John and Sarah Urhahn moved from their native St. Louis to Punta Gorda to start a family-run business that would reflect their ideals.
“We didn’t want to be consumers,” Sarah Urhahn said. “We wanted to give back.”
After some research and exploration of franchise opportunities, the couple purchased a Kona Ice franchise after a family member told them about the brand. They were drawn to the fact that a percentage of sales at nonprofits, schools and youth organizations is given back to the community, which fits with their philosophy.
They also sought to relocate to Southwest Florida, and Kona Ice’s presence is nationwide.
Before getting started, they visited Kona headquarters, attended a convention as prospective franchisees and went through Kona Kollege, a three-day, hands-on and classroom training offered by the company. Then they bought their truck and two territories and launched their business in June.
Sarah Urhahn said another reason they chose Kona Ice is because the brand’s Vita-Blend flavors, which are poured over the shaved ice, have 40% less sugar and are enhanced with Vitamins C and D. They are free of gluten, fat, nut, dairy, cholesterol, soy and lactose and have no high fructose corn syrup, she said. This was important to them because the product provides inclusivity for all regardless of their food intolerances or allergies.
The product is Food and Drug Administration-approved for school children, and Kona’s small cup has just 30 calories.
Already having started giving back to the community, Sarah Urhahn presented two checks totaling $1,000 to recent hosts, including a local high school’s football booster club.
Kona Ice has given back more than $180 million since it was founded in 2007 by Tony Lamb. The first franchise started a year later.
Looking ahead, they hope to involve their daughters Cora, 18, and Bonnie, 13, in the family business.
John Urhahn, a senior manager of St. Louis-based IT Finance and Global Business at World Wide Technology, works remotely, allowing him to be active in the franchise.
A graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, John Urhahn plans to hire part-time employees and purchase more trucks, but, right now, the Urhahns are getting to know their territories that cover most of Charlotte County, including Boca Grande.
What is unique about the business is that the customer, who is handed a cup of shaved ice from the window, proceeds to the rear passenger panel to choose from 10 flavors in dispensers.
The Urhahns purchased a newer model Kona Ice truck, which is wrapped in the brand’s colorful art. Each Kona Ice truck has the same logos and art, but the newer ones have other features, including solar-powered batteries and an electronic board that displays other advertisers or happy birthday greetings.
Owning a Kona franchise requires a minimum startup of $20,000 and a net worth of $25,000. The franchisee then buys a truck—Sarah Urhahn said they are making payments on their Kona Ice vehicle—and the total startup investment ranges from $149,995 to $189,300.
In addition to public and community events, Kona Ice trucks also are available for private events and celebrations.
