Today we’d like to introduce you to Maurice Montgomery.
Hi Maurice, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
After high school, I started a path into public service. I attended a local vocational school while attending college and was trained as an EMT-A. I was 19, so I wasn’t able to drive the ambulance due to insurance regulations, so I was trained to work in the “box” (In the back of the ambulance). When I turned 21, I decided that I wanted to go from flashing red lights to flashing blue lights. I got hired at the Marianna Police Department in Marianna, Arkansas, in 1995. I worked as a certified Law Enforcement Officer until 2011. I went on to receive my A.A. in Law and Social Science from Phillips Co Community College and transferred to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR, to obtain my B.A. in Criminology and M.A. in Criminal Justice. I moved to Dallas in 2016. I founded Living to Inspire, a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, in 2016 to create a community-based mentoring program to inspire, empower, and equip youth and young adults to make better decisions in life and not end up in the criminal justice system. One hot summer day here in Texas, I was thinking of a way to cool off, and all I could find was a snow cone. Crushed ice and syrup… it melted so fast. Disappointed, to say the least. So, as I was processing my thoughts, I remember coming across Italian Ice when I was traveling. I researched all about how to make and sell it. I invested in a batch freezer, and after it was delivered, I was stuck. What do I call the business? How do I find places to sell??? Yes, you’re correct… I put the cart before the horse!!! Well… one of many names that I’ve been given over my time in my career came to mind, Mo Gooda!!! Since I’m known by “MO,” I looked up “Mo Gooda” in the Urban dictionary, and there it was… a synonym of Mo Better… When something is done fun or correctly, it’s Mo Gooda!!! From there, Mo Gooda’s was born! Instead of shipping in Italian Ice from someone else I got training on how to make it and developed my own recipes. I’m proud of telling my customers it’s not shipped in it’s made right here in the Metroplex. I coined the slogan… It’s Get’s Mo Gooda and Gooda and Gooda!!! It’s not just a cold treat; it’s an experience!!! We offer several flavors; we cater small to large events. Corporate, private, and schools, etc., I strive to be the best Italian Ice provider in the area!!!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth… NO!!! From forming the right business forms to permits, it has been a roller coaster! Equipment woes can make you cry. This Texas heat is no joke either try serving from under a tent in 100-plus degrees; you sometimes can’t tell the difference from sweat or tears.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I believe all that I have learned since starting Mo Goode’s has separated me from other local Italian Ice vendors. 1. I took the time to perfect my own recipes. Take nothing from the others, but it’s easy to buy from a whole seller and put a sticker on the cup, but take time to put your effort in to call it yours. I evermore grateful to God for the feedback from my customers. Their opinion matters the most… Always!!! I use mostly natural fruit and juices in my Italian Ice. To see the reaction from customers, especially those who have had Italian Ice before, let me know; it’s all worth it!!!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Quiet and shy. Now… I bring energy to any room I enter!!!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Mo Goodas Italian Ice
- Facebook: Mo Goodas Italian Ice
