WHY MILITARY PERSONNEL AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY FRANCHISE CONCEPTS MAKE A GREAT FIT
for my life after the military – and during it.
In May of 2016, I opened my first Kona Ice Truck in Buffalo, New York, where my family is originally from. Since I am stationed in Alabama, I manage Kona Ice of South Buffalo remotely with the help of my friends and family who are in New York. Although my family and I would like to move back to New York after my retirement, the rapid success of the Buffalo truck inspired me to open my second truck – Kona Ice of Northeast Montgomery – in Alabama in December 2016.
This summer, I will be retiring after 20 years in the military. Closing this chapter of my life is daunting, but already having three years of successful business ownership under my belt has made me excited for the next phase of my life – a feat I would not have accomplished without the proper planning all those years ago.
Why Kona?
Similar to the military, an established franchisor like Kona Ice has proven processes in place in order to lead their team to success. This appreciation for following procedures and approaching tasks systematically is a main reason why veterans are able to smoothly transition from their military background into franchising.
For me, a family-friendly concept with proven systems like Kona Ice is the perfect fit. The trucks are a staple within each community the brand serves, attracting fans with the familiar sound of Calypso music and the colorful design of the truck. What’s more, Kona Ice allows me to give back to my community through philanthropy – an aspect of the franchise that I was immediately drawn to. Through neighborhood events, I am able to donate a portion of my profits to local schools, sports team, community organizations and nonprofits. As a soon-to-be veteran, the thought of bringing smiles to my neighborhood one cup of shaved ice at a time makes me feel like I am still impacting my country in a positive way.
However, Kona Ice also provides a refreshing change from the intensity of the military because of its simple business model. As a franchisee, I have the flexibility to choose which hours I work and the events I attend, allowing me to have more time to spend with my family. Even while working, I get the opportunity to engage with community members of all ages and bring joy to my neighborhood with every turn my truck makes. After the military, it is comforting to work with a fun, lighthearted concept like Kona Ice.
Looking Ahead
As I approach retirement, I am grateful for the core values and strong work ethic that being a part of the Air Force has instilled in me. My experiences have taught me to not be afraid for the future, but to welcome it with open arms. My sons have always been eager to tell their friends that their father serves in the Air Force, and it’s great to see their enthusiasm. However, it’s encouraging to see that they’re twice as thrilled to tell their friends that their dad drives around town in a Calypso-themed shaved ice truck.
Taher Taher is an active duty member of the United States Air Force and the owner of Kona Ice of South Buffalo and Kona Ice of Northeast Montgomery. He currently resides in Montgomery with his wife and three sons.