From Amazon Packages to Shaved Ice: Meet the Local Entrepreneur Bringing Kona Ice to Los Angeles

Jenny Jean-Michel is somewhat of a corporate retail legend. She spent years working for well-known names like H&M, Forever 21 and Gap, helping expand the retailers across the country. She even facilitated the first ever H&M opening in America. 

Originally from New York, Jean-Michel eventually moved to the West Coast to pursue new opportunities as the retail landscape began shifting towards online sales. “[B]rick-and-mortar stores were no longer the go-to, and everyone was starting to purchase online,” said Jean-Michel. “I could see a shift in the business. Amazon was booming, so [I thought:] if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”

This led her to join Amazon's Delivery Service program, marking her first foray into business ownership. “I spent 20 years making everyone else rich, but this time I could focus on myself and make a difference in the community,” she said.

Last year, a chance encounter with a Kona Ice truck sparked a whole new passion.

“During our busy seasons, I do a lot of team building for our drivers,” said Jean-Michel. “We’ve done food trucks, events and giveaways. That is where I came across Kona Ice. I wanted to do something for my drivers on a hot July day and stumbled across Kona Ice. I requested a truck for my drivers, and it came that evening. It was a huge hit — they loved it! My daughter couldn’t get enough of it either. The experience was so great that I started talking to the driver about the business model. I was intrigued and sold from there. We did a deep dive into the company and the brand. They had all the information out there, nothing was hidden. That’s why I decided to take the leap and apply for the franchise.”

Now, alongside her husband, Gary Jourdain, who operates a workers' compensation management business, Jean-Michel is eager to build a large Kona Ice operation in Los Angeles. They envision this venture as a family affair, involving their children, River and Ocean. Together, they aim to create lasting memories with their community.

1851 Franchise spoke with Jean-Michel to learn more about her story, her journey to franchising and her plans for the future. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Jenny Jean-Michel: I was in corporate retail for many years, dealing in fast fashion. I’ve worked for companies like H&M, Forever 21 and Gap. I opened the first H&M location in the U.S. and helped them open 326 stores across the country. I traveled all around the U.S. and overseas. Originally from New York, I was recruited to the West Coast by another company. As the retail market started changing, brick-and-mortar stores were no longer the go-to, and everyone was starting to purchase online. I could see a shift in the business. Amazon was booming, so if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. I started with an Amazon Delivery Service program, which allowed me to become my own business owner. I spent 20 years making everyone else rich, but this time I could focus on myself and make a difference in the community. I’ve been doing that for three years now.

During our busy seasons, I do a lot of team building for drivers. We’ve done food trucks, events and giveaways. That is where I came across Kona Ice. I wanted to do something for my drivers on a hot July day and stumbled across Kona Ice. I requested a truck for my drivers, and it came that evening. It was a huge hit — they loved it! My daughter couldn’t get enough of it either. The experience was so great that I started talking to the driver about the business model. I was intrigued and sold from there. We did a deep dive into the company and the brand. They had all the information out there, nothing was hidden. That’s why I decided to take the leap and apply for the franchise.

We have two small kids, River and Ocean, and this is something we can all do together. I own an Amazon transportation service that delivers on behalf of Amazon, with a full-time manager running it. My background is in retail, with 17 years at H&M, Gap, Forever 21 and Cotton On, which brought me to the West Coast. My husband, Gary, is the owner-operator of a workers' compensation management business. We both plan to work the Kona Ice business and build a large operation.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Jean-Michel: I was really more sold on Kona Ice rather than franchising in general. I am a big believer in following something that is winning. We wanted to work with a model that was already successful, which is why we chose to focus on a franchise.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Jean-Michel: I could tell this was one of the top franchise businesses right now. Most importantly, it was fun. It seemed like something that was very family-oriented. We could do all types of different events. I love Amazon and what it has done for our family, but the day-in and day-out operations can be a bit challenging. We wanted to do something we saw ourselves doing for 15-plus years. We could get the family involved — who doesn’t want shaved ice? We live in California, so it was a win all around.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Jean-Michel: We hope to be up and running by July 1st. We are already signed up for a second truck. We want to have at least 12 trucks. Los Angeles can be a tough city to take on with food trucks, but our goal is to focus on the school districts, which we are already connecting with. We already have events planned for USC. Our goal is to really establish ourselves in Los Angeles and grow from there. We want people to recognize the brand.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Jean-Michel: We’re ready to serve our Los Angeles customers — we want to get out there into the community.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Jean-Michel: Planning is very important. As an entrepreneur, you’ve always got to have a plan. If you are on the fence, just know that you will have a franchisor behind you. They are there to walk you along the way. Once you get the keys, just know that you still have somebody there to help you. You are going to be in good hands.

For more information on franchising with Kona Ice, visit www.ownakona.com.

About Kona Ice

Founded in 2007 by Tony Lamb, Kona Ice launched its first Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV) in Florence, Kentucky, offering a unique combination of cleanliness, friendliness and a one-of-a-kind experience. Today, Kona Ice has grown to more than 1,700 mobile units that serve 49 states across the country. Kona Ice has been named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list for 11 consecutive years, earning a spot on the Franchise 500 Hall of Fame, and most recently being named #1 in the “Frozen Desserts” and “Ice Cream” categories. In addition, Kona was named to the Franchise Business Review Top 200 list in the overall “Top 50” and “Enterprise” categories. Other accolades include being named a “Top 100 Most Innovative Franchise” by Franchise Business Review and a “Top Franchise for Veterans.” With a commitment to giving back, Kona Ice has donated over $180 million to communities nationwide. For more on Kona Ice, visit the brand’s online Newsroom and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news. For more information about booking Kona Ice for a fundraiser or event, visit www.kona-ice.com. To learn more about available franchise opportunities, visit www.ownakona.com or call (800) KONAICE.