Today we’d like to introduce you to Elaine Coston.
Elaine, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I got into the business by meeting a friend who owned the Dippin’ Dots franchise at Collin Creek Mall. I had two people review the sales numbers and they told me not to buy into the business. I took a big leap of faith moving forward on it. At the time, I had my own house cleaning business to support myself and two kids, so when I asked my kids if they thought I should buy and own a Dippin’ Dots franchise they both said “YES!” I applied to be a Dippin’ Dot franchisee with the corporate office and was accepted, that was in October of 2006. Fast forward, after the purchase of the Collin Creek Mall location and it has been nonstop with growth. I started getting into fairs and special events (Plano Balloon Festival, Fourth of July festivals, State Fair of Texas and Oklahoma, town events etc. ), I purchased the franchises for Stonebriar Mall and Town East Mall, and now have 2 full time delivery drivers with routes to over 72 schools & 130 retail locations. Today, I am the 3rd largest franchisee owner in the Dippin’ Dots company.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest struggle has been growing pains. Since I only started out with a single location, keeping up with the growth has caused me to jump leaps and bounds since 2006. However, I could not be more thankful. There have been many long hour work days and a lot of manual labor, but it has all been with the customer in mind and how we can better serve them. I couldn’t thank my employees enough for all of the hard work they have put in, I would not be where I am at without their help.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Dippin’ Dots – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a woman franchisee owner and am currently the 3rd largest Dippin’ Dots franchise in the country. We specialize in selling unique and fun Dippin’ Dots ice cream, as well as, Yo-Dots (Dippin’ Dots frozen yogurt) at malls, fairs, concession stands, schools, retail centers, catering, and fundraisers.
I am most proud of the growth that I have been able to accomplish with the help of my employees. It has been a lot of hard work to get to where we are now and we have intentions to continue the growth. I got married in 2016 and my husband, Kent, has been such an asset to the company. He oversees the daily operations in the warehouse and helps out in various roles. I need brag on him at some point in the article!
Though there are many ice cream vendors and competitors, what sets us apart is that even though we have grown into a big business our customer service level has remained the same as when we were a small company. We strive to make customer service a top priority and I feel that is one thing that has not changed over the years.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I plan to continue growth as North Texas continues to grow. As I near the age of retirement… although, I am not the type of person who will be likely to retire, I know that I will need to start handing more duties over to others, such as my son. I am proud of the interest my children have taken in the business and I know he has a great vision to continue the company and grow it as well. One of my older daughters and her husband have been maintaining and growing delivery routes around Oklahoma City where they live at this time. As far as the product itself, this past year we have been introducing Yo-Dots which is our Dippin’ Dots frozen yogurt which allows our customers to have healthy options while enjoying our product.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dippindots.com/loc/ll/US/TX/Frisco/2601-Preston-Rd_
- Email: DippindotsNTX@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/dippindotsNTX/about/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dippin-dots-frisco-2?adjust_creative=GwwctPMXND7ZQ3i_4UuB_A&utm_campaign=yelp_api&utm_medium=api_v2_business&utm_source=GwwctPMXND7ZQ3i_4UuB_A
Image Credit:
All images were taken by Brandon Coston
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