This month, we are thrilled to feature Michael Grosso, owner of The Backstop Seated Massage. Michael’s dedication to massage therapy—both at The Backstop and in his private practice—is truly inspiring and his love for both Thornes and Northampton is evident in all that he does. He has cultivated a thriving business for many years now, and his roots within the community run deep. Whether you’re in need of a spontaneous lunch break massage or you’re a regular client who relies on their expertise, The Backstop is a beloved downtown spot for self-care and rejuvenation.
An interview with Michael Grosso of The Backstop.
Michael, please share your story with us about yourselves and your business, The Backstop.
I wasn’t planning on opening a massage therapy practice in Northampton, but when I was just a year out of massage school in 1998, a friend was working at The Backstop and suggested I join them. I was 25 at the time and needed money, so I decided it made sense to go that route. About four years later, the original owner’s partner became ill and they decided to return to Israel for healthcare. The owner offered to sell the business to me—for quite a large amount of money—so I told her I needed to understand what it was worth before agreeing. After consulting with my father, who had been a businessman his whole life, I negotiated a price that made sense, and in 2003 I bought the business and I’ve had it ever since.
What are some of your favorite things about being in Thornes?
Thornes has been very good to me. I’m a social person, so being in this environment works well for my personality and work style. It’s a little like an umbrella here; it’s not that we don’t get the rain, but we get some shelter. I appreciate how everyone looks out for each other, and we have the benefit of advertising and marketing. During Covid, Jody and Rich were wonderful to us—they cut our rent in half and really looked out for us. There wasn’t much going on for me in the pandemic, as I was not able to do my work for a period of time, so the support was really helpful. Northampton in general is home to me—I love it here. We’ve raised our kids here, and we never want to leave. Perhaps someday we’ll change houses, but we’d still stay in town. We purchased our home in Florence when my first kid was born, and that was 17 years ago.
I really enjoy working downtown. I appreciate how inclusive, welcoming, and supportive Northampton is. My kids are accepted and feel safe here; this community does not tolerate bullying. When I have family and friends visiting from out of town, I feel proud showing off my city and all that it has to offer. There are many perks of a big city, with the benefits of a small town as well.
It has been wonderful getting to do the work I love in a town I love. Between my private practice—my office is above the Iron Horse in Central Chambers—and chair massage, it’s a great mix. The chair massage is more social and has a different vibe. When people get up from a 15- to 20-minute session there, they are so thankful and it makes me feel like I’ve changed their lives in some small way.
I do wish this work was easier on my body; I know that the time for selling the business is approaching. That could be in 5 years or so, at which point hopefully I’ll be able to pass the torch to someone who wants to keep it going for another 20 plus years. It has really become a beloved downtown business. My private practice has also thrived for many years, and I love cultivating long-lasting relationships with my clients. Even the people who come to The Backstop from out of town once or twice a year are important to me. Having my kids essentially grow up in Thornes has been amazing. We have to go to Herrell’s for every celebration, and we’ve been taking photos at Photobooth since they were little, which feels very meaningful to me.
Are there any events/other exciting things on the horizon for your business in general?
I love doing chair massage events at local businesses such as ServiceNet, UMass, and River Valley Co-op, where the employees receive a massage as a gift from the employer. The events are fun to do because the employees are so thrilled, and many have never had a massage before. I'm hoping to increase this part of the business.
What do you enjoy doing outside of the business these days?
TBD
