Amy Keller, Bob Guidubaldi and Jane Keller way back when. (Photo: Beth Blis)
Amy attributed the company’s success to both “the quality of the product and the service we provide to our customers. We don’t have to go out on the road, because people come to us. We hold the hands of people who’ve never been in the ice cream business before. I answer the phone 24/7 for ice cream emergencies. The woman in the bookstore [that sells the product] called me the ‘ice cream fairy godmother’ after I took her through the process.”
Party in July
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Jane’s Ice Cream will be giving away ice cream on Kids Day at the Kingston Farmers’ Market, held on July 18. Sponsored by Jane’s, Kingston Candy (celebrating its second birthday) and Bop to Tottom (its 15th), the event will feature a photo booth, a facepainter, a storyteller, Gloria Waslyn’s Parrots for Peace, and costumed characters by Tonner Doll. Jane’s will also unveil a top-secret, brand-new flavor.
Amy’s advice for beginning entrepreneurs? “Be true to yourself and do the thing that speaks to you. My dad was a super taster and we wanted to create a business for a discerning clientele.” Looking into the future, Amy said she and Bob intend to maintain their hands-on management style. “We have room for growth, but we want to control it. We have some great workers who’ve been with us for quite a while, so between December and March we can take off and travel.” But she noted that retirement is the last thing on their minds: “We’re looking forward to the next 30 years.”
I remember fondly the days when Jane, Amy, and Bob served up delicious and healthful meals from their shop on Wall Street. Wish they were still serving lunch.
Well, Frank, at least their scoops are still more truthful and more flavorful than that served up by “The Daily Disappointment.”