We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Claire Howard. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Claire below.

Claire , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

I started my business when I was in my early 30’s and I had two young kids and I knew that I wanted more. I now have 4 kids who are my entire world. The most challenging thing for me as a business owner has been juggling my personal life and work life. It is hard to find a healthy work/life balance on most days. I struggle to be the wife that I want to be and the mom that I wanted to be all while also running my business the way that I want to. If I had started my business in my 20’s I would have been able to focus much more on by business without juggling and navigating motherhood. But I also am a firm believer in God’s timing and I think He knew what was best for me all along.

Claire , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got into Kona Ice simply by doing some research on the franchise and diving head first from there. From day one it always “felt right.” I was certainly scared but I know that in order to be successful one has to take risks. I made many sacrifices in the early years and I still do. I have to work many late nights, every weekend, and I am kind of “always on the clock.” But I knew from day one I wanted to be involved and active in the business. At Kona Ice, we served shaved ice…it doesn’t get much easier and simple than that. I love that we light up the room and bring smiles to our clients faces anywhere we go. I am so very proud of the giveback that we have with our community. My business has given back $398,000 back to the community in the last 4 years. It is an honor to be able to partner with our local schools, sports leagues and businesses each and every day. But more than that, I am proud of my staff. My business would fall apart and fail if I did not have my wonderful staff. They are truly the ones that keep this business going each and every day.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

I could list over a hundred examples of “close calls” in our business. I am a perfectionist by nature but being a business owner has forced me to simply roll with the punches. I like to describe it to others as a rollercoaster. There is no neutral zone as a business owner…you are either at the top of the rollercoaster at your highest of highs or you are at the bottom of the rollercoaster when everything seems to be falling apart. I have learned to put one foot in front of the other and take it day by day. There will always be a lot to do, but take care of the most important thing at the time and then move on to the next.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Kona Ice is a nationwide franchise and I am so grateful that the corporate team puts in work day in and day out to keep the brand active, strong and powerful. On top of having an amazing corporate team backing us I think simply by giving our customers top notch service each time we come out that allows our reputation to remain strong and positive. And if/when we do mess up, we always apologize and make it right.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kona-ice.com
• Instagram: @konaiceofwilsoncounty
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KonaIceofWilsonCounty/
• Other: none

Image Credits

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