SBDC @ University of New Mexico – Valencia Campus
Alfred and Linda Montoya of Belen, NM, started their Kona-Ice business in May 2014. Kona-Ice is a mobile, Hawaiian-style shaved ice franchise, based out of Florence, Kentucky and was recently named one of the fastest growing franchises in the United States. Kona-Ice should be thought of as “a tropical escape in the form of a food truck.” Besides selling shaved ice, the Montoya’s also have a variety of ice-cream, soft drinks and bottled water.
Kona-Ice gives back millions of dollars each year to local communities where they have franchised businesses. They have a “Gather & Giveback program” where organizations like schools can raise money for their causes as the Montoyas bring their mobile shaved ice unit to schools, celebrations, parties, meetings, sports events, etc. A percentage of the proceeds is then given back directly to the fund-raising organization.
Kona-Ice Valencia County has seen increased sales in the past two years and the Montoyas will be seeking to purchase a new truck or trailer in the future to meet this demand. Alfred and Linda are working hard to continue growing their business and the opportunity to give back to the local schools and community through the “Gather & Giveback Program”.