10 Questions for Les Sweeney

This is the second in my series of interviews with the leaders of our professional associations.

Les Sweeney is the fearless leader of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), a national membership association that provides comprehensive liability insurance and practice support for massage/bodywork practitioners and students. Founded in 1987, ABMP is now the largest massage therapy membership organization in the country with more than 70,000 members.

LA: What is your background in the massage profession? Are you now or have you ever personally been a massage therapist?

Les: I have been serving the massage profession since 1994, when I was hired by ABMP. Prior to ABMP, I worked for the Club Managers Association of America in Alexandria, VA for 4 ½ years. That is the entirety of my career path; I feel I have found my life’s work.

In 2004, I decided to attend massage school to gain a better appreciation and understanding of the field and our members. I graduated in 2006 (I wasn’t rushing through it) and became NCBTMB-certified at that time. I have a dedicated clientele, all with last name Sweeney. The pay isn’t that good, however. READ MORE....