Handel's Ice Cream owner Brian Vaughn moved to the Rocket City with his family after he retired from the Army at Fort McPherson, Georgia. "We thought Huntsville was a great place to raise kids and a place for my wife, Carolyn, to continue her career."
At Redstone Arsenal, Vaughn worked for Pregram Executive Office (PEO) Missiles and Space. "I was part of the Acquisition Force working as a logistician."
The greatest strengths he learned on the Arsenal were communication and forecasting. "These skills helped tremendously as we are constantly communicating with subcontractors as well as communicating with other businesses. Definitely forecasting because we order supplies once a week and we have to forecast for holidays, events, and warm weather days, which bring in customers."
Vaughn finds being his own boss rewarding and has enjoyed watching this dream come to fruition. "I am fulfilling a lifelong dream to be a business owner. As a child I had my own side business, fixing bicycles for friends. I told myself I wanted a piece of the American dream one day." With a degree in Business Administration from Austin Peay State University and years of hard work, he had the education and experience to take the leap.
When asked Why ice cream? Vaughn smiles, "The mood...simply that. When you get ice cream you are in a good mood and excited to treat yourself." Did we mention that Handel's is ranked the #1 ice cream in the world by National Geographic? Go find out for yourself!
Favorite military movie: Saving Private Ryan
Favorite Alabama book: Who Moved My Cheese
