A Life in Education—Until Retirement Had Other Plans

I didn’t come from a long career in retail or sales. In fact, for 29 years, I was a science educator in the Irving Independent School District, just west of Dallas. Teaching science wasn’t just a job; it was a calling. I thrived on the energy of the classroom, the spark of curiosity in students’ eyes, and the joy of watching young minds discover new things.

In 2016, I made the decision that many dream of: retirement. I thought it was time to relax, travel, and enjoy the slower pace of life.

But here’s the truth no one talks about enough: for some of us, retirement can feel less like a reward and more like a slow unraveling.

I’m an extrovert. I need connections. I need to be around people. I started to feel like I was aging faster than ever before. Without purpose and people, my days lost color. I needed something to focus on—something that mattered. In many ways, I needed to be rescued.

The Student Who Changed Everything

Let me introduce someone who played a key role in that rescue. Back in 1990, a curious, enthusiastic sixth grader walked into my classroom. He had an insatiable desire to learn and made that year one of the most memorable of my teaching career. Over time, we developed a bond that extended well beyond that school year. I supported him through middle school, high school, and even into college.

I met his family. I watched him explore athletics—from football to competitive college swimming. I even had the honor of attending his wedding—and was stunned and deeply moved when he invited me to be part of the ceremony itself.

Watching this young man grow into an incredible adult has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. But the story doesn’t end there.

In 2019, he opened a business—a luxury massage chair store. His motivation? Years earlier, sports injuries had led to a herniated disc and chronic back pain. Traditional treatments didn’t work well. Then he discovered massage chairs. Not only did they relieve his pain, they changed his life—so much so that he decided to open a store and share the solution with others.

From Guest to Teammate

When he invited me and my wife to his store’s grand opening, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Massage chairs? I wasn’t sure? But I tried one—and over the next couple of years, he kept in touch, sharing his progress and passion.

Then, in 2021, something unexpected happened. He asked me to help with the business.

At first, I didn’t know anything about massage chairs. But what I did have was a willingness to help and learn. The following experiences challenged me more than I anticipated. However, life’s tests are what make it interesting and it has been life changing. I am literally the ‘Old Dog’ learning some new tricks.

Experiencing the Healing Power Firsthand

Our massage chairs aren't the clunky massage chairs you see in the mall. They are engineered, full-body therapeutic systems. Some are designed with Japanese Shiatsu massage techniques. Others mimic professional hands. Some even scan your body and create a custom experience.

I’ve experienced chair after chair—many models—and I can honestly say, they work. They soothe pain. They restore mobility. They calm anxiety. They reinvigorate.

And as much as I’ve enjoyed the physical benefits, what’s even more fulfilling is watching customers find their match. People walk in with pain, fatigue, or stress—and walk out transformed. I get to hear their stories, their relief, their excitement about finding something that works.

A Team That Feels Like Family

But the real magic isn’t just in the chairs—it’s in my teammates.

Our team at Healing Touch is made up of bright, dedicated young professionals who bring energy, knowledge, and passion to everything they do. Working alongside them hasn’t just been enjoyable—it’s been rejuvenating. Their enthusiasm is contagious. Their work ethic is inspiring. And being in that environment has—honestly—reversed time for me.

They’ve made me feel younger. They’ve reawakened my sense of purpose. And they remind me every day why I need to keep working—to be part of something that helps people grow and thrive.