Franchisee Spotlight: Dave Dunbar of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Before transitioning into the spa industry as a business owner, Dave Dunbar worked at his family’s company, Dunbar Systems, which specializes in designing industrial baking systems for household companies such as Hostess and Sarah Lee. While working at the family business, Dunbar developed an interest for missionary work and helping others in his local community.

After receiving a degree in entrepreneurship from DePaul University in Chicago this past June, Dave decided to head down a different path and invest in a franchise. He chose Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa because he would be helping people destress and relax and felt that the services were reasonably priced so everyone could afford to pamper themselves from time to time.

Dunbar is expected to open his location in Oswego on February 13, 2017 and is excited to start serving residents.

What were you doing before partnering with Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa?

I was born Oak Lawn, Ill. and grew up in Lemont, Ill. I briefly attended Arizona State University and after moving across the county, realized I didn’t know what exactly I wanted to do and withdrew from the university. I enrolled in a community college and started helping out at my family’s business, Dunbar Systems where I helped design and install industrial baking systems. I recently went back to college and received a degree in entrepreneurship from DePaul University in June of last year. I’m also very involved in missionary work and travel to Guatemala every year with an organization called Hearts in Motion, which provides medical care and treatment to children and families in the U.S. and Central and South America.

How did you hear about the brand and why did you choose to get involved (why franchising, why do you think you are a good fit for the brand)?

I started getting regular massages about four years back and it really helped improve my anxiety. That’s why I started looking at massage and spa franchises and found Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. I really enjoy working with everyone on the corporate team and feel that the concept is a great fit.

What’s next for you and your business (have you signed a multi-unit deal, how many locations do you have planned, do you own any other brands/franchises, where are you looking to expand)?

Ultimately, in the next few years, I’m looking to expand to three to five locations in the Chicago suburbs.

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