The Man Behind the Movement
David Wagner – Visionary, Daymaker, and Best-Selling Author
David Wagner is the heart behind the Daymaker Movement—a global ripple of intentional acts of kindness that began with a simple but profound idea: one person, through one small act, can change the world.
In 2002, David’s book Life as a Daymaker: How to Change the World by Making Someone’s Day became a best-seller, touching lives across industries, countries, and generations. Now, more than two decades later, he has released an expanded 2nd Edition, reimagined for the times we are living in today. This new edition speaks even more urgently to a world seeking connection, purpose, and hope.
David began his journey in 1977 at the Horst Education Center, training as a hairstylist before becoming a celebrated salon owner. It was during this time that he had a life-changing realization: wishing the world would change wasn’t enough. Real transformation begins with small, intentional acts of kindness, making someone’s day.
That moment became the spark behind Life as a Daymaker and the start of a global movement.
Since then, David has shared his Daymaker philosophy with over 50,000 people annually speaking on stages for Fortune 500 companies, universities, wellness retreats, and industry events around the world. His message is clear, actionable, and deeply human: you don’t need to do something big to make a big difference.
As the founder and CEO of JUUT Salonspas—the original AVEDA salons with locations across Minnesota, California, and Arizona, David continues to live his mission. JUUT serves over 300,000 clients each year and every team member is dedicated to being a Daymaker for each one of them to fulfill their mission of “Transforming the world with beauty, one client at a time!”
Whether you’ve been part of the Daymaker journey from the beginning or are just discovering it now, David invites you to shine your light, and help change the world, one intentional act at a time.