Daymond John to Receive 2018 Humanitarian Award

Business leader and entrepreneur Daymond John will receive the ISPA Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award at the 2018 ISPA Conference & Expo this fall.

The award honors individuals who contribute to the overall well-being of others and encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.

Since his first forays into business during the early 1990s, John has been an advocate for improving the lives of others through socially conscious entrepreneurship. In 1992, John founded FUBU, an iconic fashion brand created to target African-American consumers ignored by traditional fashion brands. Since 1992, the company has earned over $6 billion dollars.

In 2009, John became a cast member on ABC’s Shark Tank, where he listens to business pitches from aspiring entrepreneurs, offers feedback and invests his own money to help these entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality. Among the companies that Daymond has invested in is Bombas, a sock manufacturer who donates a pair of socks for every pair sold.

John’s books and inspirational speeches have helped countless entrepreneurs and everyday people improve their lives and careers. He recently built a 17,000-sq-ft creative incubator and workspace, Blueprint + co, to continue helping aspiring business leaders accomplish their dreams.

“Through his business successes and philanthropic efforts, Daymond has positively changed countless lives,“ said ISPA President Lynne McNees, adding that John “embodies the spirit of giving” that defines the spa industry.

Initially named the ISPA Humanitarian Award, it was renamed in 2002 to honor spa industry pioneer Alex Szekely. Winners are voted on by the ISPA Board of Directors. Previous winners have included Dr. Maya Angelou, Sir Sidney Poitier and Peyton Manning, who received the award last year.

More information about the 2018 ISPA Conference & Expo can be found at attendISPA.com.