MISSOULA, Mont. — As the school year draws to a close, many Montana kids are gearing up for their first summer jobs. However, two siblings in Missoula are taking an entrepreneurial route earlier than most.
London Keene, 11, and his 8-year-old sister Bryn have launched their own business, with the help of their parents. The young duo runs Chillin’ Treats, a mobile ice cream venture that brings sweet treats to neighborhoods throughout Missoula.
“It’s as Americana as it gets,” said London. “I like to see all the people come out happy,” adding that many customers recognize the truck and express their excitement when it returns. Bryn shares a similar sentiment, saying, “We love going around our neighborhood and different neighborhoods. We love seeing the joy on kids’ faces.”
The idea for Chillin’ Treats sprouted when London expressed a desire to have a summer job. “But we know you have to be 14 to get a job,” said his mother, Nikki Keene. After brainstorming ideas like selling lemonade, London proposed the idea of selling ice cream.
There was just one challenge: London was too young to drive. But his mother gave him a challenge of her own: if he could convince his father, Jake, to buy an ice cream truck, she would help him run the business.
Jake, who took on the task of refurbishing the truck, found a 1974 ice cream vehicle in Seattle, previously owned by another ice cream business operator. He handled the repairs, including installing a freezer and wiring the truck for the operation. “I’m basically in charge of keeping it running,” said Jake. “They say I’m the engineering and maintenance department.”
And just like that, Chillin’ Treats was born.
The siblings quickly learned that running a business involves more than just selling ice cream. Their parents wanted them to understand the importance of hard work and responsibility, teaching them lessons about finances, including profits, expenses, and business ethics.
“Mom and dad will be the investors for you,” Nikki explained. “When you sell ice cream, you’ll pay towards the loan we gave you for the truck.” London explained their profit division: a third goes to him and Bryn, a third is set aside for maintenance costs like gas and supplies, and the final third goes to pay off the family loan.
London and Bryn have embraced the lessons of entrepreneurship, learning about spreadsheets, budgeting, and even capitalism. They share responsibilities, taking turns driving the truck and interacting with customers, while their parents pitch in to help with the day-to-day operations. Jake added, “To be honest, it’s a lot of fun to go out with them.”
The kids also tackled branding, choosing the name Chillin’ Treats. Nikki was keen to emphasize the importance of standing out with a strong brand, prompting the kids to ask customers for their input. “What’s the name of the truck, everybody?” she asked a group of young customers. “Chillin’ Treats!” they eagerly replied. “That’s our brand,” Nikki confirmed.
The siblings are already gaining attention. One customer, Melissa Wilson, eagerly chased down the truck in her car, thrilled to catch the “magical sounds” of the ice cream truck. It’s a gorgeous day,” she said while buying a Klondike bar from the truck.
As for future plans, London hopes to use his earnings to buy a car, while Bryn dreams of one day running her own food truck, starting with ice cream. “I really think it’s a good idea working up to a food truck,” she said.
While profits are important to the siblings, their parents emphasize that the experience is about more than just money. “They’re learning about business and communication skills,” Nikki said. “It’s about creating relationships and connecting with people.”
For London, the fun of meeting new people and seeing them enjoy their treats outweighs the pursuit of profits. “No, it’s not [about making money],” he said. “It’s about meeting new people and having fun.”
With their smiles and sweet treats, London and Bryn’s ice cream truck venture is becoming a hit in Missoula, proving that hard work and a little creativity can go a long way—even for a brother-sister team.
Related topics:
