke, 38, and his wife, Heidi, opened Energy Massage and Float Spa in 2017, after his own experience with sensory-deprivation tanks in Seattle. After using one to deal with juggling three jobs, he decided to go into business for himself.


Developed in the mid-1950s, sensory-deprivation tanks were first used to study consciousness by cutting off external stimuli. People float in shallow saltwater in a soundproof and darkened tank. The tanks became commercially available in the 1970s.


In addition to the tanks, Meinecke’s business also offers massage therapy and skin care. The Eisenhower High School graduate’s business employs nine people.


He is a licensed massage therapist, certified cupping therapist and personal trainer. He and his wife have a 9-year-old daughter.


What led you to start your own business?


I had my work experience as a massage therapist in a spa and then a chiropractor office. I was interested in other ways to recover from working my three jobs at the time. I researched and came across sensory deprivation and went to a float center in Seattle. My first float was amazing. After several treatments, I thought everybody could benefit from this and wanted to bring it to Yakima. With the help of my amazing wife, we have opened Yakima’s one-and-only massage and float center.


Sensory deprivation is a bit unusual. How were you able to know if there was a market for it in Yakima?


We didn’t, but our personal experiences and testimonials of others made it an easy decision for us to bring this to Yakima. It’s our passion to help people, and it’s great to offer a one-of-a-kind treatment here in Yakima.


How do your clients find your business?


Social media and word of mouth mostly. We’ve done some advertising in the Best of Yakima coupon book, Volution Fitness, Yakima Magazine and Yakima Valley Business Times.


What has been the best piece of advice you’ve been given?


Always keep trying. Never give up.


What do you do to relax?


I like to relax by getting a massage once a week and floating a couple of times a month. Massage manages the abuse on my body, and the floats manage the stress on the mind along with the recovery of my body.


If you are a business owner who would like to be featured in Take 5, contact Donald W. Meyers at 509-577-7748 or dmeyers@yakimaherald.com. Twitter: @donaldwmeyers.


Let's block ads! (Why?)