Today we are excited and honored to August’s Master of Their Craft feature! And what a fascinating story it is! Team member Karen is the vision, hands, and writer behind these special posts and will take it from here….

Never underestimate the power of the iconic American ice cream truck.  And never underestimate the influence of three dynamic minds that embark on a course to take ice cream making back to its original roots. In 2008, Laura O’Neill and brothers Pete and Ben Van Leeuwen began selling one of America’s favorite indulgences from their sleek ice cream truck in the midst of New York City. Humbly stated, the streets of the Big Apple gave Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream a warm welcome.

In less than a decade, this trio would find themselves opening seven stores, adding five more trucks, and wholesaling to Whole Foods, as well as several other stores. They also expanded to the west coast and have recently released their highly anticipated cookbook of favorite recipes. Most likely Van Leeuwen will be opening in other locales across the nation, and who can predict their international influence.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the GIVEAWAY of their beautiful cookbook. To hear the entire story, click on the photo below.

A big thanks to Brittney Hippensteel Design for doing this beautiful design for us.

Our Masters of Their Craft series is monthly features where we give a glimpse into the life, vision, and work of artists, entrepreneurs, craftsmen, musicians, business owners, innovators, and fellow dreamers who excel in their area of expertise. They use their gifting with passion and excellence. Their work is tried and true. By sharing these innovators with others who we know will value the labor of their hands as much as we do, we aim to make a humble attempt at giving them honor.

To apply to be a future Master of Their Craft, go here. For more details on our Storytelling for your business or craft, go here or email info@char-co.com.