Today we’d like to introduce you to Pamela Kachmar.
Pamela, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I had gotten laid off from Bluelinx in 2008 during a poor economy. I sold building products to Furniture, Fixture and Cabinet manufactures so I knew sales and the building industry. My brother is a builder and hired me to be his purchasing person and to work on a project he had in the back of his mind. He wanted to do something with trains as he and a partner owned the land where my business resides, and had the idea to support local business. After brainstorming we came up with the idea of selling ice cream out of the train caboose. We did support the local establishment, Greenwood Ice Cream who was very well known. I came from Corporate America with a background in HR and Sales and my brother Gary Gilmer is a builder so we put the whole thing together. Unfortunately the poor economy also affected my brother’s building business, but we were able to concentrate on what is now known as Frosty Caboose. We wanted to do something fun for the community as Chamblee’s city council was concentrating on revitalizing the community. We are now 16 years in and have been a part of bringing people to Chamblee.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We started this project in the beginning of an economic crunch. We anticipated a short term situation, but it lasted several more years than we thought. This impacted the rejuvenation process of the City of Chamblee which delayed our business growth. Now that the growth of business and residents of Chamblee is finally happening business does well. We did make it through Covid. We were actually the “Happy Place” for many since we were walk up business. Our struggle there was keeping staff healthy, finding supplies and dealing with increased expenses. Now, the main struggle we always have is keeping enough staff as any retail business experiences.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The business is an Ice Cream shop in a train caboose in Chamblee. This has become a landmark for Chamblee as it is a Novelty. It is for train enthusiasts and children to enjoy. People can actually come up on the Caboose and see inside through the windows to get an idea what a caboose looked like. Also, we have repurposed a caboose as they are no longer used on the rail system. We did support a local producer of ice cream, but unfortunately that changed a few years ago as they closed their business. Now we bring in other ice cream that is not found in grocery stores. We sell cups, cones, sundaes, shakes and floats. We also have hot dogs for those who want a quick meal. We host Spirit Nights for the local schools and help with other fundraisers for local organizations. We support the community by participating in their events.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
In the beginning I found other people who started their own business. I joined the local business association. I see what other networking events are happening when I have time to attend. I always look for ways to interact with the community events. The city of Chamblee also offers information for businesses (events, online seminars, a business outreach group, etc.). I get our name into local publications like newsletters, advertisements and depend on personal referrals.
Pricing:
- Keep it reasonable
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.frostycaboose.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrostyCaboose
