Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Docken.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Marc and Ashley Docken spent 15 years living in several different cities while raising their three kids. One of their favorite family outings during those years was heading out to the local ice cream shop.
As the kids got older, Marc and Ashley moved back to their hometown of Hutchinson, MN. They quickly realized their small town was missing one thing: a frozen yogurt shop.
That’s when Below Zero was born, opening its doors the following year. They were lucky to find the perfect corner spot near Library Square in downtown Hutchinson, and the rest is history.
A few years ago, they expanded their menu to include hard-scooped ice cream alongside their soft-serve frozen yogurt. This year marks their 12th year in business as Below Zero Frozen Treats. Ashley continues to serve as owner and general manager, all three of their kids have worked in the family business, and they look forward to many more seasons ahead.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Just like any restaurant today, our biggest challenge is balancing rising costs while still keeping our prices fair and reasonable.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have a bachelor’s degree in aviation and planned on a career as a commercial pilot, but my path ultimately led in a different direction. I was grateful for the opportunity to spend more than a decade as a stay-at-home mom, an experience that shaped me both personally and professionally. At the time, I never would have imagined that I would go on to own and operate my own small business.
Today, I truly value being part of a small-town community, collaborating with other local business owners and building meaningful relationships. I especially enjoy managing and mentoring high school students from our community; watching them grow in confidence and responsibility has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Outdoor adventures & family trips.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://web.facebook.com/belowzerohutch
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/belowzerofrozentreats
