David Dragseth

Chief Executive Officer @ Superior Sauna & Steam

About

Some weeks, I’m reminded that our work is about far more than saunas. I’ve spent my life as a builder - of spiritual communities, civic movements, and now, thermic spaces that bring people back to themselves. As CEO of Superior Sauna & Steam, I help lead one of the largest sauna manufacturers in North America, bringing the ancient rituals of hot/cold therapy into homes, breweries, hotels, and retreat centers across the country. My journey has taken me from Harvard Divinity School to remote islands in Finland. In 2019, a Lilly Foundation sabbatical grant allowed me to study modern secular spiritual movements across the Nordic countries; where I learned firsthand how design, heat, and hospitality can transform lives. That research now fuels our work at Superior: to combine a passion for innovation with sustainable materials, industry expertise and modern design to create saunas worthy of our name. From founding Jotunn Sauna & Design to leading public spiritual life for two decades, I’ve learned that hospitality is sacred. That shared space can be a balm. That we don’t just build hot rooms - we build moments of return. It is said that a sauna creates a singular feeling, a unique state of contentment and calm. And there’s a growing community of people around the world looking to connect to that feeling, to their humanity, and to a greater sense of wellness. I am inspired by all the ways cultures across the globe use heat and steam to heal, refresh and relax, and I blend them to create elevated sauna experiences. Let’s connect if you’re curious about international thermic bathing culture, Nordic design, spiritual entrepreneurship, or the future of wellness.

Country

United States

City

Minneapolis

Industry

Health, Wellness & Fitness

Skill

Experience

Chief Executive Officer

Superior Sauna & Steam

2023 - Present · 3 yrs

Ashland, Wisconsin, United States

Leading a generational brand transformation of one of North America’s most established sauna companies. Focused on expanding access to thermic bathing through product innovation, cultural partnerships, and design-forward spaces. Launched The Yard, a sauna residency program supporting sauna experiences in breweries, urban pop-ups, and public wellness venues. Spearheading a values-driven growth strategy rooted in equity, sustainability, and international thermic bathing traditions of community care.

Managing Partner & Co-Founder

Jotunn Sauna & Design

2019-1 - 2022-3 · 3 yrs 3 mos

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

Founding partner of high-design sauna building company with annual sales of $200,000. Coordinated U.S. import of HUUM sauna stoves (European Red-Dot winner in design.) Licensed HUUM sauna stove dealer. Partnerships with Thermory heat treated wood, FiberOptic Lighting, Saunazz sauna accessories, Nystad Sauna, Superior Sauna, Rice Lake Glass, and Bathing Brands. $50,000 in online sales in first two quarters. Solstice Sauna build featured in Saunas of the World. Members of North American Sauna Society. Partnership with American Birkebeiner Ski Race for Public Sauna at Expo

Senior Pastor and Head of Staff

Lake Park Lutheran Church

1999 - 2022 · 23 yrs

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Led redevelopment of historic urban congregation growing it from 100 members to 1250. Raised $4 million in capital improvement; established a $2.2 million foundation; and grew the congregation’s annual budget from 75,000 to 600,000. Managed staff of 15, and volunteer base of 1000. Led a comprehensive reconstruction of 110-year-old historic building in compliance with LED certification and solar panel technology, earning awards from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Led congregational demographic shift (from 95% > 70 years to 80% < 35 years. One of five growth trend congregations in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Frequently published author in leading spirituality, health, and wellness journals.