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July 10.2025
3 Minutes Read

From Customer to CEO: How Neil Hershman Transformed Dessert Entrepreneurship

Smiling employee serving customer in bright ice cream shop.

From Finance to Froyo: A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

In an inspiring tale of entrepreneurship, Neil Hershman’s journey from an unfulfilling finance career to the CEO of a rapidly expanding dessert franchise encapsulates a transformative approach to business. Beginning as a dedicated customer of 16 Handles, Hershman identified gaps within the experience that needed addressing. His unique background, spanning finance and an astrophysics degree, positioned him to not only recognize what was broken but to also develop actionable solutions as a franchisee and then as the CEO.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

While many entrepreneurs hesitated during the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hershman saw a golden opportunity. As retail leases became less expensive and competitors faltered, he doubled down on his commitment to 16 Handles, opening new locations even while the market was unstable. This daring move demonstrates a key lesson in entrepreneurship: sometimes the best time to expand is when others are retreating.

Capitalizing on Customer Connections

Hershman’s hands-on approach to running his first store gave him invaluable insights into customer preferences. His experience as a customer allowed him to infuse creativity into product offerings that resonate with the audience. For example, the launch of a French fry frozen yogurt flavor and a Harry Potter-themed butter beer yogurt generated significant sales spikes. These thematic marketing strategies deepen brand relevance and show the importance of aligning products with pop culture trends.

Building Trust and Loyalty through Teamwork

Understanding that a successful brand relies on the loyalty of both customers and employees, Hershman made strategic hiring decisions. He brought aboard Lisa Mallon, who had previously co-owned a location for over 13 years. This move underscored the significant belief in the brand and customer interactions. Hershman’s approach highlights how hiring those with proven dedication and insights into the customer experience plays a critical role in brand success.

Distilling Effective Strategies for Expansion

The nuts and bolts of Hershman’s expansion strategy lay in what he calls his “expansion playbook.” First, he focused on perfecting the operation of a single store before replicating processes that fostered success across multiple locations. He emphasizes the importance of defining a business model that prioritizes customer experience. By doing so, he has managed to scale the brand from 30 to over 150 locations nationally, showcasing effective replication without compromising quality.

Future Predictions: What Lies Ahead for Dessert Chains?

The trajectory of 16 Handles points toward a promising evolution within the dessert industry. More brands are adopting the Hershman model—where intimate knowledge of customer preferences directly influences product development and marketing strategies. As pop culture continues to drive consumer trends, brands that adapt swiftly will likely thrive. Future forecasts suggest that dessert chains tapping into timely themes will see sustained engagement.

Conclusion: The Transformative Journey of an Entrepreneur

Neil Hershman’s journey from customer to CEO embodies resilience, strategic innovation, and a keen understanding of customer desires. Entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in saturated markets should take note of the importance of perspective and the agility to pivot during challenging times. By honing in on customer experiences and being willing to take risks, aspiring business owners can find pathways to success. In Hershman’s case, dessert is more than just a sweet treat—it's about building lasting brand connections.

As you reflect on your own entrepreneurial journey, consider what insights you can draw from Hershman’s experience. How can you apply these lessons to enhance your brand's customer engagement? The time is ripe for fresh ideas, and the dessert industry stands as an example of adaptability and growth potential.

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10.21.2025

Jack in the Box Sells Del Taco for $115 Million: A Strategic Seal of Simplicity

Update Jack in the Box Divests Del Taco: A Strategic Move? In a remarkable shift within the fast-food sector, Jack in the Box has decided to offload its subsidiary Del Taco for $115 million, marking a significant change in its business strategy. This decision, announced by CEO Lance Tucker, aligns with the company's recent restructuring plans, aimed at simplifying operations and refocusing on core products. Background on the Deal: The Numbers Behind the Sale Yadav Enterprises, which already operates over 300 franchise locations, will be acquiring more than 550 Del Taco restaurants from Jack in the Box. This acquisition stands as a critical financial maneuver for the hamburger chain, which had previously purchased Del Taco for $575 million just last year. Unfortunately, Del Taco has faced difficulties, including the temporary closure of all locations in Colorado, prompting Jack in the Box to reconsider its investment. Why This Matters: Implications for the Fast-Food Industry The sale of Del Taco raises interesting questions about the future of fast-food chains. The move is part of a broader trend where companies are honing in on their primary brands amid economic pressures. For business owners and investors, this situation underscores the importance of adaptability and maintaining a keen eye on market conditions. Yadav Enterprises: A Fitting Steward for Del Taco? The choice of Yadav Enterprises as the buyer is noteworthy. Led by Anil Yadav—who began his career as a fry cook at Jack in the Box—the company has deep roots in the fast-food industry. This personal history could inspire confidence in the direction Yadav intends to take Del Taco as it embarks on its next chapter. The successful transition of franchises is often contingent upon leadership familiarity with the brand, which may enable Yadav Enterprises to rejuvenate Del Taco’s offerings, potentially captivating both loyal and new customers. The Bigger Picture: Trends in Franchise Operations Jack in the Box's divestiture is not an isolated incident; it reflects a broader industry trend where many fast-food chains are exploring similar strategies. As the market evolves, it becomes crucial for business owners to understand that flexibility remains vital amidst uncertain economic forecasts. Companies must not only stay true to their identity but embrace change when necessary. Future Predictions: Where Does Jack in the Box Go From Here? With the divestiture of Del Taco, Jack in the Box aims to streamline operations and focus more on its flagship menu items. This pivot comes at a time when many fast-food chains are also reevaluating their product lines in response to changing consumer preferences. As health-conscious dining trends evolve, Jack in the Box will face the challenge of shifting focus while maintaining a loyal customer base. Conclusion: A Call for Strategic Clarity For business owners monitoring these industry shifts, Jack in the Box's recent announcement serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to stay flexible and responsive to market dynamics. Continuous innovation paired with a strong commitment to core products may not only enrich customer experience but also ensure long-term profitability. As you consider your own business pathways, think critically about how the landscape may influence your strategic decisions moving forward. The ability to adapt is vital in the ever-changing commercial environment.

10.20.2025

How to Stay Ahead in a Changing Market: Key Strategies for Success

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Revolutionize Your Workflow with an All-in-One PDF Editor for Business Owners

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