Today we’d like to introduce you to Brock Schulte.
Hi Brock, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started Fountain City Ice in 2017 when I opened up The Monarch Bar. We wanted clear ice for our cocktails and there wasn’t a whole lot of opportunity to source cubes in KC. So we decided to do it ourselves. Back then we would cut 2 or 3 -300lb blocks a week if we needed to. Slowly a couple other bars asked if we could provide them with ice as well. So we started taking on more and more. Today we have over a 100 Bars and Restaurants that order from us weekly. We now cut 8-10 Blocks Daily. We have retail ice as far St. Louis, Springfield and Wichita. And with the addition of our CNC machine we have started doing ice displays as well.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Everyday there’s a new obstacle, but it helps keep us grounded as we try to supply the best product we can to KC. We have faced power outages that ruin a whole week worth of ice. Ordering and importing ice machines from Ukraine (BF Tech). During Covid our business went to zero and we pushed through hoping we would get it all back. We have, thankfully and more.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve been a career bartender for 19 years. Had a lot of fun doing competitions. Opening bars and restaurants. Executing large events. Starting this business and growing it from zero to what we are today.
How do you think about luck?
Luck is what you make it. It’s all good if you look at setbacks with an open mind. How can I learn from this? How could I have prevented this?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fountaincityice.com
- Instagram: fountaincityice
- Facebook: Fountain City Ice
