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Ice Cream Shop Owner

Culinary: Gary's Ice Cream, Lowell, MA
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Feel your life has taken a lickin’? Are you ready to be the one doin' the lickin’? Are you an ice cream aficionado looking for a way to “scoop” out a new career? Do you want to get into a business that will thrive on your attention to detail, commitment to quality and “customer comes first” attitude? Then there may be a sweet new career in your future. Join Gary Frascarelli on a VocationVacations® career mentorship and learn how to become an ice cream maker and shop owner at Gary’s Ice Cream in Lowell, Massachusetts, just a 40 minute train ride from Boston.

In high school, Gary had two very different part-time jobs. He enjoyed working for the local radio station in Lowell as a producer and announcer, and also for Glennie’s Ice Cream, the originator of the road-side ice cream stand concept. However, after high school he pursued an entirely different career path and enrolled at a seminary to become a priest. “I left the seminary when the priests told me I was too capitalistic since I would sneak off and do DJ gigs on the side,” laughs Gary.

So, Gary decided to pursue a career in radio. “But my dad thought playing records was not a real job,” Gary remembers. In 1973, Gary’s parents decided to do something about Gary’s career choice. “My dad bought an out-of-business ice cream shop in Lowell, my mother had it painted pink, they named it Gary’s Ice Cream and gave it to me saying ‘now you have a real job’.”

Although the ice cream business wasn’t Gary’s first career choice, it turned out to be the right choice. Gary’s Ice Cream has been in operation for almost 37 years and is widely recognized for its excellent homemade ice cream, syrups and hot fudge as well as its friendly service. Forty flavors of ice cream are served through the walk-up windows at Gary’s. “I only use ingredients that meet my high standards and specifications,” says Gary. “It is a matter of quality control and knowing exactly what is in everything I serve.” Plus, according to Gary, making your own products is more profitable than buying manufactured products.

In the 80’s, Gary also operated an ice cream shop in nearby Salisbury Beach and expanded into caramel corn, taffy and other sweet treats. During that time, Gary had the chance to return to entertainment when he was asked to help host The Saturday Night Sock Hop in the center of the beach amusement area. Today, in its 20th season, this event now broadcasts live every Saturday night from May through Labor Day from the parking lot at Gary’s Ice Cream in Lowell.

Gary admits he is “married to his business”. But he is the first to say it doesn’t have to be that way. As a mentor, Gary wants to help people understand how they can balance their personal and professional lives and be successful at both. He has gained valuable experience over the years. “I have learned what customers expect, the challenges involved in finding good employees, knowing where to find the best ingredients and that you can’t keep your books on scrap paper,” laughs Gary. When asked what his favorite ice cream flavor is, Gary is quick to answer, “Vanilla. It tells it all. If you don’t have a good quality vanilla as your base, none of your flavors will be good.”

Gary loves what he does. He tells a story about a large rock on site at his shop. “I got a letter from a woman who shared with me a story about this rock,” he says. It seems she and her boyfriend would eat ice cream and sit on this rock when they were dating and even celebrated getting engaged there. When she became pregnant, more ice cream and memories at the rock. They then bought their kids to Gary’s and shared the rock with them. Now she is looking forward to bringing her grandchildren. “I thought it was just a rock, who knew memories were made there,” laughs Gary.

While on your Ice Cream Maker and Shop Owner VocationVacations® career mentorship with Gary Frascarelli at Gary’s Ice Cream, activities will include some or all of the following:
  • Receive overall review of retail ice cream industry
  • Learn how to make homemade ice cream, hot fudge and fountain syrups
  • Learn the ins and outs of customer service
  • Review methods of marketing, advertising and word-of-mouth
  • Assist in placing supplier orders based on supply and demand of the business
  • Discuss the financial end of the business
  • Visit competitors’ stores in the local area to compare product and prices
  • Discuss how special events can drive additional business
  • Review pros and cons of running a seasonal business
The Ice Cream Maker and Shop Owner VocationVacations® career mentorship with Gary Frascarelli at Gary’s Ice Cream includes:
  • Two days of one-on-one mentorship in your dream job as a Ice Cream Maker and Shop Owner
  • The opportunity to participate in a total of one hour of pre- and post- VocationVacations career coaching from an accredited, affiliated VocationVacations career coach
  • A pocket-size VocationVacations journal so you can document your dream job coming to reality
  • Light lunches with your mentor

Available: February 14 through Thanksgiving, based on mentor's availability

Price: $899 Per Person

Book this dream job vacation


Suggested Accommodations

Lowell Doubletree

Lowell Marriott
(Not included in the price of the VocationVacations® holiday)

Other activities and tourist destinations while on your VocationVacations® adventure:
Reservation, Cancellation and Rescheduling Rules and Conditions:
Each requested date for a VocationVacation is 100% dependent upon the mentor’s approval of dates.  Each Vocationer is required to sign a liability release stating that they are 18 years or older, 21 years or older if the VocationVacation involves the production or serving of alcohol.  Full payment of the VocationVacation is required to make a reservation. A $100 non-refundable fee is assessed if a VocationVacations experience is cancelled or rescheduled prior to 14-days of the scheduled VocationVacations holiday, based on the approved availability of the mentor to reschedule. A VocationVacation cannot be rescheduled and is non-refundable if cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled VocationVacations holiday. Written notification of cancellation or rescheduling is required in all cases.  Grounded Nomads, LLC dba VocationVacations encourages all customers to acquire travel insurance to cover any unforeseen expenses due to cancellation or rescheduling.