What started out as a way to use an empty building has turned into a stopping place for people from multiple counties as they travel through Shoemakersville. When David and Candy Krumanocher ended the auto supply business that was originally known as DJ Auto Supply, they knew they either had to come up with another function for the building or they would have to sell.
After being inspired by a small Italian ice shop in Rehoboth Beach, Candy and David thought they should try a similar venture in their building on Route 61.
David said, “I like ice cream,” and the business gradually transformed from a simple dream to a thriving store selling homemade Italian ice, ice cream, and multiple other food selections.
David explained some of the success of “Candy’s Homemade Ice Cream,” by simply saying, “what goes around comes around.”
As he and Candy have been helped along the way, they return those kind gestures by similar interactions with their own customers and staff.
David explained that their philosophy is “customer service; treating them like friends.”
Candy’s has been involved within the school district with a competition benefitting the American Cancer Society for seventh graders to come up with winning ice cream flavors; one of which is still being made for sale in the shop since last year.
Candy discussed how they strive to create a family atmosphere for their customers, even down to the choice of music played during business hours.
An aspect of Candy’s Homemade Ice Cream that may not be as well-known in the community is the mentorship that Candy provides for the teenaged staff that are employed in the shop. Candy’s work week consists of at least 80 hours devoted to making the local landmark a success. With this work ethic in mind, she said that she and David “want people who want to work” on their staff.
“Some of them come in and have never swept or mopped. I teach them. Do it this way and why,” is how Candy described her influence on the girls who work there. “I treat them like daughters,” she said, but added that she is strict in how all of her staff puts the customer first.
Candy said that there have been times that she has overheard the teens talking negatively about people and she is quick to interject with them that “hate is a strong word. You can hate someone’s behavior, but you shouldn’t use that word about a person.”
Some of the girls who work at Candy’s start as young customers, work at the shop through high school, and then return to visit after moving away to attend college. Candy proudly stated, “you see them grow up.”
When David of Candy’s Homemade Ice Cream stated, “I don’t skimp on anything,” he referred to ingredients in his homemade ice cream and Italian ice, but this successful local business is evidently not only concerned with quality products, but also with demonstrating quality work ethics in the community.
