Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Barton.
Michelle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In April 2007, my future husband and I moved from San Jose, California to find a more affordable and less stressful way of life. I began working at the ice cream distribution company that my parents had recently purchased, which was the reason they also moved from the Bay Area. I loved selling ice cream and learning about ways that I could help grow the business! I worked hard to develop our special events program and started our food service channel from ground zero. Unexpectedly in 2015, my father passed away from a massive heart attack, I was three months pregnant and knew that it was up to me to keep the business successful and take it the next level for the future of my family. I purchased the business and began bidding on institutional business such as schools and universities. The business has grown significantly as a result of this new added business. My success is largely attributed to the great team of individuals employed at Southern Ice Cream, who are the heart and soul of the business!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In 2015, I was pregnant with my first child, lost my father and grandmother, in addition Blue Bell one of our big suppliers had a massive recall due to Listeria. My emotions were high and fragile at times, but I kept working long hours and ultimately ended up finding a better opportunity as a result of the recall. I brought in another supplier, which opened up other channels of business. The business always challenges me with something new all the time, it keeps me on my toes and teaches me that I can overcome my doubts and difficult situations. It is safe to say that between being a mother of two young boys and running a fast-growing business that I have my fair share of stressful days, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Southern Ice Cream – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Southern Ice Cream started by selling ice cream to mobile vending trucks and push carts that would vend throughout the neighborhoods and streets. We have evolved to a multi-channel wholesale distributor that excels in Special Events, Foodservice & Mobile Vending. Our special events are essentially ice cream catering, which consists of ice cream truck events, ice cream sundae parties and push cart rentals for all occasions! This is the most fun side of the business and really makes me the happiest. Our food service entails school cafeterias, universities, dip parlors, restaurants and specialty shops. This business is continuously growing as the area has more and more businesses popping up. The wholesale side is primarily mobile ice cream truck vendors and street cart vendors, we are most proud of this business since it is the root of the business and provides a bit of nostalgia for those we encounter.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To become successful, you need a combination of hard work and luck and to maintain that success you need to continue to learn. I know that I am lucky to have had wonderful opportunities presented to me in life, however it has been my decisions and actions in response to my luck that have brought me to where I am today. Measuring that success is growing a profitable business with positive employee & customer relationships while maintaining a happy and healthy friends and family life. This is not always easy to achieve, so I am continuously setting goals and strategies with this end goal in mind!
Contact Info:
- Address: 13755 Greenland Dr. Stafford, TX 77477
- Website: www.southernicecreamtx.com
- Phone: 281-499-9837
- Email: info@southernicecreamtx.com
- Instagram: southernicecreamtx
- Facebook: Southern Ice Cream Texas
Image Credit:
Your Best Shot Photography, Kendall Cupak
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
