A Sturgis Charter School Grad is taking over her family’s business. Katie’s Ice Cream will now be run by its namesake, Katie Kimball.
Although she grew up around her family’s ice cream shop, she never thought she would one day be president of the company. After graduating from high school, she studied biology and planned to pursue her dream of being a doctor. However it wasn’t what she expected and she began working in restaurants after graduation. When her brother went off to college, she returned home to help in the family business.
Katie says: “Making ice cream has allowed me to be creative in a way I hadn’t realized when I was younger. It is a different type of science but it is fun and rewarding and I love every day I get to make ice cream. When Julie mentioned she was ready to retire I realized I was ready to take on the business full-time and here we are.”
For the past 15 years, Julie Kimball has been running the business and plans to still stay involved. She’ll be an employee rather than the boss. Julie says she loved getting to know so many customers and seeing families come in every year making Katie’s Ice Cream a summer tradition.
During her time, Julie has seen actors and actress, singers and bands, athletes, including baseball, basketball and football players, and of course political figures come through the doors. She says, “They are on vacation, not on the red carpet. They want to come in, get ice cream, and enjoy time with their family and friends. We respect that”
Julie has full faith in the future of Katie’s Ice Cream. Katie has several ideas to bring new ideas and innovations to the business, but also believes it’s important to keep it traditional and classic.
Katie says her mission is to have the best customer service, the best ice cream and the best ice cream shop around.
Katie’s Ice Cream reopens for the season during April School Break.
By Rebecca Romo
About Rebecca Romo
Speak Your Mind