During his peak stretch, Jackowski was on the road 70 percent of the time and has amassed more than 1 million frequent-flyer miles on American.
He eventually got burned out on the high-stress position and wanted to return to his roots. Jackowski had studied health education at SUNY-Cortland, though he never used the degree once in the real world.
Until recent years, that is.
He took a one-and-a-half-year course to become a massage therapist, graduating in July 2010. He now owns a new spa in Uptown, which he opened July 2.
“I always thought I’d just do [massages] as a hobby,” he said.
However, his passion became his profession.
Jackowski is involved with all aspects of the business, including marketing, design, scheduling and more.
“We wanted to do it right, to be unique and different, so it attracts quality therapists and repeat customers,” Jackowski said.
Therapists at Revive work shorter days than traditional therapists, per Jackowski, to help eliminate stress and other issues. Plus, sessions are a full 60 or 90 minutes. Revive also offers facials and waxing services.
“I definitely feel like I’m in more control [in this job]; everything is now my time, not by the company’s calendar,” Jackowski said.
Revive has 10 rooms with 12 employees, most part-time. Jackowski also gives massages; he’s not just the owner. And Revive caters to men and women. Plus, the hip, trendy salon is quite modern, with reservations made online 24/7, iPads in every room, and more.
“I definitely am trying to incorporate my [IT] past to today to make Revive truly the best salon around,” Jackowski said. “I still enjoy high-tech, and everything I own I owe to 18 years of high-tech sales. That [profession] will always be there, but I don’t want to be in a situation years from now of, ‘Gee, I should have tried something, but never did.”
For more information, or to book a reservation, go to www.revivemassagechicago.com.
THE STATS
Age
42
Neighborhood
Andersonville
Hometown
Upstate New York; has been in Chicago for 12 years
Job title
Owner, Revive Massage Therapy & Spa
Hobbies
Movies, dinner with friends, working out
Relationship status
Partnered
Favorite local restaurant
Calo Ristorante in Andersonville
Favorite local bar
Marty’s Martini Bar in Andersonville
Little-known fact
Taught eighth-grade health education for one year