Jana Westerbeke

Co-Owner, Gadabout SalonSpas and VerVe Salons

By Rodney Campbell

Jana Westerbeke graduated from cosmetology school while in high school so she’d have “something to fall back on.”

Now, as co-owner of Gadabout SalonSpas and VerVe Salons, she has turned that decision into one of the region’s most iconic beauty brands, taking the company her mother, Pamela McNair-Wingate, founded in 1979 to new heights. 

After a successful career as a stylist, leading one salon directly, and helping to create a secondary brand, VerVe Salon, in 2003, Westerbeke stepped into a business development role in 2005. Gadabout and VerVe now employ more than 230 employees and have six locations, which Jana and her husband Frank, own, lead and grow together.

“My mother always taught my husband and me that it’s not about us,” she said. “It’s about the people we’re leading. We have a wonderful team touching the Tucson community, as only a hairstylist, massage therapist, nail technician or esthetician can.”

The team recently won a prestigious industry award for its culture and is consistently named one of the top salons in the nation. Gadabout’s team has an unwavering commitment to professionalism, education and community. Westerbeke is most proud of making an impact on her team – 90% of which are women and almost 50% of which have been with the company for more than 10 years.

“I’m so happy that I fell into this industry and chose to stay,” she said. “This company has allowed me and our teammates to reach beyond any goals and dreams we have ever imagined. We are diligently working to elevate the beauty industry and the way it’s perceived, making it a first-rate career choice.”

Gadabout and VerVe support countless local non-profits including Angel Charity for Children, Ben’s Bells and Tu Nidito. The Westerbekes have won numerous awards for their generosity.

“My favorite part,” Westerbeke said, “is how we give back to this amazing community and industry that have supported us for over four decades.”

Megan Jasper has been with Gadabout SalonSpas and VerVe Salon for 22 years. 

“Jana is an incredible leader, mentor, way-shower and friend,” said Jasper, a Gadabout VP. “She embodies resilience, passion and an unerring eye for how any situation can be better. She has a heart of gold and is one of the most selfless and generous people I’ve ever spent time with.”

Westerbeke’s daughters, Wylie and Wagner, are now making their own path with the company. “As they are growing in their professional careers, we are so proud that they chose this amazing industry,” Westerbeke said.