I first met Glenn LaPorte at a party—Saratoga Living’s “Miracle On Ice” party at Putnam Place, if we’re being specific. Surrounded by the din of drinks clinking, music blaring and people laughing, Glenn was noticeably calm, as if what was happening around him had little to do with his own existence. It’s not that he wasn’t aware of the party or wasn’t having a good time—he was just taking it all in.
So, it didn’t surprise me when I found out that Glenn is a masseur. That inner calm so few of us find on a day-to-day basis? Glenn exudes it. I guess that’s part of the job; he’s there to make his clients feel as relaxed as possible.
Born in Central New York and raised for most of his life in Colonie, Glenn now resides in Clifton Park, home base for his massage operation. He calls himself The Mobile Masseur: Rather than working out of one studio, Glenn travels to his clients, specializing in in-home (or -hotel) massages. He also gives massages at sporting events, such as marathons and 5Ks, and at health fairs, employee appreciation days and bridal showers. And he keeps busy—once, Glenn tells me, he gave massages for a total of 12 hours in one day.
I caught up with the man behind The Mobile Masseur.
What’s something about your job as a professional masseur that might surprise our readers?
Before I got into it, I didn’t realize how male therapists can be discriminated against by both genders. People are more open to a male therapist now than when I first started in 2003, but there are still females who may not be comfortable with a male therapist, and males who will say, “Oh, I don’t want a guy touching me.”
Do you consider yourself a healer or practitioner?
My first thought was healer, but the body really heals itself—I just help facilitate it and lead it in the right direction. I would say God is a healer, and I want to have Him work through me even more, so I can have a greater impact on people.
What does success look like after a massage?
When a client’s demeanor changes. When they’re brighter and have a bigger smile and they’re like, “That was amazing.”
