Risking It All on a Dream
When the world seemed to be falling apart in 2020, Kelly and Daniel Decker made a bold decision to risk everything on a dream – opening an old-fashioned ice cream shop.
When the world seemed to be falling apart in 2020, Kelly and Daniel Decker made a bold decision to risk everything on a dream – opening an old-fashioned ice cream shop.
It started with a casual comment during a walk. Daniel pointed at an empty storefront and said, “Someday, I’m going to open an ice cream shop right there.” Kelly jumped on the idea, setting up meetings so they could explore turning his dream into reality.
In a recent episode of National CORE’s Finding Your Inspiration podcast, Kelly and Daniel share how they quit successful retail careers, invested decades of savings and opened a Bruster’s Real Ice Cream franchise – despite having no experience in the food industry.
The Finding Your Inspiration Podcast is built upon stories of people who have faced uncertainty and used those experiences to make a difference in their communities.
For Kelly and Daniel, the decision came with plenty of uncertainty.
They committed to the franchise during the pandemic, faced costly construction setbacks and lost $11,000 when a supplier took their money without delivering equipment. Weeks before opening, Daniel had a moment of crisis, questioning whether they had made a terrible mistake.
Still, they kept moving forward.
On opening day, they knew they made the right decision when they watched families gather and neighbors connect over ice cream.
Kelly explains in the episode, “If you’re waiting for the right time, it’s never going to be the right time.”
Daniel shares a similar lesson: “Find joy in everything that you do.”
The shop became exactly what they had imagined: a place where people could experience joy together.
Their Rancho Cucamonga location went on to become the No. 1 Bruster’s store in the country without a drive-through. And their success has allowed them to give back by supporting local schools and organizations like the Hope through Housing Foundation.
Watch Kelly and Daniel Decker’s story on the Finding Your Inspiration YouTube channel and subscribe to discover more remarkable people whose courage and purpose are making a difference.
Know a story we should showcase? Contact Executive Producer Jack Rothman at 310-904-2855.