Meet Jeff Olpin

We were lucky to catch up with Jeff Olpin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

My optimism comes from experience—seeing firsthand how passion, hard work, and creativity turn ideas into reality. Years in hospitality taught me the power of bringing joy to others, and entrepreneurship reinforced that every challenge is an opportunity to innovate. I believe in the good in people, the value of persistence, and the rewards of taking risks for something you love.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I create small-batch, handcrafted French-style ice cream made from scratch using only the finest ingredients—no artificial colors or flavors. At Hidden Oak Gourmet Creamery, every flavor is carefully developed for texture, creaminess, and uniqueness, often incorporating fresh herbs, fruits, and spices. What excites me most is the ability to turn simple, high-quality ingredients into something truly special—an experience that sparks joy and nostalgia with every bite.

Right now, I’m thrilled to be working on our first retail space in Salt Lake City. This will be a place where people can immerse themselves in our world of handcrafted ice cream, discover exclusive flavors, and see firsthand the passion that goes into every scoop. I can’t wait to share more as we get closer to opening!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Resilience has been essential in navigating the ups and downs of both hospitality and entrepreneurship. Challenges are inevitable, but staying committed, learning from setbacks, and adapting has allowed me to keep moving forward. For those early in their journey, resilience comes from experience—embrace failures as lessons and trust that persistence pays off.

Optimism has fueled my ability to take risks, whether it was leading award-winning resorts or launching Hidden Oak Gourmet Creamery. Believing in your vision, even when things get tough, is key to long-term success. To build optimism, surround yourself with supportive people and celebrate small wins along the way.

Creativity sets you apart. From crafting unique ice cream flavors to problem-solving in business, thinking outside the box is what keeps things fresh and exciting. My advice: stay curious, experiment, and never be afraid to push boundaries—some of the best ideas come from unexpected places.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes! I’m always looking to collaborate with local producers who are passionate about their craft. I believe that the best flavors come from high-quality ingredients made with care, and I’d love to work with farmers, artisans, and makers to create something truly special.

Whether it’s developing a unique ice cream flavor, crafting a new dessert, or enhancing an existing product with our creations—like our bourbon cherry jam or yarrow honey butter—I’m excited to explore new possibilities. If you’re interested in collaborating, let’s connect! You can reach me through our social media – @gourmetcreamery on all the major channels—I’d love to hear your ideas.

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