Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jerry Hancock, President of Sub Zero Ice Cream, located in American Fork, UT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are an ice cream retailer with experience. We are the first to make ice cream from liquid to solid in front of the customer using liquid nitrogen. The customers are people looking for an experience, a delicious treat. The magic of seeing ice cream form under a cloud and emerge as a solid.
Tell us about yourself
I had been working in Tech since 2003 and just felt uncertain about the consistency of work. So I bought a franchise. As we ran that business, we recognized a new product in the market we thought franchising would be perfect. Sub Zero was born. I have a degree in chemistry and retired Air Force. Combining stem education with a sweet treat.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We received a patent on our process. We have grown organically. So staying engaged with the customers. Providing Stem Education programs for the community and providing hyper-Allegan-compliant products.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Franchising is difficult because there are so many aspects of the business. The customer is the franchisee and the end customer. Each of those requires very different marketing and engagement as well as operations. Finances in franchising are difficult. You need enough traction to sell franchises (60 to 100 stores) and do not need additional capital to support the franchisees.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Make sure you have enough capital. Make sure you have advisors in the same industry. Go to a few tradeshows in the space first. Survey!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://subzeroicecream.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/subzeroicecream
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/subzeroicecream/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/subzerotweets
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-hancock-13911934/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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