Grover and Sandra began their journey into franchising with a Kona Ice in the Tri-Cities, Washington. Since opening their first location in 2017, they’ve grown their fleet to include Travelin’ Tom’s. Today, they operate four Kona Entertainment Vehicles, one trailer, two kiosks, and a Kona Mini across the area, with their first Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck opening in 2024. With a combined team of 13 employees, Grover and Sandra bring decades of community roots and coaching experience to their business, passionately supporting local schools and fundraising efforts. After years in management and education, they embraced Kona Ice’s unique GIVEBACK model—making a difference while building a rewarding business that connects with families and communities alike.
In a few sentences, please tell us a little about yourself!
We have both lived in Pasco (Tri-Cities, WA) for over 50 years. We currently live in Pasco, WA. Grover is a Manager for a Door and Milwork facility, and Sandra used to work for the Pasco School District for 16 years before leaving in 2018 to work full-time with Kona. Grover loves fishing/hunting and coaching wrestling in high school, while Sandra used to coach middle and high school volleyball and was the high school wrestling cheer coach for 10 years. (But she loves to fish too when they have time!) Grover and Sandra have six children together and eighteen grandchildren (nine boys and nine girls)!
What made you decide to look into purchasing a franchise?
In the six seasons of working Kona we have always had “downtime” in the off-season of Nov-Feb. Our daughter and niece (bonus daughter) both would work for the school district as sub paraeducators, but they didn’t always need subs. So we felt that with Tom’s, we could provide them with a job with us year-round with both Kona and Tom’s. We also kept hearing from our community about the need for a coffee truck.
So we, along with many other franchisees, had asked Kona Korporate about a coffee truck. So, after many years, the opportunity came to join Travelin’ Tom’s coffee. So we did, and now we are adding our daughter in law full-time with us starting this summer.
During your research, did you use FBR’s website to compare franchise opportunities? What other resources did you use?
Grover did look up FBR’s website to compare opportunities when we first began looking to invest in a franchise. He spent months surfing the internet looking for opportunities and Kona Ice kept coming up. We didn’t use the FBR’s website when we took the leap to open a Travelin’ Tom’s because we were already with Kona Ice and had already know about the opportunity with Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee.
Financing can be an obstacle and/or intimidating factor for aspiring entrepreneurs. How did you find financing options to purchase your franchise?
Korporate provided recommendations of about 3 lending corporations we can choose from if we wanted to go that route. For Kona, we have worked with two of the three that they work with and we decided to go with the third one for Travelin’ Tom’s since we have had great experience with the other two so far.
How does the franchisor support and encourage your success?
The franchisor supports us by giving us many tools to succeed. For example, Tom’s Academy training about running business and truck for anyone that purchases a truck. Marketing materials for social media and for our monitor on the truck, more training for more knowledge about the truck AND business side of it. They also have a great truck support system in place to help with any issues that could arise on the trucks.
What are you most proud of and why?
That we are able to still continue to make a difference in our local schools, youth sports, and non profits in our community all the while still being able to make a decent living.
What advice would you give to new or potential franchise buyers?
Learn and trust in the process from your advisors. Follow their lead and always know that you are always able to lean on them for knowledge and help. Travelin’ Tom’s has a GREAT support system.
More About Kona Ice Franchise Ownership
Travelin’ Tom’s is more than just a business; it’s a community partner. As a result, Travelin’ Tom’s consistently ranks high in franchisee satisfaction. Franchisees love owning their trucks.
Franchisee Satisfaction Highlights:
In the latest Franchise Business Review survey, the brand received the following ratings:
- 96% of franchisees agree that their fellow franchisees are supportive of the brand
- 96% of franchisees believe that senior management acts with a high level of honesty and integrity
- 96% of franchisees agree that they trust their franchisor
2025 Awards:
We at FBR love our lists and Travelin’ Tom’s loves to be ON them. In 2025, Travelin’ Tom’s won the following awards:
- Top Franchises Culture
- Top 200 Franchises Satisfaction Award
- Top Franchises For Women Award Winner
These impressive figures and awards reflect Travelin’ Tom’s strong culture, leadership, and support systems that empower franchisees to succeed.
