One afternoon, I was playing with my oldest daughter outside in our front yard and I started to hear some music off in the distance. We have a local “garage band” in the neighborhood and I naturally assumed they were practicing. As the music grew in volume, I realized it sounded like a Caribbean band and I became very curious. My daughter’s eyes lit up in excitement and we finally saw an amazing truck driving down our street. This was my first introduction to the wonderful staff (and flavors) at Kona Ice. Since that first time seeing them in our neighborhood, we've had the pleasure of seeing the Kona Ice truck out in the community at various events.
There is so much to Kona Ice that most people don’t realize and we were thrilled to get to know a bit more about them, thanks to their Event Coordinator, Derek Taylor.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Derek Taylor (25 years old) and I am the event coordinator for Kona Ice of Evansville. We are family owned and operated, servicing both the Evansville and Owensboro metropolitan areas. Having recently graduated in May of 2013 with my Masters in architecture, I wanted to pursue an entrepreneurial endeavor prior to the onset of my professional career. With my own experience managing for the Kona corporate office in Cincinnati and my father's retail expertise, my family and I relocated to Evansville to embark on what my mother affectionately refers to as "an adventure." Kona and Evansville were the perfect pairing due to the family oriented atmosphere that both exude.
2. When the Kona Ice truck comes into neighborhoods, everyone goes crazy for the music. Does the truck only play one song - if so, what is it? Do you ever get the song(s) stuck in your head?
Our eye catching, tropical themed units and friendly, smiling drivers will be the first thing you notice about us. However, before you see us...you will hear us. We play an assortment of calypso inspired (steel drum) music with hits like "Summertime", "Under the Sea", and "Banana Boat." These familiar and catchy tunes often leave me whistling their melody even in my sleep.
3. What are the most popular Kona Ice flavors? Do you have a personal favorite?
On a hot summer day, I can't resist the temptation to satisfy my thirst with a Peach-Mango or Strawberry-Kiwi flavored KONA. However, most people gravitate toward our do-it-yourself flavorwave which offers our top 10 best sellers of which Blue Raspberry, Tiger's Blood, and Cherry are the most popular.
4. Be honest, who gets more excited when they see the truck - kids or adults?
Whether it's kids jumping up and down or adults dancing the hula, Kona Ice is for all ages. We are able to accommodate corporate events by offering a reprieve from the typical work week or we offer an exciting refreshment at daycares and summer camps for kids. We are able to cater to any pallet as all of our flavors are dairy, gluten, and peanut allergy free. Similarly, we have both sugar free and dye free flavors available upon request to ensure everyone can enjoy a Kona.
5. It is apparent you are very passionate about the local community and supporting organizations through fundraising events. Tell us more.
There are two things that have stuck with me since introducing Kona Ice to Evansville and Owensboro.
1). People's initial reaction to our units whether it be a jaw drop, smile, double-take, or look of confusion... I love them all.
2). Presenting our fundraising checks to the various organizations we work with and their appreciation. Whether $50 or $5,000, we love reinvesting into the community we serve because it not only ingratiates us with our clientele but it makes us apart of something larger... "the Kona collective."
We had such a great time learning more about Kona Ice and we encourage you to give them a BIG Macaroni Kid HELLO the next time you see them out in our community.
To learn more about Kona Ice, please feel free to contact Derek Taylor at 812.965.6620 or by email at dtaylor@kona-ice.com
