Howdy Homemade Ice Cream does not only serve as an ice cream parlor in Aurora, Colorado; it also serves as an opportunity and inclusion beacon for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). For the last two years, Howdy Homemade sought out meaningful employments for its heroes, which are normally ignored in the workforce. It provides a space where employees can thrive, learn new skills, and contribute to the community.
While the shop enjoys high business in summer, winter has its own business difficulties. The business usually has to reduce hours for its employees because business slows significantly during this period. And despite these seasonal disappointments, the team tries to maintain the business mission and the livelihood of its workers.
Empowering “Howdy Heroes”
For 15 employees with IDDs, Howdy Homemade Ice Cream really is their purpose, not just a job. Everyone associated with the store, which aptly has called them Howdy Heroes, dedicates himself or herself, serving customers with enthusiasm and pride. Like most in the team, Trinity Hartung, one of the Howdy Heroes, is able to share her heart: “I love it here! This is my first job. I’m so happy,” a sentiment shared by numerous other employees, most of whom have pride for belonging that is rarer in the regular workforce.
Troy Knuckle is both a keen owner of the Howdy Homemade brand, identifying himself with the success of his workers. “We don’t have any turnover,” Knuckle said. “Our workers put tremendous effort into serving customers. In doing so, they take pride in what they do. “We’re blessed every day.” It creates the atmosphere of a home away from home by building such relationships with the employees for a long-term on-the-job tenure.
A Seasonal Business With Year-Round Needs
Howdy Homemade is a business well dependent on seasons, as it flourishes over summer but slows down during winter, thereby providing difficulty in keeping Howdy Heroes on the job constantly. As explained by owner Troy Knuckle, cut shifts occur in slow months—indeed, a difficult undertaking to achieve because good work with steady income is intended for employees. It is very important to run the business because extra work found by employees who have disabilities is difficult to find.
Community Support: More Than Just Ice Cream
Howdy Homemade is as much more than customers and employees; it is a community. Through the business, owner Troy Knuckle relates, customers come alongside each other in support of a mission that cannot be fulfilled without them. Gift cards, candy, or floats could also be purchased by customers, or they could partner with the shop for fundraisers, besides enjoying ice cream. One way to show support is through the Ice Cream Club, where members enjoy the benefits every month as they keep the “Howdy Heroes” employed. As Knuckle points out, joining is not for the perks but to support the heroes.
How To Support Howdy Homemade
There are a number of ways in which customers can show their support towards Howdy Homemade to further help sustain its critical work during slower months:
- Trip to the Store: Just a simple visit to Howdy Homemade for a scoop of ice cream is making all the difference. Every purchase supports the Howdy Heroes livelihood.
- Gift Cards and Merchandise: Buy gift cards, candy, and other stuff, great for gifts and an added boost for the business.
- Join Ice Cream Club: You can join the Ice Cream Club, where each month’s dues mean stability and fun for the Howdy Heroes.
- Fundraisers and Partnerships: How Are You Homemade? School, business, or area collaboration that provides much-needed awareness and funds to help with employees.
Visit Howdy Homemade Ice Cream
Howdy Homemade Ice Cream is located at 6340 South Parker Road in Aurora’s Arapahoe Crossings Shopping Center. Everyone should enjoy either getting handcrafted ice cream or supporting their missions because it does make a pretty strong impact for the Howdy Heroes. To learn more or how to help, check out Howdy’s website. Together we can keep this business quite phenomenal and help in continuing to provide productive employment for those who need it the most.
