Burke Williams has been around for almost 40 years, during which time there have been many changes that have made it into the company we are today. Marianne Marra has been with Burke Williams for 29 years and has experienced many of those changes. Below you’ll hear about the growth she has experienced in the company and how it has helped shape her into the massage therapist she is today.
Name: Marianne Marra Joined: 1995
Burke Williams Location: Pasadena
Position: Massage Therapist
Why did you choose to work for Burke Williams?
I came to Burke Williams as a guest and was impressed by the spa and the staff. Working for a company that was professional and held high standards was important to me.
Fresh out of massage school, I wasn’t sure my skills were up to their standards. The massage department managers at that time were very helpful and friendly. Ann and Roz worked with me to hone my skills, and I appreciated that. They really invested in me and made me feel valued.
Since you have started working at Burke Williams, how have you seen it change?
Wow! When I started at the old Santa Monica location, it was just a mom and pop place near the beach. We would get people straight from the beach wanting massages. It was small, and we did various modalities but no specialty services or enhancements.
Over the years the menu has expanded. Burke Williams gave me all the training needed to successfully perform our enhancements such as the Burke Williams and Hot Stone services. I really enjoyed the in-depth training for our newest service, Tranquility, which integrates massage with Nepalese singing bowls for a DEEPLY relaxing experience.
Beyond the continuing education in bodywork, I've also taken part in workshops to increase my return rate and communicate more effectively with guests. My years with Burke Williams have truly made me a lot more professional and well-rounded.
Have you heard of any myths about Burke Williams in the massage community?
Yes! I often hear that spa work is somehow "not therapeutic or goal oriented." There's a myth that massage in a spa setting lacks intention, depth and "real work." Nothing could be further from the truth! In addition to my 30 years of massage experience, I have certifications in trigger point release work, myofascial release work, sports massage, deep tissue, pregnancy massage, Trager work and Zero Balancing. I use all of this knowledge and skill with my guests at Burke Williams. They come to see me to help relieve the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, lymphedema, fibromyalgia, recovery from old injuries that impede range of motion, sciatica, nerve pain and the list goes on!
I see these people every day and each session is different. After our assessment, I use a combination of techniques to address every guest's needs. Every massage is customized based on what I see and feel. Every returning guest understands I may do something very different depending on what I find and what they are experiencing. They let me know when they want something in particular such as face massage or resistance stretches.
My point is this: As a massage therapist at Burke Williams, we practice therapeutic massage. We are healthcare professionals. More importantly, the guests expect us to address their concerns as healthcare professionals.
The work is very rewarding. As a massage therapist at Burke Williams, I get to play an important role in the health and well being of everyone who comes to me. That's an awesome feeling!
How has the pay structure changed in your time at Burke Williams? Are you happy with it now?
When I started I was considered an independent contractor and there were only a few pay tiers. As a result, there was no formal review for raises and I had to request a review and interview for a raise.
Now that I am an employee, things are much more structured. Whenever I reach 650 hours of hands-on work, I qualify for a raise review. Now it's possible to receive more than one raise a year. The pay structure is far more clear and dynamic with advancement potential much faster now.
What is your favorite benefit that Burke Williams provides for you?
Great question! I'd like to talk a little about benefits here because this is an important part of the compensation package that is sometimes overlooked.
At Burke Williams I qualify for medical, dental and vision insurance as well as 401K and paid vacation by working only 15 hours a week. I know of no other business that provides those benefits at that work level. In addition, I receive Wellness Services such as company-paid massages, facials and chiropractic services. We can trade with other practitioners and can use the amenities in the spa after our guests have checked out. Self-care is so important and at Burke Williams they make it really easy for us to get it.
After 2020, Burke Williams added more benefits to ensure we all felt taken care of and had the work-life balance that we were looking for. The Ultimate Flexibility Program is also one of my favorite benefits. This allows me to take time off to be with my family or to make appointments that may conflict with my schedule by simply picking up another shift so I don’t lose out on pay because I want time off.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Whether you're fresh out of massage school or an established massage therapist, if you're interested in a career with a company where you can continue to learn and advance in the profession, Burke Williams is worth considering. There is continuing education for dedicated bodyworkers and Burke Williams promotes from within for management positions so there is plenty of opportunity to grow.
Interested in finding out more about Burke Williams?
