Saginaw, MI – June 18, 2026 – Seasoned business owners and longtime Saginaw residents Dave and Ruth Buko are expanding their entrepreneurial catalog with Michigan’s newest Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa. Located at 5709 State St. in Saginaw, Dave and Ruth bring an extensive background in franchise ownership to this venture, but what excites them most is the opportunity to create a welcoming hub of self-care for the community they call home.
The Saginaw spa represents an exciting new chapter for both Hand & Stone’s continued growth and the Buko family’s entrepreneurial journey. Before entering the wellness space, Dave spent 25 years in leadership roles across Dow Chemical and Comcast, while Ruth was an attorney with LeFever & LeFevre. Together, they successfully owned and operated 15 Tropical Smoothie Cafes across two states and continue to build their portfolio with opportunities best aligned with their values.
“Hand & Stone combines structured operations with the ability to build meaningful local relationships. It’s not just about transactions — it’s about improving how people feel every day,” says Dave. Hand & Stone particularly stood out to the Bukos because they feel it strikes the right balance between purpose and performance.
The brand’s national recognition and proven systems were major differentiators for the Bukos, allowing them to focus on leadership, team culture, and community engagement. They also recognize that wellness isn’t a trend. “Massage and skincare are becoming part of people’s regular health routines, not just luxury splurges,” says Dave. The combination of recurring revenue, industry growth, strong brand infrastructure, and positive impact ultimately drew the family in.
As active members of their local community and having raised six children in Saginaw, Dave and Ruth aim to create a true wellness hub where busy professionals, athletes, seniors, and families can reset and recharge. The spa will be family-operated, with daughter Maria Buko serving as Manager alongside Nancy Buszka. Beyond providing spa services, including massages and facials, they are focused on empowering therapists and estheticians with career opportunities and development.
The spa will feature a wide array of services delivered by licensed therapists and estheticians, including signature offerings such as:
- Signature Massages and Enhancements: Classic, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Himalayan Salt Stone, Prenatal Massage, Couples
- Advanced Facials: DiamondGlow, NuFACE Microcurrent Therapy and LED Phototherapy
- Partner Skincare Lines: Dermalogica®, IMAGE Skincare
The spa will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Bukos and their team hosted grand opening celebrations, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony, founding membership specials, and partnerships with local businesses. Building on a portfolio of successful ventures, Dave and Ruth are leveraging their operational experiences to introduce Hand & Stone’s proven wellness model to the Saginaw market.
