Today we’d like to introduce you to Les Pugh.
Hi Les, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After serving a decade in support of our country—including one year as a soldier in Afghanistan and nine years as a government contractor—I knew it was time to come home and focus on my most important roles: being a husband and a father.
To ensure I could always provide for my family, I earned my Real Estate license, but life led me to a refinery where I worked for ten years. When we received word the refinery would be closing, my wife Julie and I saw it as a sign to build something of our own. We invested in a Repicci’s Real Italian Ice & Gelato franchise, using that lead time to get our food truck’s name into the community. We were blessed with an extra year of ‘runway’ to get our feet under us, and on June 2, 2025, I officially traded the refinery for the food truck. Today, I’m living the dream full-time, serving up smiles and spending the quality time with my family that I always wanted
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, The fact that my business is on wheels, and it has to be maintained, poses many issues from being in the shop to only being able to cater to 1 location at a time. As well as finding customers, and events.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We’re primarily famous for one thing: crafting some of the absolute best Italian Ice and Gelato you’ll ever taste. But here, we deliver more than just a delicious frozen treat—we provide an unforgettable experience.
Signature Combinations: Explore our innovative ‘Repicci’s Combinations’ featuring unique pairings of Italian Ice with creamy Gelato or refreshing Sorbettos that consistently wow our customers.
Custom Creations: We know everyone has different tastes. That’s why we invite you to be the chef and dream up your own perfect flavor combinations.
Our Mission: When you visit our truck, our goal is simple: to put a smile on your face as you savor a sweet taste of Italy!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I would say I now more of a calculated risk taker. I spent 9 extra years in Afghanistan. Now that I am older and have children I have learned that I need to weigh the pros and cons. Julie is my balance when it comes to that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.italianice.com/repiccis-of-north-houston
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/repiccisofnorthhouston/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepiccisofNorthHouston/
