Lily Jo Hastings, 13, and her brother, Jack, 12, are learning how to run a business by operating Frosty Paw, the family’s ice cream truck, with the help of their parents Mary and Eddie Hastings.
Lily is the chief executive officer and Jack is the president of the business.
When she is not in school or working on the truck, Lily, who is going into the eighth grade, loves cheering, camping and all things sugary, she said.
Jack is going into the seventh grade. He loves video games, ice cream and meal time, he said.
Both attend Mt. Blue Middle School in Farmington.
How did you get interested in running an ice cream truck?
Lily: It has always been a family dream to run an ice cream truck, specifically my mom’s. Once it came together of course I was drawn to working with the rest of my family! My parents asked me to design the logo and I’m working on making commercials now.
Jack: I wasn’t really involved in the creation but I am really glad to be a part of it now.
What attracted you at such a young age to begin a business?
Jack: Well, it was more my mom’s thing, but I like money and ice cream so now I’m hooked.
Lily: Not a lot of kids can say they come home to an ice cream truck in their driveway. I was extremely lucky that my parents created a business for me at such a young age to be able to work and learn.
Have you learned a lot running your business?
Lily: I have learned countless life lessons while running the ice cream truck such as dealing with money and counting back change, working with people and learning customer service, as well as just learning the basics of running a small business.
Jack: I have learned quite a bit: counting back and make changing change, working as a team, and how to take care of the truck, freezers and stock.
Any special ice cream flavors or treats you would recommend?
Jack: My all-time favorite is the caramel drumstick, but I like all the drumsticks, all the sundae cups, and the Moose Tracks cone.
Lily: My top three are: FatBoy ice cream sandwich (delicious classic ice cream); caramel sundae cup (I love all things caramel); all the cookie sandwiches (you just can’t go wrong).
What do you like most about being in business?
Lily: I am a very social person. I enjoy meeting all sorts of new people and serving cold delicious smiles right out the window.
Jack: I make money and get to eat ice cream. My sister and I split the tips and always get a “shift ice cream.”
Feel free to tell us your favorite duties running the business and where you like to set up the mobile ice cream truck.
Lily: I usually run the register but also enjoy running the whole truck myself. I can’t wait until I can drive it myself and go out in my own! My family really likes to do community events and festivals, but I love our beach-hopping route to Bass Park, Kineowatha and Clearwater and taking a swim at each stop.
Jack: I like to get the ice cream for the customer but I can also run the truck myself. When I work with my mom or dad, I run the register and they get the ice cream. I prefer going to “gigs” or parties over driving around because you know people want ice cream and that you’ll be busy.
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