Jason and Pam Hilgeman moved to Brown County about two months ago, ready to enter into a season of rest after serving as foreign missionaries for more than 10 years.
The same time they made the move, they also found an opportunity to open a business with a goal of bringing joy to customers they serve.
The Hilgemans have taken part in the Kona Ice franchise, a traveling food truck that serves 35 flavors of shaved ice at any and every location they can.
A friendly, tropically dressed penguin welcomes customers to try the cool treat at the Kona Ice truck, which has been at events like the Brown County 4-H Fair and the grand opening of the Brown County Humane Society’s new shelter.
Hilgeman said that the primary model of the business is catering. The franchise has 1,400 trucks in the country and operates by area, having a presence at school, athletic and corporate events. They also operate as an ice cream truck, making stops in various locations.
Recently, the Kona Ice truck stopped at Evergreen Villages, an assisted living facility in Bloomington.
One thing Kona does, Hilgeman said, is give back to the organizations that host them. “When we set up at a game, we give 20-percent back to the school, or to the humane society,” he said. “The model includes supporting the community.”
“When you think of all the businesses you get into, there are few that no matter what happens, people are smiling,” he said. Even those who don’t partake, but sit on their porches watching customers enjoy the shaved ice, Hilgeman said “brings a smile to people’s faces.”
Hilgeman and his family started a school for children living in sugar cane villages in the Dominican Republic. After deciding they were ready for a season to rest, he and his wife moved to Brown County because they heard it was a good place to do just that. They then heard about Kona around the same time they made the move.
“It all happened all at once,” he said.
Kona is a seasonal operation from March 1 to Oct. 31, and has a record of being a number one franchise with franchisee satisfaction, Hilgeman said. Most franchisees own multiple.
The Hilgemans have appreciated being in the Brown County community, getting to know and connect with the people around them.
“Our plan is to not grow the business into something big,” he said. “We were looking to slow down and do something together. It’s a chance for us to not only connect with other people, but to bring some joy.”
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Learn more about Kona Ice of Brown County by visiting their Facebook page at Facebook.com/KonaIceBrownCounty or their website Kona-ice.com.
Want Kona Ice to cater your next event? Email them at [email protected]
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