Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Greg Marchiori, president of Ice Boy Toronto Ltd, a family-run business that supplies packaged ice & custom ice sculptures located in Scarborough, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Ice Boy Toronto Ltd is a family-run business that supplies packaged ice and custom ice sculptures to the GTA and surrounding areas. We supply a number of industries, weddings, events, sporting events, and more!

Tell us about yourself

I got my start at Ice Boy when my late uncle started the company supplying our family business that serviced coffee/food trucks. I started packing the ice daily from small machines and worked with my uncle while the company grew. I grew with the company taking on more responsibilities and ultimately buying the company from my aunt in 2017.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is taking over the business. I took a large risk of getting a loan to purchase from my aunt. Since taking over, I've learned a number of new skills and seen an increase in sales.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing about being a business owner is all the responsibilities that fall under you. Also, to have a work and life balance. I am usually here 6-7 days a week during the summer months, our peak season.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Hire and pay staff well (treat them with respect, and you will get respect back).
  2. Customer service is key - a happy customer will be a returning customer.
  3. Learn how to delegate ( you can't do everything yourself).

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.iceboy.ca/
Instagram: @iceboytoronto
Facebook: @iceboytoronto
Twitter: @iceboytoronto

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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