Have you ever had that idea? That idea you’ve spent sleepless nights tossing and turning over? That idea you’ve formulated, reworked, and refined till your mind nearly burst? That idea which, once thought to be in left field, developed into something within reach? Most of us chuck our hair-brained ideas at the waste basket, convinced they’re all a “mission impossible”. For two eager college graduates, however, their idea remained far from the basket and developed into something bigger than they could have ever imagined.
Meet Lauren and Darin Kunkle. With minds for business and hearts for service, these newly weds yearned to make a difference in the world through their innovative ideas. As Grove City College students, equipped with a “skies the limit” mentality, the two schemed on their vision for the future; opening an ice cream shop in China.
After entering Grove City’s Business Plan Competition, the two pitched their “West to West” business venture. The competition was fierce, but the judges distinguished not only a sense of confidence, but also an incredible drive to make the dream a reality. With a $4,500 check in hand, Lauren and Darin’s idea came out on top, giving them the green light to take action.
From establishing a solid reputation with local Chinese merchants to learning the ropes of China’s restrictive government, Lauren and Darin opened up shop in a more rural, western region of China, near the boarder of Tibet. This location not only provided a steady stream of curious clientele, but also opened up opportunities to strengthen the local Tibetan community. After months of hard work and preparation, the Kunkle’s college business plan materialized, and Bowman’s American Ice Cream opened its doors.
Today, Business is booming and customers flock from across the city to experience their “scoop” of America. From their wide variety of gourmet flavors, such as Java Almond Fudge, to their top sellers, Bubble Gum and Jasmine, serving ice cream to the people of China has helped to bridge the gap between two diverse cultures.
Through their success, Bowman’s American Ice Cream plans to open a sister creamery in a neighboring city, in hopes of one day becoming a national franchise. From serving ice cream to embracing the community, the Kunkle’s have displayed that with perseverance and a “can-do” attitude, you can make your scribbled idea a booming business. Are you ready to make that idea reality?
I love this story of a business success from Grove City College. It is inspiring to see that these people have really committed to something they believe in and have worked until it is steady and thriving. I also agree with the cultural gap being a huge plus in this business model.
Very cool to see successful Grove City students making their product well known. Everyone loves ice cream so I believe that this will be a big success. I always love to hear stories about people who try a business in another country. It is always very risky and you have to know a lot about the people and how they act. It sounds like they have a good plan set in mind and I hope it continues to work for them.