Meet Franchisee Jessica Pool and Manager Lolli Ulibarri!
Jessica Pool and husband, Mark are the owners of the Dallas, Texas shop located at 6780 Abrams Road Suite 107 Dallas, Texas. We sat down with Jessica and her shop manager, Lolli Ulibarri, to find out more about their franchising and managerial experience with Bahama Buck’s. Their shop has been blessing guests since 2017.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH BAHAMA BUCK’S?
Jessica: “Well, when I was growing up in Alabama, I actually worked at a shaved ice shack, so shaved ice has always been a part of my life. Flash forward to when my husband and I moved to Texas and were wanting to open a business. He wanted to go into chicken and frankly, I did not. That’s when I suggested, “babe, what about shaved ice? I could see us opening up a little hut or something!” Then one day, we came across the Bahama Buck’s in Rockwall, Texas. We went there one time and we were hooked. From there, my husband decided to start reaching out about potentially franchising with Blake Buchanan, himself. We instantly fell in love with the Buchanans and we shared the same faith. The rest is history.”
HOW DOES THE SUPPORT CENTER SUPPORT YOU AND YOUR SHOP?
Jessica: “Just knowing that there is always someone available if and when we need it, ultimately brings me peace.”
WHAT SEPARATES BAHAMA BUCK’S FROM ITS COMPETITORS?
Jessica: “The fact that our mission is to Bless Our Guest and that we are built on faith. There are days when I lose sight of this, but when I focus on our mission within the people business, I realize that we have this light to share and that is what makes us shine above the others.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BAHAMA BUCK’S FLAVOR COMBO?
Jessica: “Easy. I LOVE the Sugar Cookie Sno® with Cinnamon Sugar and Tropic Creme, lots of Tropic Creme. That has been my favorite for the past five years.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT THE AVALANCHE CREW?
Lolli: “The fact that we are able to create a bridge into young adulthood with them. We teach them responsibility and accountability. For most of the Avalanche Crew, this is their first job and we take that to heart.”
WHAT DREW YOU TO BAHAMA BUCK’S?
Lolli: “That’s always a fun story. Before Bahama Buck’s, I lived in Honolulu, Hawaii for about a dozen years, which is considered the mecca for shaved ice. When I came back to the states, I went home to New Mexico where a friend of mine told me I had to try Bahama Buck’s, so he took me there. When I walked in, I could feel the authenticity. All I could think about while eating my Sno was, “who are these people?” Then my friend decided that when he retired, he was going to apply at Bahama Buck’s and I said, “you know what, so will I.” And that is how it all started.”
HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR AVALANCHE CREW MEMBERS?
Lolli: “Jessica is definitely the creative and I am more of the wizard behind the curtains. Jessica always has wonderful ideas for the Avalanche Crew. We love to do interactive things with them. They love competition, so we try to get creative with competitions for them. But, I think what really encourages them is just getting to know them and investing in them. They want to be seen and it’s important to know them, they are our most valuable assets.”
HOW DOES YOUR SHOP PROVIDE GUESTS WITH A MINI VACATION?
Lolli: “Cleanliness for sure. I remember going to DisneyLand before it was crazy crowded and seeing how magical it was, it was spotless. Almost like a cartoon, everything was perfect. That defined what a Mini-Vacation was for me. We strive to do the same and make sure everything is taken care of for our guests.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLAVOR COMBO OR BAHAMA BUCK’S PRODUCT?
Lolli: “I have had many favorites over the years including, Pomegranate, Juicy Fruit, Sweet Tart, and Paradise. But, currently it’s just a classic Grape!”
If you are ever in the Dallas area, we recommend stopping by their shop and experiencing an authentic Mini-Vacation from Jessica, Lolli, and their outstanding Avalanche Crew!
