A back injury in November 2007 left Bruce Rackette barely able to walk. Later, he had no idea his search for a product to heal his back would also lead to a business opportunity. As an executive with Far North Saunas, Rackette had a background in the manufacturing and distribution of infrared saunas and was well aware of the health benefits of such infrared products. “I found infrared massage beds and heard how many people with varying ailments had been helped with this technology,” he says. “With my background in infrared saunas, it made sense to put the two very effective technologies of massage and infrared heat together.” Abaton North America was born. Rackette’s new business became a sister company of Far North Saunas and set its sights on providing business and health-minded individuals the opportunity to buy a hybrid infrared massage bed and add it to their clinic, spa, salon or other related business. The initial investment is as low as $4,000 for dealers, which can generate an exceptional ROI with just one bed. Opportunities are also available for Master Distributors for each state from as low as $50,000. Bed owners can also make a profit on the resale of beds, whether to other businesses or residential customers. Abaton North America was recently launched in Canada to vast acclaim, according to Rackette, president and chief executive officer of the newly founded company. “We did a soft launch in the U.S. in February 2009, and the official launch happened in Las Vegas in June of 2009. We have sold out every month since November 2008 and are increasing production to keep up with the demand.” “I found Far North Saunas and the Abaton bed, then read all the studies, and decided to give infrared healing a try,” says Dr. Dana Gleeson, who has been practicing chiropractic medicine for more than 20 years, in a testimonial on Abaton’s Web site. “Since then it has been like little miracles are happening every day.” The Abaton infrared beds can contribute enormously to the pain relief from joint, muscle, and back pains, as well as arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. “As a secondary bonus to the use of an infrared massage bed, the body is able to burn up to 300 calories in a single session, the same as jogging or rowing but while completely relaxing,” Rackette says. Abaton provides its dealers with online training and telephone support, as well as marketing materials and business listings on the corporate Web site. The company also provides support to dealers looking to involve themselves in various trade shows. Rackette says potential dealers with diverse backgrounds and experience levels are well suited for the opportunity. “People looking for opportunity with very little initial investment can expect great results with Abaton,” Rackette says. “A large amount of our current business is with spas, chiropractors, doctors (naturopathic and traditional), physiotherapists, massage therapists, and tanning salons – all looking for something different to attract a new clientele and to stimulate their existing clients. “There are so many different businesses that the beds could be a successful part of, as well as opportunities for the beds to complement an existing service offering. Imagination,” says Rackette, “seems to be the only limitation.” Abaton North America began with a sole dealer selling to various businesses and residential customers. Despite the economic downturn, Rackette says that during the first two quarters of this year, the company has grown very quickly to include more than 40 dealers across North America. “We have a patent on this technology and currently distribute to the U. S., Canada and Mexico with a planned launch to the European market in the fall of 2009,” he adds. The benefit of the technology in these beds is centered on the combination of two technologies, massage and infrared heat, both of which have proven benefits and have gained wide acceptance in the natural health industry. “We have combined the two technologies of infrared saunas with infrared massage beds and made a one-of-a-kind product that is set to change the face of the natural health care industry,” he predicts. “We have a patent on this product as well, and our closest competitor produces levels of infrared 20 times lower than the Abaton beds do.” Testimonials to the benefits of the Abaton beds are coming from numerous professionals and patients.