Life & Work with Pete Mahoney

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pete Mahoney.

Hi Pete, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Just a little background about myself, my company and our product. I’m a US Navy veteran and classically French-trained chef who graduated from Le Cordon Bleu. I’m also a third-generation ice pop maker. I’ve been living here in Florida with my family for about five years now. I came up with the name and branding idea as a tribute to my Grandfather, Father and to the 1950’s era on how ice pops and ice cream used to be sold using an old-style ice pop bike cart. We make all-natural handmade fresh fruit ice pops. There are no additives, dyes, preservatives or corn syrups in any of our ice pops. We pride ourselves on quality and ensure there is plenty of all-natural fruit flavor in our ice pops and never watered down. I wanted to make a healthier version of ice pops for all to enjoy, from kids to adults. We do make cream-based ice pops for those who like to indulge as well, such as Cafe Con Leche, Key Lime Pie w/graham cracker and Banana Pudding w/Nilla wafer, to name a few.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some days have been a smooth road, and some have not, but the smooth days outnumber the bumpy ones! In the food manufacturing and retail business, knowing what your customers want or desire is always a challenge. That being said, we believe if you have a quality product and flavor(s) is consistent, then our customers, be it new or repeat, will see the value in our product. We take great pride in making our ice pops, and we live by the saying, “Quality over quantity!”

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a chef. I’m a classically French-trained chef but decided to focus on ice pops. I decided to take what I learned and apply that to make the most delicious frozen treats ever. I just do what I love, which is creating handmade artisanal ice pops. To me, it’s all about having fun! Pairing flavors together to give people something to enjoy. I love seeing and hearing people’s responses when they try one. I’ve sold thousands of ice pops but still get a nervous excitement every time I sell one. To me, as a chef, I’m always learning how to make and do things better. That’s what drives me to be constantly experimenting and searching for the next flavor that will win over my customers.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I can’t say I have a favorite childhood memory cause I’ve had so many great memories. It would be impossible to rank them. I could say, though, as a kid if I weren’t outside playing, I enjoyed being in the kitchen while my parents and grandparents were prepping, cooking, or baking. I especially loved the stories that my grandfather and father would tell me about how together they made ice cream, ice pops, fudges, caramels, flavored syrups, candies etc and the process that was involved in making all of these delicious treats. To me, as a young kid, hearing all these stories of ice cream and ice pops was like living in a dream. I couldn’t wait to hear the next story! I’m so excited now that I get to do the same with my daughter.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@professorpops.net or pete@professorpops.net
• Website: www.professorpops.net
• Instagram: @professorofpops
• Facebook: Professor Pops & The Ice Crystals