Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Loveland.
Hi Stephen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my ice cream business in 2008 to make a little extra jingle. This was right before the food truck craze, so my timing was perfect for finding an old ice cream tricycle on Ebay. I was pretty sure I could start my own business for minimal investment which was necessary due to the financial state I was in. It turns out I was able to relinquish all my start up costs within 7 weeks of slinging my first dreamsicle. I’m not getting rich by any means, but my summer side-hustle gives me a little cushion in the Summer.
The first several years I would pedal around town and set up in various parks and popular corners. These days I am mostly hired for work events, birthday parties, weddings and school functions, although you can sometimes catch me in the capital city on Summit Ave or Irvine Park.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been as smooth as soft-serve ice cream. I get to do something I love and the rewards go far beyond the extra sheckles in my satchel. I’ve had some pretty amazing life experiences as a result of becoming an ice cream man. When I’m asked what the struggles have been, I honestly can’t think of one.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When I’m not making balloon animals, playing ukulele and handing out bomb-pops I am a school teacher in St Paul. I teach Social Studies and Art to students from 6th to 12 grade. The students are well aware of my summer-time job as I have been serving them treats at our school for many years. I’ve been an ice cream man a lot longer than I’ve been a teacher.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I think success is a personal thing that can change as you grow and grow as you change. Not to be too woo-woo, but my take on success isn’t based on checking boxes off a list of goals or noticing achievements. Success is a knowledge of self that wonders if you are above or below the bar you set.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Leprechaun’s Dreamcycle
