MISSOULA, Mont. — When the school year ends in a few weeks, many Montana youngsters will enter the part-time job market.
NBC Montana met a couple siblings in Missoula who are getting a head start.
With their parents help, 11-year-old London Keene, and his eight-year-old sister Bryn, have started their own business.
Chillin’ Treats is a mobile ice cream venture that brings cold treats to neighborhoods throughout Missoula.
It’s as Americana as it gets.
“I like to see all the people come out happy,” said London. “I’ve had multiple people come out and go– “Oh the ice cream truck’s back.”
“We love going around our neighborhood and different neighborhoods,” said Bryn. “We love seeing the joy on kids’ faces.”
It all started when London told his parents he would like a summer job.
“But we know you have to be 14 to go in the workforce and get a job,” said his mom Nikki Keene. “So, the kids tossed around a couple different ideas to include selling lemonade and whatnot.”
London thought why not sell ice cream?
But he is too young to drive a car.
London said his mom told him “if you can convince your dad to buy an ice cream truck, I will drive you around and you can sell ice cream.
London and Bryn’s dad Jake Keene, found a 1974 vehicle in Seattle from a guy who ran an ice cream business.
Jake fixed it all up.
“They say I’m the engineering and maintenance department,” he said. ” I’m basically in charge of keeping it running. I put the freezer and inverted batteries in it and wired it.”
“So,” said London, ” here we are with an ice cream business.”
And a business it is, complete with profits and expenses.
London and Bryn’s folks want their kids to learn everything they can about the business world-to instill the ethics of hard work and responsibility.
“You have to have an investor that helps you get started,” said Nikki. “So, mom and dad will be that. We will invest in this vehicle for you, and when you sell ice cream you’ll pay towards that loan. We are your loan.”
The youngsters are learning about spreadsheets, debit and credit.
They’re learning about capitalism.
“A third of it (profits) goes to me and my sister,” said London. “A third of it goes to maintenance, which goes into gas and ice cream. And a third of it goes to the loan my parents made.”
Running the business and serving customers is a family partnership.
“We take turns,” said Bryn. “Sometimes when he gets an extra day I will get an extra day.”
Jake and Nikki probably put as many hours into the business as the kids.
“To be honest ,” said Jake, ” it’s a lot of fun to go out with them.”
“Hard work equals success,” he said. “Money’s not everything in life and it’s not happiness, but it can give you things to enjoy and make life more enjoyable.”
“I’m learning about how to manage the money,” said London.
The kids needed to come up with a name for their venture.
” Chillin’ was the first one and then Treats came along,” said London, ” and we put them together and Chillin’ Treats.”
Nikki knew that branding your product is a good way to make it standout.
Standing before a group of youngsters who came out to buy ice cream, she asked, “What’s the name of the truck everybody?”
“Chillin’ Treats,” they replied. “Chillin’ Treats,” repeated Nikki. “That’s our brand.”
So, Chillin’ Treats it is.
The kids want to make sure everybody knows it.
“They can have pictures with the truck if their dad and mom say so,” said Bryn of kids in the neighborhoods.
“The grownups enjoy it as much as the kids do,” said Jake of the business.
We met Melissa Wilson as she bought a Klondike bar.
“It’s a gorgeous day,” said Melissa. “We heard the magical sounds and I had to chase them down with my car.”
London hopes to buy a car with his profits.
When she grows up Bryn wants to have her own food truck.
“Starting with an ice cream,” she said, ” I really think it’s a good idea working up to a food truck.”
But London and Bryn are learning that good business isn’t just about making money.
“They’re learning about business and communication skills,” said Nikki, ” and creating relationships.”
London likes making money.
But it’s not his highest priority.
“No, it’s not,” he said. ” It’s about meeting new people and having fun.”
The brother sister team have a pretty good job.
Customers are never cranky, and if they are depressed this is the highlight or their day.
