In the heart of Grand Terrace, Kona Ice has not only been serving up smiles but also giving back generously to the community. Cheryl and Steve Gneckow, former education and security professionals who faced career transitions, found a new path as owners of Kona Ice franchises, marking their journey with resilience and community spirit.
Cheryl, with a longstanding career as an analyst for UCR, and Steve, in the alarm security industry, found themselves at career crossroads due to economic shifts and company restructuring. Opting for a change, they embarked on their entrepreneurial journey with Kona Ice in 2012, driven by the desire to secure their financial future and contribute meaningfully to their community.
Recognized as the Grand Terrace Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month, Cheryl and Steve expressed their delight and gratitude. "It feels amazing! We're honored and pleased to receive the award," Cheryl shared, emphasizing their commitment to community involvement through fundraisers for local schools and sports teams. In reflecting on their recognition, Cheryl and Steve expressed their plans to leverage this honor through social media channels to further connect with their community. "As a mobile food truck franchise," Steve added, "we're grateful to the Chamber and City for acknowledging our role in the community."
Their mobile business model has allowed them to become a fixture at various community events across Grand Terrace, Moreno Valley, Riverside, and Calimesa, contributing over $200,000 back to these communities since 2012.
Among their proudest moments are the smiles on children's faces during school events and the opportunity to serve at high-profile gatherings like airshows, all while expanding their franchise presence in neighboring zip codes.
Looking forward, their focus remains on expanding their business until retirement. When asked for advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, Cheryl recommended thorough research, understanding competition, and anticipating the time investment needed for building a loyal customer base. "Hiring the best employees has been crucial," Cheryl added, "we've been fortunate to have had many long-term part-time employees over the years. We always strive to show them how much they're valued as they have greatly contributed to our success."
Community engagement is at the core of their business philosophy. Cheryl highlighted their active presence on social media and partnerships with local organizations, underscoring the importance of honesty, integrity, and quality in every interaction.
Their journey with Kona Ice exemplifies resilience, community spirit, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Cheryl and Steve continue to embody these values, leaving a lasting impact one cup of shaved ice at a time. As Cheryl summed up, "We look forward to bringing our delicious and refreshing treats to the community and the memories of the smiles that it brings!"
In Grand Terrace and beyond, Cheryl and Steve's Kona Ice franchise stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and giving back.
For more information, or to book Kona Ice for your next special event, contact:
- Email: sc.gneckow@kona-ice.com
- Phone: (951) 525-5662