Category: EIN Presswire

  • Oak Haven Massage Marks 20 Years With Six Locations and Over 250 Employees Across Central Texas

    Oak Haven Massage Marks 20 Years With Six Locations and Over 250 Employees Across Central Texas

    The family-owned massage center, founded in a single San Antonio studio in 2005, now operates three Austin and three San Antonio locations

    AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, March 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — When Dr. Steven Shuel walked into a San Antonio massage studio in the spring of 2005, he was five days into retirement. After selling his chiropractic practice in Santa Paula, California, where he had practiced since 1988, Shuel had moved his wife Kathleen and their four daughters to Texas with no plans to reopen a business. The massage he received that afternoon changed the trajectory of his family’s next two decades. According to the company’s published history, Shuel left the session with a single question: what if he could build a massage center where clients received medically informed, therapeutic-level bodywork rather than the relaxation-focused treatments that dominated the market? Six months later, in November 2005, Oak Haven Massage opened its doors.

    Twenty years and more than 1.7 million massage sessions later, Oak Haven now employs over 250 people, including more than 200 licensed massage therapists, across six locations in Austin and San Antonio. The company has grown from that first San Antonio studio into one of the largest independent therapeutic massage operations in Central Texas, and it has done so while remaining entirely family-owned and operated. That longevity is statistically uncommon. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 80% of businesses close within their first 20 years. In the massage therapy industry, where 65% of businesses are sole proprietorships and the average career length for a therapist is five years, the attrition rate is even steeper.

    The company’s growth has accelerated in recent years. The MoPac and 2222 location at 5770 N Mopac Expy in Austin opened in mid-2025, with an Austin Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting on July 25. The South First location at 900 S 1st Street followed in December 2025, designed by Austin-based JDAI Studio with 25 treatment rooms across 6,350 square feet. Both openings gave Oak Haven Massage an equal three-location footprint in Austin and San Antonio for the first time in company history.

    “My dad built this company on one idea: that massage should treat the problem, not just help you relax for an hour,” said Allison Moreno, CEO of Oak Haven Massage in Austin, TX and one of Dr. Shuel’s four daughters. “Twenty years later, the industry has caught up to what he was saying all along. Sixty-two percent of massage consumers now come in for a health condition rather than relaxation. That was our model from day one.”

    The generational transition has been central to the company’s story. Moreno, who has spent her entire career in the massage industry, now leads the organization alongside her sister Becca, who serves as Regional Manager. Dr. Shuel’s granddaughter Rylee has also joined the team, making Oak Haven Massage a three-generation family business. That continuity extends to the staff. Oak Haven’s therapists average eight years of professional experience, with the majority having been with the company for two or more years and over half serving five years or more. At the MoPac location, Assistant Manager Katy has been with Oak Haven for seven years, therapist Mary G. for nine years, and laundry specialist Alejandra for over seven years.

    Oak Haven’s clinical roots continue to shape its operations. Every therapist trains through The Oak Haven Method, a proprietary continuing education curriculum that provides over 300 hours of instruction per location annually. The program covers neuromuscular techniques, orthopedic assessment, and treatment protocols for conditions including sciatica, TMJ, carpal tunnel syndrome, and chronic low back pain. The company’s four-tier therapist advancement system ties training and experience to compensation, with pay ranging from $30 to $54 per hour plus tips and top-earning therapists exceeding $75,000 annually.

    The MoPac location offers 17 distinct massage modalities, including deep tissue, therapeutic, ashiatsu, craniosacral, cupping, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, sports massage, Thai, reflexology, and Reiki. Infrared sauna rooms are also available on site. All Oak Haven locations are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and accept same-day appointments. Monthly memberships include a discounted session that can be shared with family members, with no long-term contract required.

    The massage therapy industry has changed substantially since 2005. According to IBISWorld, U.S. massage services revenue is expected to reach $18.9 billion in 2025, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 21% job growth for massage therapists from 2023 to 2033. Oak Haven has positioned itself within that growth by investing in its workforce, expanding its geographic reach, and maintaining the clinical focus that Dr. Shuel established when he walked out of that San Antonio massage studio two decades ago with a business plan forming in his mind.

    About Oak Haven Massage
    Oak Haven Massage is a family-owned therapeutic massage center founded in November 2005 by Dr. Steven Shuel, a chiropractor with over 32 years of experience in the massage and bodywork field. Now led by CEO Allison Moreno and the second and third generations of the Shuel family, the company operates six locations across Austin and San Antonio, Texas.

    Oak Haven employs more than 250 people including over 200 licensed massage therapists, and has completed more than 1.7 million massage sessions since opening. The company offers 17 massage modalities, infrared sauna services, and corporate wellness programs. All locations are open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit oakhavenmassage.com.

    ###
    Media Contact
    Oak Haven Massage
    Address & Phone:
    Austin Mopac / 2222
    5770 N Mopac Expy, Austin, TX 78731
    Phone: (512) 291-2811
    Website: https://oakhavenmassage.com

    Dr. Steven Shuel
    Oak Haven Massage
    +1 (512) 291-2811
    oakhavenmassageaustin@gmail.com
    Visit us on social media:
    LinkedIn
    Instagram
    Facebook

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • Oak Haven Massage Leads the Industry with Over 200 Therapists Across Austin and San Antonio

    Family-owned massage center’s tiered career model and 300+ hours of annual training produce therapist tenure rates that far exceed national averages

    AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, March 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — While the U.S. massage therapy industry contends with an average career lifespan of just five to eight years per therapist and annual turnover exceeding 13% in corporate spa settings, Oak Haven Massage has built a workforce where more than half of its licensed therapists have remained with the company for five years or longer.

    The Austin- and San Antonio-based therapeutic massage center now employs over 250 people across six locations, including more than 200 full-time licensed massage therapists. The company reports that its therapists average eight years of professional experience, with the majority having been on staff for at least two years. That retention stands in sharp contrast to an industry where the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 24,700 annual job openings driven largely by workers leaving the profession entirely due to physical burnout and career fatigue.

    Oak Haven attributes much of its stability to a structured advancement system that gives therapists a clear professional trajectory. The company operates a four-tier model, ranging from Tier 1 (skilled therapists with flexible availability) through Tier 4 (elite therapists with high demand and exclusive care), with each level tied to increased hourly compensation, specialized training, and client request rates. Hourly pay ranges from $30 to $54 per hour plus tips, with top-tier therapists earning over $75,000 annually. All therapists are classified as W-2 employees with access to full medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits along with paid vacation time.

    “When a therapist walks through our doors, they’re not filling a chair, they’re beginning a career they can sustain for decades,” said Allison Moreno, CEO of Oak Haven Massage in Austin, TX. “We invest over 300 hours of training per location each year because we’ve seen firsthand that when therapists grow, clients get measurably better outcomes. That’s the cycle that keeps both our team and our clients coming back.”

    Central to the retention model is The Oak Haven Method, a proprietary continuing education curriculum developed over nearly 20 years by the company’s in-house instructors. The program covers clinical mastery, advanced deep tissue techniques, neuromuscular therapy, anatomy, communication, and condition-specific treatment protocols for issues including low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ dysfunction, and rotator cuff injuries. Classes are offered free to all Oak Haven Massage employees, and the company reimburses state licensing renewal fees, eliminating two of the most common financial barriers that push therapists out of the profession.

    The approach has roots in the company’s founding. Dr. Steven Shuel, a chiropractor with over 32 years in the massage and bodywork field, opened Oak Haven Massage in San Antonio in November 2005 with the specific goal of delivering medically informed therapeutic bodywork rather than traditional spa-style relaxation services. That clinical foundation required therapists trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, making ongoing education a business necessity rather than a perk.

    Now led by the second and third generations of the Shuel family, CEO Allison Moreno, her sister Becca, and Dr. Shuel’s granddaughter Rylee, the company has grown from a single San Antonio location to six studios across two metro areas, including a 6,350-square-foot, 25-treatment-room location on South First Street in Austin that opened in December 2025. The company has completed more than 1.7 million massage sessions since its founding and currently handles approximately 550 appointments daily.

    Employee reviews on platforms like Indeed consistently cite the training program, schedule flexibility, and advancement opportunities as distinguishing factors. One seven-year employee noted that Oak Haven provides training that would have cost thousands of dollars elsewhere in a career spanning nearly three decades.

    For therapists interested in learning more about career opportunities at Oak Haven Massage, information is available at oakhavencareers.com.

    About Oak Haven Massage
    Founded in 2005 by Dr. Steven Shuel, Oak Haven Massage is a family-owned therapeutic massage center operating six locations across Austin and San Antonio, Texas. The company employs more than 250 people, including over 200 licensed massage therapists, and specializes in medically informed bodywork including deep tissue, therapeutic, sports, lymphatic drainage, ashiatsu, and reflexology massage. Oak Haven Massage is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., at all locations. For more information, visit oakhavenmassage.com.

    ###
    Media Contact
    Oak Haven Massage
    Address: 900 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
    Phone: (512) 363-5720
    Website: https://oakhavenmassage.com

    Dr. Steven Shuel
    Oak Haven Massage
    +1 (512) 363-5720
    oakhavenmassageaustin@gmail.com
    Visit us on social media:
    LinkedIn
    Instagram
    Facebook

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • Oak Haven Massage Targets Desk-Related Pain With Therapeutic Protocols at Austin’s FM 620 Location

    With nearly 100,000 tech workers in the Austin metro, the Pecan Park studio treats chronic neck, shoulder, and back conditions tied to prolonged screen time

    AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, March 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Neck pain now affects roughly one in three American adults, and office workers who spend six or more hours per day at a computer face some of the highest risk. In Austin, where CBRE’s 2024 Scoring Tech Talent report counted 99,460 people working in tech-related jobs, the physical toll of desk work has created sustained demand for therapeutic bodywork that goes beyond standard relaxation massage. Oak Haven Massage at 12809 N FM 620 in the Pecan Park area of Northwest Austin has responded by building a team of licensed therapists trained specifically in treating the musculoskeletal conditions that develop from prolonged sitting, repetitive computer use, and forward head posture.

    The connection between screen time and chronic pain is well documented. A 2025 study published in Scientific Reports found that 80.8% of office workers reported work-related musculoskeletal symptoms, with the neck (58.6%), lower back (52.5%), and shoulders (37.4%) as the most commonly affected areas. The Global Burden of Disease Study, published in The Lancet Rheumatology, ranked neck pain 11th out of 369 conditions worldwide for years lived with disability. For Austin’s workforce, where the average tech salary exceeds $135,000 and many professionals spend 8 to 10 hours daily at screens, those statistics translate into real limitations on quality of life and productivity.

    At the Pecan Park location, Oak Haven Massage therapists use condition-specific protocols developed through the company’s proprietary training system, The Oak Haven Method. Rather than offering a generalized massage and hoping it helps, therapists assess each client’s posture patterns and target the specific muscle groups involved. For desk workers, that typically means focused work on the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and suboccipital muscles that tighten from forward head posture, along with the pectoral muscles that shorten when shoulders round toward a keyboard.

    “Most of our desk-worker clients come in after months or years of ignoring the same neck and shoulder tension,” said Allison Moreno, CEO of Oak Haven Massage. “By the time they book an appointment, the pain is affecting their sleep, their workouts, and their ability to focus. Our therapists are trained to trace that pain back to its source, not just treat where it hurts, and build a plan that produces real change over four to six sessions.”

    The Pecan Park team includes therapists with clinical backgrounds that extend well beyond standard massage training. Among them are a certified athletic trainer with a master’s degree in education and sports medicine who previously worked with USA Rugby, a therapist with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training and sports medicine who completed an internship with the NFL’s New England Patriots, and a Navy veteran who integrates yoga and mobility training into therapeutic sessions. Several therapists on staff hold advanced training in craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy, all of which are used in treating desk-related musculoskeletal pain.

    The studio offers 17 distinct massage modalities, including deep tissue, therapeutic, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, craniosacral, sports massage, ashiatsu, and cupping. Oak Haven’s four-tier therapist system allows clients to choose based on their budget and the specialization they need. All therapists receive over 300 hours of continuing education annually through The Oak Haven Method curriculum, which covers neuromuscular techniques and treatment protocols for conditions including low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ dysfunction, and rotator cuff injuries.

    Founded in 2005 by Dr. Steven Shuel, a chiropractor with over 32 years in the massage and bodywork field, Oak Haven Massage in Austin, TX was built on a medically informed approach to therapeutic bodywork. That clinical foundation distinguishes the company from relaxation-focused spas, particularly when it comes to treating conditions with identifiable musculoskeletal origins. The company now operates six locations across Austin and San Antonio, employs more than 250 people including over 200 licensed massage therapists, and has completed more than 1.7 million massage sessions since opening.

    The Pecan Park location is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and accepts same-day appointments. Monthly memberships include a discounted 50-minute session that can be shared with family members, with no long-term contract required. For clients dealing with chronic desk-related pain, Oak Haven recommends an initial series of four to six sessions to produce measurable improvement in mobility and discomfort.

    About Oak Haven Massage
    Oak Haven Massage is a family-owned therapeutic massage center with six locations across Austin and San Antonio, Texas. Founded in 2005 by Dr. Steven Shuel and now led by CEO Allison Moreno, the company employs more than 250 people including over 200 licensed massage therapists. Oak Haven specializes in medically informed bodywork including deep tissue, therapeutic, sports, lymphatic drainage, ashiatsu, craniosacral, and reflexology massage. All locations are open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit oakhavenmassage.com.

    ###
    Media Contact
    Oak Haven Massage
    Address & Phone:

    Austin 620 at Pecan Park
    12809 N FM 620, Austin, TX 78750
    Phone: (512) 610-5300
    Website: https://oakhavenmassage.com

    Dr. Steven Shuel
    Oak Haven Massage
    +1 512-610-5300
    oakhavenmassageaustin@gmail.com
    Visit us on social media:
    LinkedIn
    Instagram
    Facebook

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • Dependable Crane School Expands Access to NCCCO Certification in Sacramento, CA

    Dependable Crane School Expands Access to NCCCO Certification in Sacramento, CA

    Dependable Crane School Expands Access to NCCCO Mobile Telescopic boom crane operator certification Pathways in Sacramento, California

    SACRAMENTO, CA, UNITED STATES, March 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Dependable Crane School, a leading provider of hands-on crane certification programs in California, today announced expanded training opportunities designed to meet growing workforce demand across Northern California. With a strong focus on Mobile Crane Operator Training, Crane Operator Paid Training, Certified Crane Training Sacramento, and NCCCO Crane Training in Sacramento, the school is reinforcing its commitment to developing skilled, safety-focused crane operators prepared for today’s construction and infrastructure industries.

    As commercial construction, infrastructure modernization, and industrial projects continue to expand throughout the region, the need for highly trained and nationally certified crane operators has increased significantly. Employers are seeking operators who not only understand equipment mechanics and load dynamics but who are also fully credentialed under nationally recognized standards. Dependable Crane School is responding by offering structured, accelerated, and hands-on programs that prepare students for real-world job performance as well as national certification exams.

    Addressing Workforce Demand with Mobile Crane Operator Training

    Dependable Crane School’s Mobile Crane Operator Training programs are built to give students both technical knowledge and practical field experience. Mobile cranes play a critical role in commercial building, bridge construction, steel erection, equipment installation, and large-scale infrastructure projects. Proper operation requires in-depth knowledge of load charts, ground conditions, crane setup procedures, hand signals, inspection standards, and OSHA safety compliance.

    The school’s curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on equipment training under experienced instructors. Students train on industry-standard fixed cab and swing cab mobile cranes, learning operational fundamentals, job-site communication protocols, lift planning strategies, and risk mitigation techniques. The program emphasizes safety-first principles and situational awareness, ensuring graduates understand not just how to operate equipment—but how to do so responsibly and confidently.

    “Our mission is to produce operators who are both competent and safety-conscious from day one,” said a spokesperson for Dependable Crane School. “Mobile crane operation carries immense responsibility. We ensure our trainees are prepared for the realities of the field.”

    Expanding Crane Operator Paid Training Opportunities

    Recognizing that financial barriers can prevent talented individuals from entering the skilled trades, Dependable Crane School is actively supporting pathways to Crane Operator Paid Training. Through partnerships with contractors, union employers, and construction firms, the school helps connect qualified candidates with paid training and employment opportunities following successful certification.

    This approach allows students to transition from training to income-generating employment more quickly. In many cases, employers sponsor training or hire newly certified operators into structured apprenticeship-style programs. Paid training opportunities offer an accessible entry point into a career that provides strong earning potential, long-term stability, and upward mobility within the construction industry.

    The school’s staff works directly with students to explain available funding options, employer-sponsored programs, and workforce development initiatives where applicable. By integrating training and career placement support, Dependable Crane School helps reduce uncertainty for those entering the field.

    Delivering Certified Crane Training in Sacramento

    Dependable Crane School’s expansion of Certified Crane Training Sacramento programs strengthens access to high-quality crane education for students across Northern California. Sacramento strategic location within a rapidly growing commercial corridor makes it an ideal hub for skilled trade development.

    The Sacramento-based training offerings maintain the same rigorous standards as the school’s Northern California programs. Students receive structured classroom instruction covering crane mechanics, load chart calculations, inspection protocols, hand signals, safety regulations, and lift planning. Practical sessions are conducted with real cranes and supervised by instructors with decades of field experience.

    Certification preparation is aligned with nationally recognized testing standards, ensuring students understand both the theoretical and operational components required for professional competency. Small class sizes allow for personalized instruction, giving students the opportunity to ask questions, refine techniques, and build confidence before testing.

    For many students in Orange County, having access to Certified Crane Training in Sacramento eliminates the need to travel long distances for nationally recognized programs. This accessibility supports local workforce development and allows contractors in the region to recruit skilled operators trained to industry standards.

    NCCCO Crane Training in Irvine: Nationally Recognized Credentials

    A cornerstone of Dependable Crane School’s programs is NCCCO Crane Training in Sacramento, designed to prepare candidates for certification exams administered by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). NCCCO certification is widely recognized across the United States and is often required by employers, general contractors, and project owners.

    The NCCCO certification process includes written examinations and practical hands-on performance tests. Dependable Crane School’s training programs are structured to address both components comprehensively. Students review exam content areas, practice load chart interpretation, and complete supervised lift exercises that simulate real testing conditions.

    Instructors guide trainees through mock examinations, practical rehearsals, and troubleshooting scenarios designed to reduce test anxiety and improve first-time pass rates. Recertification options are also available for experienced operators who need to renew credentials in compliance with federal and state regulations.

    NCCCO certification enhances employability, increases earning potential, and demonstrates verified competency in crane operation. For contractors in Sacramento and surrounding communities, access to NCCCO-certified operators supports job-site safety and regulatory compliance.

    Building Career Pathways in Skilled Trades

    Crane operation continues to be one of the most respected and financially rewarding skilled trades in the construction sector. Certified mobile crane operators are essential to infrastructure projects ranging from commercial high-rises to public works developments. Dependable Crane School emphasizes that crane training is not simply a short-term certification course—it is the foundation for a long-term career.

    Graduates often pursue roles in heavy construction, steel erection, bridge projects, equipment rental operations, industrial facilities, and renewable energy installations. With experience, operators may advance to supervisory positions, lift directors, or crane safety managers.

    By combining Mobile Crane Operator Training, Crane Operator Paid Training pathways, Certified Crane Training Sacramento programs, and NCCCO Crane Training in Sacramento, Dependable Crane School is delivering a comprehensive career pipeline tailored to current industry demand.

    Commitment to Safety and Professional Excellence

    Safety remains central to every aspect of Dependable Crane School’s instruction. Crane operations involve significant risk when improperly performed. The school’s programs stress hazard recognition, compliance with safety regulations, proper communication, equipment inspection procedures, and responsible lift execution.

    Students are taught not only how to pass certification exams but how to perform competently in dynamic, real-world construction environments. The emphasis on professional conduct, accountability, and situational awareness distinguishes graduates as workforce-ready professionals.

    About Dependable Crane School

    Dependable Crane School is a California-based crane operator training institution specializing in hands-on instruction and NCCCO exam preparation. The school offers comprehensive Mobile Crane Operator Training, certification preparation programs, recertification courses, and employer-supported training opportunities. With experienced instructors and practical equipment training, Dependable Crane School prepares students for successful careers in the crane and heavy equipment industries.

    For more information about Mobile Crane Operator Training, Crane Operator Paid Training, Certified Crane Training Sacramento, or NCCCO Crane Training in Sacramento, visit dependable crane school or contact the admissions team directly.

    Media Contact:
    Dependable Crane School
    Phone: (833) 439-7277
    Location: 360 N 10th St Suite 2, Sacramento, CA 95811
    Email: dependablecraneschool@gmail.com

    Chris Chiavola & Adam Pierce
    Dependable Crane School
    +1 833-439-7277
    dependablecraneschool@gmail.com
    Visit us on social media:
    Instagram
    Facebook
    YouTube

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • From the Adirondacks to Santa Fe: Bette Ridgeway to Receive The International Prize ‘The Universal Genius’ in Milan

    A Last Voice of American Abstract Expressionism Honored for a Lifetime in the Arts

    I am painting a moment, not a thing.”
    — Bette Ridgeway

    SANTA FE, NM, UNITED STATES, March 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — From the quiet vastness of the Adirondack Mountains to the luminous skies of Santa Fe, painter Bette Ridgeway’s journey traces a distinctly American arc—one that now culminates on the international stage. On March 21, 2026, Ridgeway will receive The International Prize “The Universal Genius”, a Leonardo da Vinci tribute presented at the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci in Milan, Italy. The distinction honors individuals whose work reflects intellectual depth, innovation, and enduring cultural contribution.

    At 86, Ridgeway is widely regarded as one of the last living artists in the lineage of American Abstract Expressionism, the twentieth-century movement that transformed global painting through scale, gesture, and the primacy of color. Her recognition in Milan situates her practice within a broader historical continuum—bridging Renaissance ideals of inquiry and mastery with the radical modernism that reshaped contemporary art.

    Born in 1940 in Tupper Lake, New York, in the Adirondacks near the Canadian border, Ridgeway’s artistic sensibility was shaped by the elemental clarity of the Northeast landscape. She came of age on the East Coast, studying at the Albany Institute of History and Art, Russell Sage College, the New York School of Interior Design, and the Art Students League in New York City. Her early professional life unfolded along the New York–Washington, D.C. corridor, where she pursued advanced private studies and later served as Executive Director and CEO of Very Special Arts, the international arts education organization affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

    It was through her work in Washington that Ridgeway met the renowned Abstract Expressionist Paul Jenkins, who became her mentor for decades. Jenkins urged her to eliminate subject matter, work on a monumental scale, and allow color to function as the primary vehicle of meaning. Their sustained artistic dialogue positioned Ridgeway as a rare and direct link to first-generation American abstraction—what many critics now describe as one of its last living voices.

    Since relocating to Santa Fe in 1996—nearly three decades ago—Ridgeway has continued to refine her signature technique, which she calls “layering light.” Applying successive veils of transparent acrylic, often infused with rainwater, she builds surfaces that radiate luminosity and spatial depth. Her paintings do not depict objects; rather, they evoke states of time, atmosphere, and emotion. “I am painting a moment, not a thing,” the artist has written.

    Her career has garnered sustained international recognition. In 2025, a major monograph, Bette Ridgeway: Romancing Color, was published by Snap Collective Publishing in Copenhagen and printed in Germany, affirming her position within contemporary art discourse. She is also featured in the forthcoming volume Investible Artists 2026, placing her alongside leading figures in the global art market.

    The presentation of The International Prize “The Universal Genius” acknowledges not only Ridgeway’s artistic excellence, but also a lifetime of cultural leadership and historical continuity. From the Adirondacks to Washington, from Santa Fe to Milan, her work embodies a sustained commitment to the expressive and philosophical power of abstraction.

    For Santa Fe, the Southwest, and her East Coast roots, this honor represents more than an award—it affirms Bette Ridgeway’s place within the living history of American art.

    www.ridgewaystudio.com

    Samantha Paige Furgason
    ARTWORKinternational INC Press
    sam@artworkinternational.com
    Visit us on social media:
    LinkedIn
    Instagram
    Facebook

    Carlo Zanella has produced directed this video which celebrates the career of Bette Ridgeway, an internationally-awarded painter.

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • How cavefish’s duckbill-horn-hump could transform environmental monitoring?

    How cavefish’s duckbill-horn-hump could transform environmental monitoring?

    GA, UNITED STATES, March 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — In some of the planet’s darkest and most complex aquatic environments, conventional sensors struggle to see, hear, or survive. A new study reveals how cavefish have solved this challenge through evolutionary design. By combining anatomical analysis with advanced fluid dynamics simulations, researchers show that distinctive features—such as duckbilled heads, dorsal horns, and humps—dramatically amplify hydrodynamic signals along the fish’s body. These structures increase pressure-gradient signals by up to 429.8% and velocity-related stimuli by up to 69.2%, effectively extending perceptual range while using fewer sensory organs. The findings offer a quantitative blueprint for designing energy-efficient artificial lateral line (ALL) systems, paving the way for smarter autonomous underwater vehicles in data-scarce and sensitive ecosystems.

    Monitoring groundwater caves, turbid estuaries, and deep-sea systems is critical for understanding biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and climate change impacts. Yet optical and acoustic technologies often fail in these lightless, hydraulically complex environments due to rapid signal attenuation and high energy demands. Engineers have attempted to mimic the biological “lateral line” system of fish, but most artificial designs rely on simplified, uniform sensor layouts without a clear guiding principle for optimal placement. Meanwhile, cave-dwelling fishes of the genus Sinocyclocheilus have evolved in total darkness for about 10.16 million years, developing unusual cranial structures and highly specialized mechanosensory systems. Based on these challenges, a deeper investigation into how morphology enhances hydrodynamic perception became necessary.

    In a study (DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2026.100677) published in Environmental Science and Ecotechnology on February 12, 2026, researchers from Tsinghua University, the Kunming Institute of Zoology (Chinese Academy of Sciences), and collaborating institutions investigated how three Sinocyclocheilus species detect water flow in subterranean habitats. Using neuromast vital staining and validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, the team examined how distinctive head structures influence pressure gradients and wall shear stress—key signals detected by the lateral line systems. The results reveal an evolution-guided strategy for sensor placement with direct implications for underwater robotics.

    The researchers studied a morphological series: the surface-adapted S. grahami, and two cave-specialized species, S. rhinocerous and S. furcodorsalis. Fluorescent staining revealed that although the cave species possess significantly fewer neuromasts—reflecting energy conservation in nutrient-poor caves—their sensory units are strategically positioned.

    To understand why, the team constructed high-resolution 3D models of each fish and simulated steady gliding flow at biologically relevant Reynolds numbers. The models quantified two primary hydrodynamic cues: differential pressure (ΔCp), linked to canal neuromasts, and wall shear stress (Cf), associated with superficial neuromasts. The results were striking. Compared with the surface species, troglobitic cavefish amplified differential pressure signals by up to 429.8% and velocity-derived signals by up to 69.2%. Secondary pressure peaks emerged near the duckbilled head and hump, effectively extending perceptual range along the body. Importantly, regions of maximal hydrodynamic variation closely matched neuromast clusters observed experimentally. Virtual removal of the horn showed that the duckbilled head and hump—not the horn alone—were primary drivers of signal amplification, while the horn enhanced localized dorsal sensitivity. Together, these findings reveal a principle of biological optimization: fewer sensors, but placed where flow gradients are strongest.

    “Our findings show that cavefish don’t simply add more sensors to survive in darkness,” said the corresponding author. “Instead, evolution reshapes the body to amplify the signals each sensor receives. It’s a remarkably efficient strategy—reducing metabolic cost while increasing perceptual power.” The researcher noted that this morphology-driven amplification could fundamentally change how engineers design artificial lateral line (ALL) systems. “Nature is telling us where to place sensors: not uniformly, but precisely at hydrodynamic ‘hotspots’.”

    The study establishes a quantitative, evolution-guided framework for optimizing ALL sensor arrays. By positioning sensors at locations where pressure gradients and velocity changes are naturally amplified, autonomous underwater vehicles could monitor groundwater aquifers, coral reefs, and deep-sea habitats with lower energy consumption and higher signal fidelity. Such bio-inspired systems may enhance early detection of ecological disturbances, pollutant transport, and biodiversity shifts in environments where traditional sonar or optical systems underperform. Beyond environmental monitoring, the findings may influence robotic navigation, stealth sensing, and adaptive underwater exploration, demonstrating how millions of years of evolution can inform the next generation of engineering innovation.

    DOI
    10.1016/j.ese.2026.100677

    Original Source URL
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ese.2026.100677

    Funding information
    This work is financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. U2243222), Tsinghua University, China (No. 2022Z11QYJ044), National Key R&D Program of China (No. 2024YFA1803200), Yunnan Provincial Major Project for Basic Research (No. 202501BC070018) and Coordinate Innovation Center Projects (No. B2106019).

    Lucy Wang
    BioDesign Research
    email us here

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • Gym Revival Group Launches $1 Billion Rollup

    Five-year $1B rollup targets high-potential gyms globally

    By consolidating high-performing gyms into a unified operating platform, we can deliver consistent operational and financial performance at scale.”
    — Richard Miller, CEO, Gym Revival Group

    DALLAS, TX, UNITED STATES, March 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Gym Revival Group, Inc., a fitness business transformation firm, has launched a $1 billion rollup to acquire and scale high-potential gyms globally. The multi-year initiative targets consolidation of the fragmented fitness sector into a standardized platform featuring consistent operational and financial governance.

    The program is designed to deploy up to $1 billion in acquisition capacity over the next five years, supported through a combination of equity partners, structured financing, and operating reinvestment. Gym Revival Group is in discussions with institutional capital partners and private credit providers to support the multi-year program.

    The program uses Gym Revival Group’s proprietary governance frameworks and embedded executive teams to drive scalable post-acquisition growth.
    “The global fitness industry is large and growing, yet many operators lack standardized systems,” said Richard Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Gym Revival Group. “By consolidating high-performing gyms into a unified operating platform, we aim to deliver more consistent operational and financial performance at scale.”

    Driving Growth Through Standardized Operations

    Gym Revival Group applies data-driven evaluation, deploys embedded executive teams, and implements standardized financial reporting, membership analytics, and operational procedures.

    The firm has benchmarked more than 1,200 fitness businesses as potential acquisition targets, providing a data-driven foundation for scalable transformation. Frameworks are being piloted in select facilities to refine methods and demonstrate impact. Pilot facilities are currently testing the standardized operational frameworks, with early results being tracked to measure revenue and operational efficiency improvements

    Key Institutional Capabilities

    Standardized Performance Benchmarking
    Evaluates operational readiness, financial efficiency, and growth potential using standardized performance benchmarking metrics (Gym Revival Index).

    Embedded Executive Teams
    On-site leadership teams stabilize operations and scale execution across acquired gyms (Gym Revival Certified Operator).

    The 90-Day Turnaround Protocol
    Accelerates operational alignment and financial stabilization, improving performance within three months.

    Next Steps & Market Opportunity

    Initial Acquisitions:
    Expected to begin in Q2 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

    Market Context:
    Despite rapid growth in the U.S. and global fitness market, many gyms lack consistent governance, scalable processes, and operational infrastructure.

    Strategic Goal:
    The initiative is designed to create a scalable platform aimed at standardizing operational and financial processes across acquired gyms.

    Members of the media may contact Gym Revival Group for press inquiries or additional information.

    About Gym Revival Group, Inc.

    Gym Revival Group, Inc. is a fitness business transformation firm, revitalizing underperforming gyms, launching growth ventures, and building scalable operations. Using data-driven systems, experienced operators, and investment-level infrastructure, the firm delivers measurable operational improvements to gym owners across the U.S. and globally.

    Sloane Bennett
    Gym Revival Group, Inc.
    email us here

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • Rio Law Group Champions Employee Rights as Q1 2026 Brings Wave of Workplace Retaliation and Discrimination Claims

    Rio Law Group Fights Back Against Wrongful Termination and Workplace Discrimination as Q1 2026 Layoffs Surge Across California

    LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, March 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — As California employees face increasing workplace challenges including retaliation, discrimination, and wage theft, Rio Law Group stands ready to fight for workers who have been wronged by their employers. The Los Angeles-based employment law firm specializes in representing employees seeking compensation for wrongful termination, harassment, unpaid wages, and other workplace injustices under California’s robust employee protection statutes.

    With first-quarter 2026 marking a traditional period of workforce restructuring and layoffs across multiple industries, employees need to understand their legal rights when employers cross the line. Rio Law Group offers free consultations to help workers determine if they have valid claims and deserve compensation for employer misconduct.

    Q1 2026 Employment Landscape Presents Challenges

    The first quarter of 2026 has brought significant workforce changes across technology, media, and financial sectors. While employers cite economic conditions and restructuring, many terminations mask illegal discrimination, retaliation against whistleblowers, or violations of employee rights under California law.

    “We see a consistent pattern every year—companies use Q1 restructuring as cover for illegal terminations,” said Sam Mollaei, attorney of Rio Law Group. “Employees who reported safety violations, complained about harassment, or simply belonged to protected classes suddenly find themselves on layoff lists. These aren’t legitimate business decisions—they’re violations of California employment law, and we’re here to hold employers accountable.”

    California’s strengthened 2026 employment laws expand worker protections and create new pathways for employees to seek justice. Enhanced penalty provisions now allow courts to impose damages up to three times unpaid wage amounts when employers fail to satisfy judgments promptly, dramatically increasing stakes for wage theft violations.

    Common Workplace Violations Affecting California Employees

    Rio Law Group represents employees across the full spectrum of workplace violations. Wrongful termination remains among the most common claims, occurring when employers fire workers for illegal reasons including discrimination based on protected characteristics, retaliation for whistleblowing, refusal to commit illegal acts, or filing workers’ compensation claims.

    Wage theft affects countless California workers through unpaid overtime, missed meal and rest breaks, minimum wage violations, misclassification as independent contractors, and stolen tips. California’s 2026 minimum wage of $16.90 per hour and exempt salary threshold of $70,304 annually set clear standards that employers must meet.

    Workplace discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and national origin violates the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Employees have three years to file administrative complaints with the California Civil Rights Department, with one additional year to file lawsuits after receiving Right-to-Sue notices.

    “Every day we meet employees who didn’t realize their employer had violated the law,” Mollaei noted. “Whether it’s being passed over for promotion because of your age, fired for reporting safety violations, or simply not paid for all hours worked, California law provides strong remedies. Our job is ensuring employees receive the compensation they deserve.”

    Understanding Available Remedies

    Employees who prevail in employment lawsuits can recover multiple forms of compensation including back pay covering wages lost from termination until resolution, front pay for prospective lost earnings when reinstatement isn’t feasible, emotional distress damages for psychological impacts, and punitive damages when employer conduct is especially malicious.

    Recent verdicts demonstrate substantial compensation available under California employment law: multi-million dollar awards for employees terminated after reporting violations, six-figure settlements for discrimination claims, and significant recoveries for wage theft affecting individual workers and large employee classes alike.

    Additional remedies include interest on unpaid wages at 10% per annum, reimbursement of job search expenses and medical treatment costs, coverage of legal fees, and in some cases job reinstatement.

    Free Consultations for California Workers

    Rio Law Group provides free consultations to help California employees understand their rights and options. The firm reviews termination circumstances, workplace conditions, and employer conduct to determine whether valid claims exist under California employment law.

    The firm handles many employment cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning employees pay no upfront costs and only pay attorney fees if they win. California employment law often requires employers to pay prevailing employees’ attorney fees, making quality legal representation accessible to workers with limited financial resources.

    “If you believe your employer has violated the law, don’t wait,” Mollaei urged. “California employment law imposes strict statutes of limitations—missing these deadlines can permanently forfeit your rights. Contact us for a free consultation to understand your options before time runs out.”

    Contact Rio Law Group Today

    California employees experiencing workplace violations should not delay seeking legal counsel. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact Rio Law Group at (424) 414-7421, email director@riolawgroup.com, or visit www.riolawgroup.com. The firm’s offices are located at 10880 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 2000, Los Angeles, CA 90024.

    About Rio Law Group

    Rio Law Group is a trusted Los Angeles employment law firm dedicated to representing employees who have been wronged by their employers. Specializing in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage theft, and retaliation claims, the firm provides expert legal advocacy for workers seeking justice and compensation under California’s comprehensive employment protection statutes. With a focus on delivering personalized, effective solutions, Rio Law Group’s experienced attorneys fight to protect employee rights and hold employers accountable for illegal workplace conduct.

    Media Contact:
    Owner: Sam Mollaei
    Business Name: Rio Law Group
    Phone: +1 (424) 414-7421
    Email: director@riolawgroup.com
    Website: www.riolawgroup.com
    Address: 10880 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 2000, Los Angeles, CA 90024

    Sources:

    1. California Labor & Workforce Development Agency. “New Worker Protections Taking Effect in California on January 1, 2026.” Published December 31, 2025. https://www.labor.ca.gov/2025/12/31/new-worker-protections-taking-effect-in-california-on-january-1-2026/

    2. Gibson Dunn. “2026 California Employment Law Update.” Published December 23, 2025. https://www.gibsondunn.com/2026-california-employment-law-update/

    3. National Law Review. “Are You Ready? Five New California Employment Laws for 2026.” Published January 2026. https://natlawreview.com/article/are-you-ready-five-new-california-employment-laws-2026

    4. Kingsley & Kingsley Employment Lawyers. “Average Wrongful Termination Settlement Amounts.” https://www.kingsleykingsley.com/average-wrongful-termination-settlement-amounts

    5. Feher Law Firm. “Average Wrongful Termination Settlements in California.” Published November 3, 2025. https://feherlawfirm.com/wrongful-termination-settlements/

    Sam Mollaei
    Rio Law Group
    +1 424-414-7421
    director@riolawgroup.com

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • Michelle Kash Channels Dark-Pop Emotion Into Dancefloor Electricity With ‘Gravity (Stash Konig Remix)’

    LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, March 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Billboard-charting recording artist Michelle Kash unveils “Gravity (Stash Konig Remix),” a hypnotic dance rework of her dark-pop single that transforms poetic vulnerability into a late-night EDM pulse. The New York-born, Los Angeles-based songstress likens her music to a dimly lit room with torn lace. Her smoky, soulful vocals and cinematic alt-pop sounds crystallise in sultry, seductive emotional depth and intimate lyrics.

    Originally conceived as a poem, “Gravity” began during a period when Kash found herself pulled between two situationships before surrendering to the undeniable gravitational force of a lover. “Everything collapsed into one moment that became the song,” she explains. “The remix feels like a midnight cruise through downtown; a dark-pop dance track with hypnotic synths and ethereal melodies built for the dance floor. It was shaped in part by an encounter I once had with Lou Reed, and the energy of that moment found its way into the music.”

    Enter Los Angeles-based producer Stash Konig, whose explosive rise in the electronic scene made him the perfect collaborator. Known for genre-bending remixes for global heavyweights including Martin Garrix, U2, The Chainsmokers, Nicky Romero, and Lenny Kravitz, Konig immediately connected with Kash’s vision. “When I met Stash, we clicked instantly; he understood the mood, the emotion, the depth, and the tension in the lyrics,” Kash shares.

    The result is a dreamy yet driving dance cut that swells with cinematic synth waves and atmospheric textures. Michelle’s sultry vocal performance glides between coy croon and commanding chant, echoing the magnetic confidence that propelled her reimagining of Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” to #4 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in 2020. On this remix, the emotional weight of the lyrics remains intact, but the heartbeat shifts to the dance floor, immersive, seductive, and built for after-hours movement.

    Kash’s artistry has always blurred the lines between poetry and pop. Growing up immersed in art and creativity, she studied piano and guitar, acted in dramas, and wrote poetry before a transformative desert retreat in Utah inspired her to pursue music fully. She later joined the gospel choir at Expansion Church and began performing her own material across New York and Los Angeles, eventually curating collective showcases that bring artists together in expressive collaboration.

    Beyond music, Kash is deeply committed to philanthropy and advocacy. A supporter of MusiCares and a vocal champion for gender equality, the rights of women and girls, and animal welfare, she approaches her career with purpose and intention. “When I listen to music, I don’t feel alone anymore,” she says. “I hope listeners walk away with the same feeling.”

    With “Gravity (Stash Konig Remix),” Michelle Kash channels longing, surrender, and midnight electricity into a track designed for both solitary reflection and crowded dance floors. It’s dark-pop at its most hypnotic, a surrender to rhythm, emotion, and the pull we can’t resist.

    Bee Adamic
    Liberty Music PR
    +44 1273 044268
    email us here
    Visit us on social media:
    Instagram
    Facebook
    YouTube
    TikTok

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

  • THREE DOLL AMIR FOUNDERS NAMED TO THE 2026 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUPER LAWYERS LIST

    THREE DOLL AMIR FOUNDERS NAMED TO THE 2026 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SUPER LAWYERS LIST

    LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, March 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Doll Amir & Eley LLP announced today that three of the firm’s founders have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2026 Southern California Super Lawyers list. Each year, no more than five percent of attorneys in the state are selected for inclusion as “Super Lawyers.” Super Lawyers is a nationally recognized rating service that honors outstanding attorneys across more than 70 practice areas who have achieved a high level of peer recognition and professional accomplishment. Selections are determined through a patented, multi-step process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, independent research evaluating candidates, and peer review within each practice area.

    The following Doll Amir attorneys have been selected to the 2026 Southern California Super Lawyers list:

    Michael Amir: Business Litigation

    Gregory Doll: Business, Intellectual Property, & Employment Litigation

    Hunter Eley: Business Litigation, Class Action & Mass Torts, & Consumer Law

    Jonathan Fitzgarrald
    Equinox Strategy Partners
    +1 310-601-6008
    email us here
    Visit us on social media:
    LinkedIn

    Legal Disclaimer:

    EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
    for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
    article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.