We were lucky to catch up with Reggie Joude recently and have shared our conversation below.
Reggie, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
“I want to be remembered as someone who gave more than they took—not just in material things, but in time, in love, in kindness. That thought keeps me grounded. It reminds me that the real legacy we leave behind isn’t measured in what we achieve or accumulate, but in how we made others feel, how we showed up for them, and the light we brought into their lives. Generosity, for me, is a quiet promise to keep giving, even when no one’s watching.”
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My Journey: From Fire Protection Engineer to Ice Cream Dreamer
I was born in Camden, New Jersey—but my journey has taken me across the world and back again.
After graduating, I began my career as a mechanical fire protection engineer in Dubai. I spent seven years mastering my craft and earning certifications from the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), ICC (International Code Council), and PMI (Project Management Institute). I was proud of the impact I made—working on major projects like Bluewaters Island and several developments in the iconic Palm Jumeirah, helping to keep people and buildings safe.
Eventually, I made a life-changing decision to return to the United States—the land of opportunity, the land that gives more than it takes. To me, America is more than just a country. It’s like a mother who takes care of her children. Though I was born here, coming back felt like a new beginning.
I first tried to continue my engineering career, but due to licensing and industry hurdles, I had to pivot. So I took a job at Walmart. It was supposed to be just work—but I treated it as more. While most people worked 40 hours, I was putting in 60–70 hours a week. No excuses. I stayed positive and gave everything I had.
At the same time, I started helping my brother with his ice cream truck. What began as a side hustle quickly turned into something more. I saw joy on people’s faces—families smiling, kids laughing, memories being made. I fell in love with it. That joy became my purpose.
I made a promise to myself: whatever it takes, I will make it happen.
Today, I run our own ice cream shop. And I still live by that promise. I work 16–18 hours every single day. No days off. No excuses. I stand on this business with full heart and full effort—because I believe in what we’re building.
But I also know this: none of it means anything without our customers. I believe in our customers. I give them the credit. Without them, we are nothing. They are the reason we wake up and keep pushing. They are family.
This is more than just ice cream. It’s about energy, joy, and community. We’re always growing—planning events, expanding the menu, and dreaming bigger. For me, this is about creating a place where people can feel happiness, one scoop at a time.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Discipline:
Discipline is at the core of everything I do. Whether it was working 60–70 hours a week at Walmart or now putting in 16–18 hours a day at my ice cream shop, I’ve learned that consistency and focus are key to achieving any goal. Discipline allows me to stay committed to my business and my vision, no matter how tough the day or the challenge.
2. Hard Work:
I believe in the power of hard work above all. There are no shortcuts to success. Every milestone I’ve reached—whether in my engineering career or as an entrepreneur—has been the result of dedication and grit. I put everything into my work, and I never back down from a challenge. In running my ice cream shop, I’m constantly striving to improve and innovate, and I know that nothing comes without putting in the hours.
3. Thinking Outside the Box:
While hard work and discipline are essential, I also value creativity and innovation. Thinking outside the box has been crucial in pivoting from engineering to running a business, especially when things didn’t go as planned. Whether it’s creating new events, expanding our menu, or finding new ways to engage with customers, I always look for fresh ideas to keep the business evolving and thriving.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My brother
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/us_mr.icecream?igsh=dnM5ZnhkNmFpZzBr&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1SApSTD6n9/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Me
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
