In the heart of Bentonville, a unique partnership between two brothers has given rise to Vibrant Med Spa, a haven for those seeking to enhance their well-being and appearance. Dr. Jeff Manley, an experienced OB/GYN, and Todd Manley, a retired Walmart executive, have combined their diverse skill sets to create a thriving business that’s making waves in the local community.
Dr. Jeff Manley, who practices at Northwest Hospital in Bentonville and Willow Creek Hospital in Johnson, had a vision: to create a space where people could feel and look their best, promoting overall wellness in a relaxing environment. This vision became the foundation for Vibrant Med Spa.
Recognizing the need for business expertise, Dr. Manley turned to his older brother, Todd, a retired executive with nearly three decades of experience at Walmart. Todd took charge of the non-medical aspects of the business, including operations, marketing, finance, and HR. This powerful combination of medical knowledge and business acumen has proven to be the perfect recipe for success.
Despite their individual experiences – Dr. Jeff’s 15 years in private practice and Todd’s previous assistance with his wife’s small business – launching Vibrant Med Spa was their first venture into business ownership at this scale. The brothers quickly discovered that starting a business comes with its own set of challenges.
The Manley brothers credit much of their success to the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas (ASBTDC, UA). Todd discovered the center through a Facebook comment and reached out for assistance when they began planning Vibrant Med Spa.
Mary Beth Brooks, ASBTDC director and consultant, played a pivotal role in guiding the brothers through the intricacies of small business ownership. She personally assisted in building a three-year financial projection model, which was instrumental in securing bank funding. The ASBTDC team also provided valuable support in marketing strategies and QuickBooks training.
“Mary Beth and her team were great assets in helping us navigate the small business world,” Todd enthuses. “The comprehensive guidance she and her team provided took a ton of stress off us as we went down this new path.”
Todd’s participation in ASBTDC training events has also paid dividends for the business. He found particular value in a series on utilizing Artificial Intelligence for marketing. After sharing this knowledge with his staff, Vibrant Med Spa now incorporates AI tools into their daily marketing efforts, enhancing their promotional strategies.
Just eight months after opening, Vibrant Med Spa has already grown to employ 14 people. The Manley brothers’ journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that with the right vision, partnership, and support, success is within reach.
“Every day is a new challenge, and almost every week we encounter a new wrinkle that causes us to adjust to keep growing,” Todd shares. He advises other entrepreneurs to remain flexible, stay true to their original vision, and always put the customer first.
Todd’s advice to other small business owners is simple yet powerful: “Call the ASBTDC before you do anything else! It’s completely free and will help you avoid many rookie mistakes.”
As Vibrant Med Spa continues to evolve and grow, the Manley brothers remain committed to their original vision of promoting wellness and beauty in Northwest Arkansas. Their story is a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and the invaluable support of resources like the ASBTDC.
Vibrant Med Spa
102 SE 28th St., #6,
Bentonville, AR 72712