1851

Randy, a seasoned entrepreneur, is no stranger to running his own business. With a background that spans everything from mobile devices to food trucks, he has now recognized another promising venture in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kona-ice.com/shaved-ice-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=serial-entrepreneur-launches-kona-ice-in-downtown-las-vegas-bringing-refreshing-fun-to-the-community-2727698" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kona Ice</a>, the shaved ice truck franchise. Inspired by the resilience and growth of the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-kona-ice-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723171">Kona Ice</a> brand, Randy is set to serve up shaved ice to the local community of Downtown Las Vegas with plans to grow the business further in the area.1851 Franchise spoke with Randy to learn more about his background, why he chose Kona Ice and his plans for the future.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Randy: I’ve been working for myself for 15 years, most recently in the mobile devices and cellular industry, distributing parts and phones to big brands and repair facilities. But during COVID, the business collapsed, and by June, I started looking for another business model. That’s when I found Kona Ice.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?Randy: Franchising was something I struggled with at first because I had been working for myself for so long. I was used to running my own operations and setting my own guidelines. When I was deciding on my next business venture, I initially thought I’d create my own brand. Then Kona Ice kind of fell into my lap. I had to ask myself, did I want to be part of a franchise where I’d follow someone else’s guidelines? At the time, I was building out a water retail station, and as part of that process, I was considering adding items like snow cones or ice cream for customers to buy while they refilled their water. I looked into Mr. Softee because I had some food truck experience with hot dog carts. That’s when Kona Ice popped up on my radar and I started exploring their model.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Randy: I reached out to 20 or 30 franchisees, and all of them had nothing bad to say about the brand, which is rare. I met some local franchisees in person, and they were all positive about their experience. When I looked deeper into the franchise model and the history of Kona Ice, it all made sense. The brand is proven, unlike some others.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Randy: We’re going to expand to another location, and my long-term goal is to really grow the business here. The idea is to eventually get a warehouse and possibly group up with other franchisees in the area.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Randy: The biggest issue with a food truck is the health department. Rules can vary depending on where you are, so make sure you look into that first because they control when you can be open. Also, think about your expansion plans from the beginning — talk to other franchisees about their growth and think carefully about your territory.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&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kona-ice.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=serial-entrepreneur-launches-kona-ice-in-downtown-las-vegas-bringing-refreshing-fun-to-the-community-2727698" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.kona-ice.com</a>. To learn more about available franchise opportunities, visit www.ownakona.com or call (800) KONAICE.

Serial Entrepreneur Launches Kona Ice in Downtown Las Vegas

1851 Franchise

After 15 years of running his own businesses, Randy is embarking on a new adventure with Kona Ice, the shaved ice truck franchise.

Serial Entrepreneur Launches Kona Ice in Downtown Las Vegas, Bringing Refreshing Fun to the Community

serial-entrepreneur-launches-kona-ice-in-downtown-las-vegas-bringing-refreshing-fun-to-the-community

Right at Home

Nine-Year Right at Home Franchisee Found New Purpose After Years as a Stay-at-Home Mom

right-at-home-franchisee-finds-new-purpose

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

image of one hour heating and air conditioning franchise

Built for Comfort, Wired for Growth: 5 Reasons to Invest in a One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Franchise Now

one-hour-franchise-investment-opportunity

image of team of employees and franchisees at one hour heating and air conditioning

Essential Comfort, Exceptional Opportunity: Why One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Is a Smart Franchise Investment

the-cleaning-authority-franchise-opportunity

image of employee from one hour heating and air conditioning 

Comfort, On Schedule: Why Homeowners Trust One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning

one-hour-heating-air-conditioning-service-franchise

Senior Care Authority

Boomers Today Podcast: The Latest on Parkinson’s and Music Therapy

boomers-today-podcast-the-latest-on-parkinsons-and-music-therapy

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

U.S. Budget Deficit Rises as Tariff Revenues Increase — Potential Considerations for Franchising

us-budget-deficit-rises-as-tariff-revenues-increase-potential-considerations-for-franchising

Dickey's Franchisee Backlash - Lawsuits - Disputes - 1851 Franchise

Texas-Based Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Grapples with Franchisee Backlash

dickeys-barbecue-pit-franchisee-lawsuits

Design with person in blazer, with laptop, holding sign that reads "LOOKING FOR A JOB"

Uptick in Jobless Claims Points to Continued Instability in Labor Market

jobless-claims-franchise-growth

Extraordinary Brands Acquires CycleBar and Rumble, Shaking Up Boutique Fitness Franchising

extraordinary-brands-cyclebar-rumble-boxing-acquisition

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

graphic for a spotlight from 1851 franchise featuring Kevin Rarick from caring transitions

Army Veteran Returns Home To Launch Caring Transitions Franchise in Reading, Pennsylvania

kevin-rarick-caring-transitions-reading-pa

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Open Caring Transitions in Texas

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Set Out to Build a Purpose-Driven Business With Caring Transitions in Texas

navy-veteran-and-professional-artist-couple-set-out-to-build-a-purpose-driven-business-with-caring-transitions-in-texas

graphic image of a franchisee spotlight jamie davis of caring transitions

How This Entrepreneur Turned a Lifelong Passion for Treasures Into a Purpose-Driven Business

jamie-davis-caring-transitions-franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

Serial Entrepreneur Launches Kona Ice in Downtown Las Vegas, Bringing Refreshing Fun to the Community

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS