1851

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisa-p-0364b9179/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=teacher-turned-entrepreneur-alisa-pompetti-builds-success-with-kona-ice-and-travelin-toms-in-portland-oregon-2728423" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Alisa Pompetti's</a> journey into franchising began when she discovered&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ownakona.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=teacher-turned-entrepreneur-alisa-pompetti-builds-success-with-kona-ice-and-travelin-toms-in-portland-oregon-2728423" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kona Ice</a> during her career as a school teacher and administrator in San Clemente, California. Inspired by the brand’s vibrant, family-friendly concept, Pompetti saw an opportunity to bring something unique to her hometown of Portland, Oregon. When her husband, Dana, had the chance to relocate back to Portland for his job with the railroad, she decided to take the leap. Leaving behind a career in education, she set out to launch Kona Ice in the area. Her primary goals? To show her daughters that women can excel in entrepreneurship and to create a family business that sets a positive example.Since opening her first Kona Ice location, Pompetti has expanded into six territories, driven by her passion for the brand and its community-focused mission. However, the seasonality of Kona Ice led her to explore new avenues for growth. In August 2024, the Pompetti family launched their latest venture —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ownacoffeetruck.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=teacher-turned-entrepreneur-alisa-pompetti-builds-success-with-kona-ice-and-travelin-toms-in-portland-oregon-2728423" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee</a> — introducing a coffee truck that allows them to offer service during the colder months. “<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kona-ice-founder-starts-new-concept-travelin-toms-coffee-truck-2727460#stories">Travelin’ Tom’s</a> has allowed us to keep our staff employed year-round,” Pompetti said, “which is something I’m very proud of.”Pompetti’s deep appreciation for the brands she owns is evident in the way she describes her business. “I was drawn to Kona Ice because of the brand, the concept and the potential to give back to the community,” she said. Her advice for aspiring franchise owners reflects this mindset: choose a franchise you genuinely love. It’s her passion for the product, coupled with a drive to succeed, that has fueled her family’s success and growth in the franchise space. For Pompetti, building a business is about more than just profits — it’s about creating opportunities, setting an example for her daughters and making a positive impact in her community.Pompetti recently sat down with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what she had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Alisa Pompetti: Before I became a franchise owner, I worked as a school teacher and administrator in San Clemente, California. Kona Ice was a fundraising partner at the school, and I was impressed by the concept. On my first day as an administrator, I was tasked with monitoring the Kona Ice truck after school, and I thought, “This is great! We don’t have this in Oregon.” I studied the business for two years and kept going back to the idea that this would be a great fit for my hometown.When my husband had an opportunity to relocate back to Portland for his job with the railroad, I thought it was the perfect time to launch Kona Ice here. I decided to leave my career in education to pursue this opportunity. My goal was to show my daughters that entrepreneurship is something women can do, and I wanted them to learn how to run a business. It’s been six years now, and I still love it.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?Pompetti:&nbsp;I didn’t know much about franchising before I got involved. I understood it as a way to buy into an established business model, but I didn’t realize the level of support that comes with it. Kona Ice offers a lot of backing from corporate, including direct access to the company president, which is rare in most franchise systems. It feels like a family business that has grown but still maintains its core values.People often have misconceptions about franchising, thinking it’s just big corporations. In reality, we’re local small business owners who care about our communities. Kona Ice, in particular, has taught us how to run a business even though we came from different backgrounds. The support and established framework helped us learn and grow.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Pompetti:&nbsp;What drew me to Kona Ice initially was the branding. I had never seen anything like it. The trucks are vibrant, clean, and offer a unique experience where customers can flavor their own shaved ice. It’s different from a typical ice cream truck, which can sometimes have a negative stereotype.As a former educator, I was especially excited about how inclusive Kona Ice’s product line is. We offer options that cater to various dietary needs — sugar-free, dye-free, soy-free, dairy-free and even kosher products. It’s important to me that every child can participate and enjoy our offerings. I felt confident bringing Kona Ice to schools and events, knowing that we could accommodate everyone.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Pompetti:&nbsp;With Kona Ice, we’ve been fortunate to expand into six territories, and we’re looking to take a similar approach with Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee. We launched Travelin’ Tom’s in August 2024 as a way to offer a year-round business, especially since Oregon has distinct seasons and Kona Ice is more seasonal.Travelin’ Tom’s has allowed us to keep our staff employed year-round, which is something I’m very proud of. The coffee truck has been well received because of its quick service and quality products, which is essential in a city like Portland with a strong coffee culture. Our plan is to grow Travelin’ Tom’s the same way we did with Kona Ice — by building strong community relationships and meeting customer needs.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Pompetti:&nbsp;One of the key things I’ve learned is that you need to be relentless in your pursuit of success. Franchising isn’t a shortcut; there’s still a lot of hard work involved. The franchise provides a solid framework, but you have to bring your passion and determination to the table.I’d also advise people to choose a franchise they genuinely love. I was drawn to Kona Ice because of the brand, the concept and the potential to give back to the community. If I had chosen something solely based on profit potential without a personal connection, I don’t think I would have stuck with it through the challenging times. It’s essential to be passionate about the work you’re doing and to have a bigger vision beyond just making money.Learn more about franchising with Travelin’ Tom’s at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ownacoffeetruck.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=teacher-turned-entrepreneur-alisa-pompetti-builds-success-with-kona-ice-and-travelin-toms-in-portland-oregon-2728423" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.ownacoffeetruck.com/</a>.About Travelin’ TomsFounded in 2020 by Tony Lamb, the visionary behind Kona Ice, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck delivers a unique, mobile beverage experience to events and gatherings of all sizes. Offering a wide range of freshly made, customizable beverages—including signature Nitro Cold Brew, Caramel Frappe, hot chocolates, energy drinks, and more—Travelin' Tom's caters to coffee lovers and non-coffee drinkers alike. With a commitment to quality and convenience, the franchise continues to grow rapidly, bringing caffeination inspiration and fruity refreshment to communities nationwide. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.travelintoms.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=teacher-turned-entrepreneur-alisa-pompetti-builds-success-with-kona-ice-and-travelin-toms-in-portland-oregon-2728423" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.travelintoms.com</a>.About Kona IceFounded 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 $185 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=teacher-turned-entrepreneur-alisa-pompetti-builds-success-with-kona-ice-and-travelin-toms-in-portland-oregon-2728423" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.kona-ice.com</a>. To learn more about available franchise opportunities, visit www.ownakona.com or call (800) KONAICE.

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Dana and Alisa Pompetti and Travelin' Tom's logo

Travelin’ Tom’s Franchise: How Alisa Pompetti Built a Family Business in Portland, Oregon

1851 Franchise

Pompetti and her husband started their Kona Ice franchise to set an example for their daughters. With the addition of Travelin' Tom's, they’ve set their business up for year-round success.

Teacher-Turned-Entrepreneur Alisa Pompetti Builds Success with Kona Ice and Travelin’ Tom’s in Portland, Oregon

teacher-turned-entrepreneur-alisa-pompetti-builds-success-with-kona-ice-and-travelin-toms-in-portland-oregon

World Gym

World Gym - Overcoming Gym Plateaus Setbacks - 1851 Franchise

No Excuses: Overcoming Common Gym Plateaus and Setbacks

world-gym-overcoming-plateaus-setbacks

Right at Home

Ben Aydin on Building a Right at Home Franchise: Hard Work, Growth and Making an Impact

ben-aydin-on-building-a-right-at-home-franchise-hard-work-growth-and-making-an-impact

Why Strength-Focused Gyms Are on the Rise: The World Gym Difference

why-strength-focused-gyms-are-on-the-rise-the-world-gym-difference

The World Gym Mentality: How Strength Training Builds Confidence

the-world-gym-mentality-how-strength-training-builds-confidence

Griswold

Celebrating Women Franchisees: The Empowering Stories Behind Griswold’s Female Leaders

celebrating-women-franchisees-the-empowering-stories-behind-griswolds-female-leaders

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 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

Tariff Tensions Threaten U.S. Restaurants with Rising Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions

tariff-tensions-threaten-us-restaurants-with-rising-costs-and-supply-chain-disruptions

Roof Scientist Launches Franchise Opportunity, Revolutionizing Roof Preservation with Innovative Technology

roof-scientist-launches-franchise-opportunity-revolutionizing-roof-preservation-with-innovative-technology

Restaurant Business: How McDonald's Is Restructuring To Compete With Specialized Chains

restaurant-business-how-mcdonalds-is-restructuring-to-compete-with-specialized-chains

Design with hundred dollar bill and orange "recession" banner across the middle

ABC News: Recession Risks Are Rising, Economists Say. Here’s What to Know.

recession-risks-impact-economy-franchise-world

NRA: Restaurants Focus On Enhancing In-Store Experiences To Attract Diners in 2025

nra-restaurants-focus-on-enhancing-in-store-experiences-to-attract-diners-in-2025

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

military-veteran-and-craft-beer-enthusiast-to-bring-voodoo-brewing-co-to-toledo-ohio

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Domonique Downing - Big Frog Franchise - Fayetteville, GA - 1851 Franchise

Coca-Cola Scientist Finds Path to Autonomy with Big Frog Franchise in Fayetteville, Georgia

big-frog-franchise-fayetteville-georgia

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

The Top Quick Service Restaurant Franchises for 2025

the-top-quick-service-restaurant-franchises

Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Concepts to Consider in 2025

top-emerging-restaurant-concepts-to-consider

Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

lindoras-new-president-discusses-franchise-growth-and-the-future-of-health-and-wellness

Teacher-Turned-Entrepreneur Alisa Pompetti Builds Success with Kona Ice and Travelin’ Tom’s in Portland, Oregon

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS