Interview with a Cold Rock Ice Creamery Franchise Partner
Kerrie from Cold Rock Shepparton
If you’re thinking about investing in a Cold Rock franchise but want to know more of the nitty gritty that goes into running a successful store, then we have you covered. We spoke with Kerrie, our Franchise Partner from Cold Rock Shepparton to learn more about her experience running a successful franchise. Here’s what she had to say:
How long have you been a part of the Cold Rock Ice Creamery Family?
“My husband and I been a part of the Cold Rock Ice Creamery Family since June 2017, so almost 7 years.”
What is the most rewarding aspect of your business?
“I love everything to do with customer service, so for me, it’s seeing the customers happy to receive their products, especially the kids. Seeing how excited they get over something so simple like ice cream really puts things in perspective for me.”
What is the most challenging aspect of owning your franchise?
“There is a lot of responsibility that comes with managing staff. This is definitely something I find very challenging at times. Working with each team member to make sure they are comfortable and happy is a priority for us. Despite how difficult it can be, it’s very important and one thing I will always take into consideration.”
What made you decide to invest in a franchise?
“Before we bought it, Cold Rock Shepparton was already an established and successful store. It had a strong reputation in our community, so we thought it would be a great opportunity for us. Having the support of a franchisor was also something that spoke to us, as the idea of starting a business on your own can be daunting. Becoming franchisees means we have constant support and assistance from an established franchisor.”
What attracted you to a Cold Rock Ice Creamery franchise? Why Us?
“As mentioned above, we could see that the Cold Rock Shepparton store was a successful one, so we knew this would be a low-risk investment and having the support of a franchisor was a big attraction for me. The business model, recipes and brand recognition was already there, all we had to do was keep it up and running in our community.”
What personal qualities do you think a Cold Rock Ice Creamery Franchise Partner must possess?
“It’s not easy being a business owner. I believe a Cold Rock Ice Creamery Franchise Partner should be happy, kind, caring, firm, and organized. Someone who is passionate about the brand, and loves working with other people. That’s what it is all about at the end of the day.”
What’s the best thing about being your own boss?
“It would definitely be the flexibility. This is not your typical 9-5 job, so having the time around the clock to spend with friends and family is something I really enjoy. The extra income is also a massive benefit.”
What’s your favourite Cold Rock Ice Creamery product, and why?
“My favourite Cold Rock Ice Creamery product is our Loaded Shakes. We use a special mixture to make them super thick and I love that you can create your own combo and flavours with them. I can confirm, they are delicious”.
How many hours a week do you invest in your business?
“Of course, this varies depending on the time of year. Summer and the holiday seasons can get extremely busy and require all hands on deck. However, on average, I invest around 40 hours a week in my business.”
What does a typical day in the life of a Cold Rock Ice Creamery Franchise Partner look like?
“For my store (as we manufacture), we make ice cream four mornings a week, with maintenance and cleaning on the fifth. The rest of the day is spent on management of my team and admin work. You can choose to do as much or as little as you like, depending on your staff and team.
What advice would you offer someone thinking about becoming a Franchise Partner?
“I would suggest that a duo team would be the best option. Either your partner or good friend, someone you can have to provide mutual support and come with you along for the ride.”
In conclusion, running a Cold Rock Ice Creamery franchise requires hard work, dedication, and attention to detail, but the rewards of happy customers and the flexibility of being your own boss can make it a very rewarding experience.
Thanks to our Franchise Partner, Kerrie, for sharing her experiences with us!