In the heart of Elk River, Minnesota, two enterprising pals turned a sweet dream into a multi-million dollar reality. Eric Brust and Connor Ray, who first met in a college physics class, have built Johnny Pops into a powerhouse in the frozen treat aisle. With flavors like Rainbow Superpower, Very Berry Lemonade, and Unicorn, this duo knows how to make popsicles that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring back childhood memories for many. It’s safe to say they’re the Willy Wonka of the modern-day ice pop world, minus the mysterious factory and cheeky Oompa Loompas.
Johnny Pops is no ordinary popsicle company. They proudly whip up nearly 30 unique flavors, all crafted with five ingredients or fewer and absolutely no artificial nonsense. The brand has been quietly climbing the ranks and is now boasting around $100 million in annual sales. The duo attributes much of their success to the summer months, which account for a whopping 60% of their sales. When temperatures rise, so do their sales—a scenario Brust affectionately likens to the Super Bowl, only with a lot more ice and less tackling.
After starting the company in their St. Olaf College dorm room, Brust and Ray decided to bootstrap their business using savings from odd jobs and familial support. They refused to dive into the murky waters of private equity funding, believing in their long-term vision for the brand. This dedication to their roots has paid off handsomely, as Johnny Pops has enjoyed profitability since its inception and boasts an impressive estimated 30% net margin. If they ever decide to put their sweet empire on the market, experts speculate they could fetch around $300 million or more. Talk about a tasty payday!
One of the most intriguing aspects of Johnny Pops is how they’ve managed to find a niche in a market that is increasingly shifting toward healthier options. As traditional ice cream bars like Dove and Klondike struggle to keep pace, they are looking to brands like Johnny Pops to bolster their sales. With big players like Mars and Unilever eyeing them, the market remains fairly robust, illustrating that there is still a lot of room for growth in the frozen treat sector. After all, everyone loves a good popsicle—especially when it’s made without the icky stuff.
The inspiration behind Johnny Pops is deeply personal. After the untimely passing of Brust’s cousin Jonathan, who had a dream of creating a socially responsible ice pop business, Brust and Ray decided to carry on his legacy. They initially began crafting frozen smoothies on a stick in their college dorm, using fresh fruit and cream, and less sugar than traditional options. This commitment to social responsibility continues today, as the company donates a portion of profits to organizations that support addiction recovery. With a side of nostalgia, a sprinkle of ambition, and a healthy scoop of innovation, Johnny Pops is not only serving up guilt-free frozen confections but is also making a positive impact in the community.
As summer approaches, there’s no doubt that Johnny Pops is poised to take advantage of the warm weather and consumer cravings for refreshing treats. With their carefully crafted flavors, dedication to quality ingredients, and a mission rooted in social responsibility, Eric Brust and Connor Ray have turned a small college dream into a formidable force to be reckoned with in the frozen treats market. Who knew that a popsicle could bring so much joy—one lick at a time?
