A Family Business: The Mother-and-Son Entrepreneurs Who Co-Founded Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream

Daniel Golik, co-founder and chief operating officer of Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream, was inspired to start his own flash-frozen ice cream business while in college after visiting an ice cream store hand-pouring liquid nitrogen and mixing by hand to make ice cream. He recognized the excellent potential of automating and improving the efficiencies of the concept. Daniel knew he was going to need investors to get his idea off the ground. Having inherited his entrepreneurial spirit from his father, he created a very thorough "Shark Tank'' pitch and presented it to his parents, who immediately recognized his ability to take the great idea to new heights.

Daniel’s mother, Donna Golik — who co-founded the brand with her son and currently serves as chief brand officer — spoke with 1851 Franchise about her experiences as a franchisor and as a mother to a family of entrepreneurs.

When he pitched the idea of Chill-N to his parents, Daniel was taking a year off from college to study for the MCAT.  The timing was perfect, as it allowed Daniel to experiment with the concept before ultimately deciding on his career path. Fortunately, Daniel’s instincts were spot-on; the Chill-N concept took off almost immediately after its first store opened in 2012.

Sadly, Daniel’s father passed away suddenly just six months before the business was launched. According to Donna, this tragic event served to galvanize the Golik family. 

"Chill-N really became the focus and a goal for us; it was something that we could hold on to and put our energy into during a really, really tough time,” she said. “It was tough, but the business was a positive thing for our family and something that brought us together."

As a mother, Donna says she feels incredibly proud that all three of her children became so involved with the brand. Her two daughters spearheaded the design and branding, making the business a true family affair. The entrepreneurial gene must be a strong one, as Donna’s daughters are taking on additional entrepreneurial ventures themselves.

"I'm most proud of my kids for being so bold and taking risks,” Donna said. “They all are accomplishing so much as entrepreneurs."

Other mothers might feel hesitant when their child approaches them with the idea of breaking away from the traditional college-to-workforce pipeline. Starting a business, after all, involves risk. Donna’s advice for mothers faced with this situation? 

“Believe in your kids,” she said. “Encourage them to follow their dreams and to find what makes them happy. It isn't always about making the most money. It’s about finding what your passion is and believing in what you’re doing. That’s what makes you successful.” 

And if you're lucky enough to have kids that want you to be involved in the business as well, Donna suggests making sure you separate work and family time as best as you can and utilize your unique skills to avoid stepping on each other’s toes.

“I always made sure Daniel had full control of the operations and I stayed behind the scenes,” Donna explained. “It allowed us each to have our own lane. It was his idea, and I always wanted him to be the face of the brand.”

For Donna, the greatest joy in building Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream has been seeing what her children are capable of.

“What makes me so proud of Daniel has been his ability to figure out and improve the technology and efficiencies within the brand. It’s his gift,” Donna said. “It's been a pleasure for me to witness that firsthand and to be able to work with him, not just as a parent watching from the side.”

Additionally, Donna emphasized that not a day goes by that she is not amazed by the success and growth of Chill-N, which now currently operates 7 corporate locations and 8 franchised locations across Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, along with a South Carolina franchise unit soon to open.

To find out more information on costs to buy a Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream franchise, please visit https://www.chillnicecream.com/franchising.