Local entrepreneurs gather at the Small Business Week luncheon to discuss insights and inspiration.
Steve Carse, co-founder of King of Pops, motivated local entrepreneurs at the Rome Floyd Chamber’s Small Business Week luncheon, emphasizing hard work, community, and strong employee relationships. Carse shared the story of King of Pops’ growth from a single cart to a successful business with multiple locations and franchisees. The event highlighted the vital role of small businesses in local economic development, as well as the importance of dedication and innovation in entrepreneurship.
Rome, Georgia – Steve Carse, the co-founder of King of Pops, inspired local entrepreneurs during the Rome Floyd Chamber’s Small Business Week luncheon held on Wednesday at the Pavilion at Oak Hill. Carse shared his insights on the critical aspects of establishing and running a successful small business, focusing on hard work, determination, and fostering a strong work culture.
During the event, Chamber President Pam Powers-Smith underscored the importance of small businesses in the community, noting that they make up over 80% of the Chamber’s membership base. This emphasis on local enterprise highlights the crucial role small businesses play in enhancing economic growth and creating employment opportunities within the region.
Carse recounted the beginnings of King of Pops, which originated 15 years ago with just a single cart. Since then, the company has successfully expanded to include three brick and mortar locations and 38 franchisees across seven states. The inspiration behind King of Pops stemmed from Carse and his brother’s experiences with paletas during their travels in Latin America. Although they originally intended to open a storefront, time constraints led them to launch with a mobile freezer cart instead.
He reflected on his initial day selling popsicles, where a two-hour wait passed before their first customer made a purchase. Carse spent the next three years dedicated to selling popsicles on the street corner, working tirelessly seven days a week throughout the season, underscoring his commitment to the venture.
Throughout his presentation, Carse emphasized the significance of having dedicated employees and cultivating community connections as essential components of any successful business. He also highlighted data indicating that businesses with engaged and happy employees tend to be 23% more profitable, a reflection of his company’s core values and culture. Carse has documented his insights in a book titled “Work is Fun: Seven Ways A Successful Ice Pop Company Makes Work Meaningful And How You Can Too.”
Among the notable attendees at the luncheon were Rachel and Everett Reiff, who are the newly appointed franchise owners of King of Pops in Rome. The couple, both Berry College graduates, became interested in the franchise opportunity after learning about it last summer. They were awarded the franchise in November and have since been busy preparing for the upcoming popsicle season.
Rachel Reiff expressed enthusiasm for the positive response from the community as they reach out to residents in Rome and Floyd County. They appreciate King of Pops’ commitment to philanthropy, which includes engaging in “unexpected moments of happiness” by distributing free popsicles to community members.
The Reiffs have planned various upcoming events in partnership with local nonprofits such as Restoration Rome and Amber Grace. They also offer their services for private events, including birthday parties, weddings, and corporate gatherings. The couple resides in West Rome with their two children, Theo, aged 5, and Emmy, aged 3.
This year’s Small Business Week luncheon not only showcased the success of King of Pops, but also reinforced the importance of small business innovation and community involvement, inspiring local entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams with hard work and dedication.
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