MiniMelts - News

Ice Cream Manufacturer Mini Melts Appoints Director of Sales for its USA Amusement Park and Distributor Operations

NORWICH, Conn., July 15, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Shawn Kilcoyne, CEO of Mini Melts USA, Inc., www.MiniMelts.com announced that David S. Tade is joining the company as Director of Sales. Mr. Tade previously held a variety of positions in 13 years at Dippin' Dots in areas such as operations, customer service, sales, training, marketing, business and system development, and management. Mr. Tade will focus on cultivating existing distributors, as well adding new partners to our distribution network. Additionally, Mr. Tade will work with new and existing IAAPA member customers in the amusement park industry. "I am committed to providing exceptional field service to our customers and network of distributors," noted Tade.

"With over 13 years of industry experience, David Tade is a priceless addition to our organization," noted Shawn, "but experience alone was not the reason for inviting Mr. Tade to join our team. Mr. Tade holds himself to a higher standard and he is a moral and ethical person with an exceptional work ethic. Our entire team at Mini Melts is committed to delivering an outstanding product to our customers and to support them with exceptional customer service and David is committed to this mission." In accepting the position, Mr. Tade cited numerous reasons. "I am thrilled to be part of such a growing and exciting organization. I sincerely believe that working together with the Mini Melts team, we can do great things. These are exciting times for Mini Melts and I eagerly anticipate embarking on this journey with everyone." "Beginning as teenagers," added Dan Kilcoyne, who serves as president of Mini Melts USA, Inc., "Shawn and I have devoted our entire professional careers to this industry. When we began as Dippin' Dots dealers in the 1990's, David Tade was of great assistance to us as we grew to become one of their largest dealerships." Mini Melts produces cryogenically frozen ice cream in a patented process that uses liquid nitrogen to flash freeze the ice cream in seconds and lock in the flavor. The product is continuously kept at -40 F until served to the consumer.

The ice cream is offered through kiosks, vending machines, carts and serving freezers in various venues such as theme parks, entertainment centers, shopping malls, zoos and anywhere people, particularly children, congregate. Mini Melts is manufactured in a 25,000 square foot facility located in Norwich, CT. The plant now has the capacity to produce over two million gallons of ice cream annually.

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Vending Times:
Issue Date: Vo. 50, No. 7, July 2010
Tim Sanford

Fastcorp Fast-PRO Distribution Plan Offers Operators Growth Avenue

DANBURY, CT -- Fastcorp LLC has announced a national partnership program with leading vending operators in major markets. The company reports that its Fastcorp Preferred Regional Operator model is designed to speed implementation of its new field sales and service initiatives.

Over the past year, Fastcorp has redesigned its celebrated frozen-product vender to incorporate new technology, resulting in the Evolution design. This further refines the company's original concept, which is to store product in a base-mounted freezer chest for maximum refrigeration efficiency and protection, and apply robotics to the functions of opening the chest lid, retrieving and delivering the product, and closing the lid again.

Fastcorp has restructured its sales division as part of a new marketing approach that seeks to generate placement opportunities for operators by targeting prospective accounts.

The equipment maker also reports that it has developed solutions to many perceived obstacles to widespread deployment of ice cream and frozen-food machines, such as the availability of suitable product, frozen transportation and frozen storage.

To advance these programs, Fastcorp has formed major brand partnerships in the United States and abroad. Domestic brand partners include Schwan's, Blue Bunny, Dippin Dots and Mini Melts. The company also has developed both Unilever and Nestlé business relationships in Europe.

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Press Release Source: Mini Melts USA, Inc. On Friday April 23, 2010:

Young Entrepreneurs Acquire Mini Melts Ice Cream USA Manufacturing Operations

NORWICH, Conn., April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Tom Mosey, owner of Mini Melts, Inc., (www.MiniMelts.com) announced that its ice cream manufacturing operations and distribution rights in the contiguous United States will be transferred to Mini Melts USA, Inc., an entity owned by long-time and very successful Mini Melts distributors Shawn, 31, and Dan Kilcoyne, 27. The transition takes effect on April 26, 2010.

Mini Melts produces cryogenically frozen ice cream in a patented process that uses liquid nitrogen to flash freeze the ice cream in seconds. This process locks in the flavor and produces fun shapes in different sizes that kids and adults alike enjoy. The product, available in over 50 flavors and worldwide in 27 countries, is continuously kept at -40 degrees F from production through warehousing, transportation and storage, until served to the consumer.

In deciding to make this move, Mosey cited his extensive international travels in overseeing operations in 26 countries outside the US as constraining his possible time commitment toward Mini Melts, Inc., the United States operation. "The Kilcoyne brothers are undoubtedly the right people for the job," stated Mosey, adding that, "I have known and worked closely with them as they became our largest customer. In fact, as we developed products, packaging and system improvements over the years we relied on advice from Shawn and Dan."

Shawn and Dan have operated their business, Mini Melts of America, Inc., since Mini Melts began US operations in 2003. They have hands-on experience in all channels of distribution used to sell Mini Melts. The product is offered through kiosks, vending machines, carts and serving freezers in various venues such as theme parks, entertainment centers, shopping malls, zoos and anywhere people, particularly children, congregate.

Mini Melts, Inc. is an INC 500 company. The company began producing Mini Melts in its Florida plant in 2003. All US production was consolidated in its 25,000 square foot facility in Norwich that began operating in 2006. At full capacity, over one million gallons of ice cream can be produced annually.

Shawn and Dan are grateful to Tom Mosey for the opportunity. "Beginning as teenagers," noted Shawn, "Dan and I have devoted all of our professional careers to this industry. We began as Dippin' Dots dealers in the 1990's while in high school. In only our third year in business, we became one of their largest dealerships."

Dan added, "We joined the Mini Melts team from the outset. Shawn and I have had a great relationship with Tom and a lot of respect for what he has accomplished at Mini Melts domestically and abroad."

Although the Kilcoynes will be making the decisions going forward, Mosey will continue to own the patents, equipment and plant which Shawn and Dan are licensing and operating. So he will continue to have a vested interest in the success of Mini Melts in the US and will remain fully responsible and have complete control of all international operations outside the contiguous United States.

NEWS RELEASE:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2010
Contact: Larry Brean (610-304-6572)

Kilcoyne Brothers Obtain Mini Melts USA Manufacturing Operations and Distribution Rights

Norwich, CT – Tom Mosey, owner of Mini Melts, Inc., announced that its ice cream manufacturing operations and distribution rights in the contiguous United States will be transferred to Mini Melts USA, Inc., an entity owned by long-time and very successful Mini Melts distributors Shawn and Dan Kilcoyne. The transition takes effect on April 26, 2010.

Mini Melts produces cryogenically frozen ice cream in a patented process that uses liquid nitrogen to flash freeze the ice cream in seconds. This process locks in the flavor and produces interesting shapes that resemble popcorn. The product, available in over 50 flavors and worldwide in 27 countries, is continuously kept at -40°F from production through warehousing, transportation and storage, until served to the consumer.

In deciding to make this move, Mosey cited that his extensive international business travels constrain his time commitment toward Mini Melts, Inc., the United States operation. "The Kilcoyne brothers are undoubtedly the right people for the job" stated Mosey, adding that "I have known and worked closely with them as they became our largest customer. In fact, as we developed products, packaging and system improvements over the years we relied on advice from Shawn and Dan."

Shawn and Dan have operated their Philadelphia based business, Mini Melts of America, Inc., since Mini Melts began US operations in 2003. They have hands-on experience in all channels of distribution used to sell Mini Melts. The product is offered through kiosks, vending machines, carts and serving freezers in various venues such as theme parks, entertainment centers, shopping malls, zoos and anywhere people, particularly children, congregate.

"Beginning as teenagers," noted Shawn, "Dan and I have devoted all of our professional careers to this industry. We began as Dippin’ Dots dealers in the 1990’s while in high school. In only our third year in business, we became one of their largest dealerships."

Dan added, "We joined the Mini Melts team from the outset. Shawn and I have had a great relationship with Tom and a lot of respect for what he has accomplished at Mini Melts domestically and abroad."

1 September 2009:

Wet Zone Water Park

As recent convert over to Mini Melts, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the outstanding service and dedication you showed us during the transition as well as throughout the season. Your courtesy and professionalism is greatly appreciated. I would like to provide you with some feedback of my own as well as some I received from customers and employees alike.

From a revenue stand point, I can stay that Mini Melts were our number one seller even beating out soda! The stand and promotional material you provided us was huge factor in the high sales we attained from your products. I knew before we began to sell Mini Melts that they tasted much better than the competition but despite initial skepticism by employees, it only took one bite for them to be able to understand where I was coming from. I even overheard guests saying on several occasions that this "ice cream" is so much better than the "other" stuff.

Overall, I am beyond satisfied with the service and quality of the product we received and look forward to many great seasons to come! Thanks again for your continued support and I will be sure to recommend Mini Melts to anyone in the industry looking to not only get a new ice cream product but anyone who may be looking to make a "step up" in customer service and product satisfaction.

Regards,
Kyle Embry
General Manager, Wet Zone Water Park
Wet Zone Water Park

VIEW LETTER FROM WET ZONE WATER PARK.

29 October 2008:

Nashville Shores

After meeting John Kalfayan at IAAPA in November 2007, I walked away impressed not just with his presentation but the product as well. Just having left the Dip n’ Dots booth, Mini Melts product taste samples outshine their product. There was no comparison in flavor and texture. John had me sold.

Now the hard part. Dip n’ Dots was a regular success at our waterpark. Even their founder lives just a few miles away. Mini Melts in their back yard. No way I thought. John persisted, even sending samples for the office staff to taste. John and the Mini Melts staff offered us support that your competitors never offered.

The switch was made and in spring of 2008 we became an official Mini Melts park. On opening weekend we completely sold out of our initial order. A large majority of our attendance, on opening day, was season pass holders. I thought they might resist purchasing a new product. My fears soon subsided. The Mini Melts ordering staff quickly made sure we had product in our hands for the next operating weekend. One of our goals was to increase sales to adults. We had the kids sold with our previous product, but adults resisted. Once an adult tasted your product, they not only ordered, they ordered the large size. Thus our overall sales increased over the previous season.

The equipment works great. We had problems with our previous equipment basically shutting down when the temperature reached over 98 degrees. Your equipment held up and we did not loose any product due to melting this season.

I am looking forward to a long and lasting relationship with Mini Melts. Your product and service is outstanding. Mini Melts is not just concerned with selling a product, they create a relationship as well. I would highly recommend Mini Melts to any facility looking for a high quality ice cream.

Sincerely,
David M. Businda
Director of Park Operations
Nashville Shores

VIEW LETTER FROM NASHVILLE SHORES.

9 May 2008:

Gene Landrum
Mini Melts Ice Cream Product Endorsement

"I love it man!" (Mini Melts Ice Cream).

"You're right on."

"Mini Melts is a fantastic ice cream product that both kids and grownups too will go ga-ga over."

"Great packaging, name and flavor all combine to place Mini Melts on the cutting edge of commercially packaged deserts."

"As the founder of Chuck E. Cheese, I know firsthand that there is no better match than kids and ice cream."

"Any fun business or venue that sells to kids MUST sell Mini Melts Ice Cream."

"It's a no-brainer - more ka-ching!"

"I heartedly endorse Mini Melts Ice Cream and encourage every kid's based business, including Chuck E. Cheese, to sell this fabulous product."

Gene Landrum, PhD
Founder of Chuck E. Cheese business

VIEW GENE LANDRUM'S ACTUAL PRODUCT ENDORSEMENT LETTER.

5 August 2008:

WTU Cadre - Fort Campbell Day at Nashville Shores

Thanks again for providing money to help purchase water park tickets for the WTU Cadre of Ft. Campbell. Through your generous support, many men, women and their families were able to enjoy a day of sun and fun at Nashville Shores.

The WTU Cadre are individuals who take care of the ill and wounded soldiers at Fort Campbell, KY. There are approximately 100 Cadre and they assist approximately 800 wounded soldiers. They have to literally work day and night to ensure their assigned soldiers' medical, physical, mental and any other needs are met. They basically are "on-call" for their soldiers 24/7 and, beside the caregiving they provide, they help soldiers transition back into military service or into civilian life. The Cadre do not get many days off, so it was a great treat that they were able to spend a recent day off with family and friends at Nashville Shores.

Thanks again for your help and your company's commitment to our military. We at Nashville Shores appreciate it greatly.

Sincerely,
Daniel Strobel
Director of Marketing/PR
Nashville Shores

16 July 2008:

Rob Simmons
"It was a pleasure to visit Mini Melts Ice Cream Factory in Norwich."

"I was impressed with the operation and productivity of the company."

"I look forward to watching their success, and I wish them the best of luck in the future." - Rob Simmons, Business Advocate, State of Connecticut

16 October 2007:

Mr. Tom Mosey, being interviewed by Mr. John Troland on Business Beat Live about the rapid growth of Mini Melts.

Business Beat Live is a nationally acclaimed business tv interview show that debuted on May 17, 1995. Business Beat Live has aired some 565 shows featuring high profile business guests and authors who have come in from all over America, at their expense, to appear on the show. John A.Troland is the Executive Producer and host of Business Beat Live and also books all show guests.

31 August 2007:

I would like to thank you for providing Mini-Melts for our last day of Vacation Bible School. There were many happy boys and girls in the Middle Department which were the winners of coin challenge. You generosity is greatly appreciated.

In Him,
Lloyd Bayreuther
Groton Bible Chapel

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July/August 2007:

"We were the small guy getting pounded by the giant, but we managed to succeed and were able to weather that storm." - Tom Mosey, President Mini Melts Inc.

When Mini Melts president Tom Mosey founded the company in 1996, his mission was to market a product that people all over the world love, young or old: ice cream. However, Mini Melts is not your ordinary ice cream.

As for why Mosey opted to sell publishing company and invest in a cryogenically frozen ice cream, he explains that two special people played a big role in his decision. "If you look on our Web site, it has a picture of two kids eating Mini Melts," He says. "Those are my kids."

"I tell people that they can be assured they're getting the best-quality product because we make it for those kids. I know that sounds corny, but it's actually true. Business is business. I don't have to do this particular business, but my kids really enjoy it. They couldn't care less if their dad owns a real estate in Dallas, but if he owns an ice cream company, that's fun and exciting. It's pretty much the only ice cream they'll eat, so it has to be the very best."

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23 August 2007:

Mini Melts Inc was selected as one of the fastest growing companies in the United States by INC Magazine, with a massive growth rate of over 800% in the last 3 years Mini Melts Inc ranked 274 in the Inc 500.

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2 August 2007:

After a year of being with you guys, I would like to take a moment to compliment the guys behind the scenes. To start, the whole organization seems to have taken a different attitude since the winter months. Before, it was an organization, who, like many, was rigid on its 'rules' and policies. Now, you guys are a 'what can we do to help you be successful'.

Bill lent me a coin sorter. "No, our policy is this"........ but after a few seconds, "okay, here is what I can do". It saved the account, him helping me. Dan with monthly invoicing to me on-line. Rick in the back helping me with fliers, signs, etc.

Kim is such a sweetheart. She is the epitome of "how can I help you". Anytime I have an emergency or need to talk with someone, others would just right down a note. She makes sure the note is received and calls me back if the person might not get back to me right away. She always has my invoices right away, even bringing them to the dock if we are still loading up. The little things that make a difference.

Dan on the dock was very helpful for me. Making sure he packed things right, with enough snow, etc. He is in back now but wanted to compliment him. The lady, I can't remember her name, in back was helpful in getting orders or getting new tags, all on a timely basis.

Matt, great guy. Helped me several times with vending machine questions and equipment questions if Bill and/or Rick was away. Always helping me if I needed it.

There is a great attitude there now, Tom. From top to bottom, there is a 'can do' attitude. I thought you should know. With this regime in CT, you will continue to succeed, Tom. Congratulations on being in the top 100........ CT is a major reason why.......... its people.

Have a great day guys............

Jim Tyler
Mini Melts ice cream
Your gateway to a successful FUNdraiser, Fair, & Event,
Adding sales to businesses along the seacoast
87 Oak Hill Road
Barrington, NH 03825
phone 603/ 664-5153
fax 603/ 664-8905
cell 603/ 828-2109

16 October 2006:

Entrepreneur of the Year
Shawn Kilcoyne
President, Mini Melts of America, Inc.
Langhorne - PA US

When Shawn Kilcoyne was eighteen and his brother Dan was fifteen they went on vacation in Orlando. The brothers, who always dreamed of becoming entrepreneurs, discovered DippinDots. The brother developed a business plan. To their surprise, they were approved. They started selling the ice cream in their high school cafeteria. Within three years, they built the third largest DippinDots Dealership.

However, the suspension of the DippinDots dealer network destroyed everything the brothers worked so hard for. DippinDots decided to turn into a franchise, adding expensive royalties. The brothers began to look for alternative sources for the product. They stumbled across U.K. manufacture with a similar product called MiniMelts. Shawn immediately contacted the MiniMelts to build a manufacturing plant in the U.S.

Once they switched, DippinDots sued Minimelts for patent violation and named them in the suit. Unable to afford the lawsuit, they were forced to close. However, the manufacturer of MiniMelts, had the wherewithal to continue. Durning the trial it was discovered that Dippin’ Dots committed fraud in the patent application process. MiniMelts won the lawsuit.

Shawn and Dan formed MiniMelts of America and decided to open vending machine locations instead of retail outlets. Today MiniMelts operates over 300 MiniMelts locations.