Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Leonardo, CEO of Chill-N Nitrogen Ice-Cream, located in Miami, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business is homemade custom ice cream made to order in under 6 minutes. We bring the ice cream factory into the store by using technology to freeze a variety of different bases with liquid nitrogen to give you the freshest ice cream with millions of different menu options.
Tell us about yourself
I have been in franchising for more than 20 years with large multi-national brands and saw this small family-run business in my city of Miami using technology to help automate the making of custom /made-to-order ice cream right in front of the customer. I have been traveling for work for more than a decade and, as a new father, wanted a way to stay close to home. This was a great opportunity to stay close to home and also build something from the ground up.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is seeing those employees who have worked for me grow to lead their own teams and become successful in their careers. I could not have gotten to this point without mentors/leaders who took the time to coach, promote and care about my career. To be able to pay that forward and maintain those relationships with such amazing people who have played a role in my life and who I've been fortunate enough to coach is one of the best accomplishments as a business owner.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The responsibility that other people's livelihood depends on the decisions you make. This is something that keeps me up at night.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Do the numbers or find someone who can do the number for you. Without understanding your financial situation, your growth will always be limited.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.chillnicecream.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chilln_ceo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidleonardo/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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