DaShawn Rollins is probably busier than you

“Hard work doesn't pay off, smart work does” is the motto of new Wing Zone franchisee, DaShawn Rollins, and he certainly knows the value of smart work. Most 27-year-olds are teetering between young adulthood and the shock that comes with turning 30. DaShawn?  Well, he’s currently finishing up his degree in business at Old Dominion University, is an operations specialist in the United States Navy where he handles classified information and alongside two of his fellow Navy servicemen, is opening up a Wing Zone near the University of Hampton’s campus in Hampton, Va. The location is set to open June 10, 2013. Never one to rest on his laurels, DaShawn wanted to get involved in the restaurant industry and through extensive brand research, realized that Wing Zone was the perfect opportunity. Wing Zone, a quick-service wing restaurant, has nearly 100 locations open across the U.S., Panama, Bahamas and Saudi Arabia. DaShawn notes there is nothing else like it in the Hampton community. Wing Zone will cater to both the college demographic and the large military community, with military members receiving discounts. “Wing Zone is family-oriented, friendly, has great hours of operation and is customizable.  The variety, the pricing and means of delivery are going to work perfectly with the college crowd,” DaShawn said. “We also wanted to find something that enriched and added value to those in the military and student community." Going along with his dedication to his surrounding community, DaShawn notes that being a member of the Navy has significantly impacted his ability to open a business at such a young age. “Being in the Navy has completely influenced us opening a business, and if it was not for my training and education in the service, I’m not sure this would have been possible,” DaShawn said. DaShawn’s future plans do not stop at just one Wing Zone location; the young entrepreneur would like to have multiple locations open within the next five years. While it has been tough juggling schoolwork, service and business ownership, DaShawn is excited for the challenges and successes that lie ahead.