From First Scoop to Franchisee: Why This Seasoned Entrepreneur Chose Pecan Jacks

Cory Mosley • November 26, 2025

When exploring franchise opportunities, many aspiring owners seek a business with a proven model and growth potential. But for experienced business owners, the choice often comes down to something deeper: culture and connection.


That's the story of Rhonda Kimbrough, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 35 years of business experience, who recently joined the Pecan Jacks family as our newest franchisee, bringing the sweet indulgence to Texas.


In a recent interview with Pecan Jacks Vice President of Growth, Cory Mosley, Rhonda shared her journey from a casual customer to a dedicated franchise partner. Here’s why she chose Pecan Jacks.


It All Started with the Ice Cream


For Rhonda and her family, the journey began with a memorable summer experience that soon became a serious business pursuit.


Rhonda first encountered the brand during a visit in July, where she and her children "fell in love with it" after having the ice cream. Their positive product experience was the spark that ignited it. Rhonda knew she wanted to bottle that joy and "bring it back to Texas."


This highlights one of Pecan Jacks' core strengths: the product quality is so high that it spontaneously converts customers into passionate advocates—and, in this case, franchise owners.


The Founder-Led Culture and Family Camaraderie


With decades in business, Rhonda could have chosen any franchise. What ultimately distinguished Pecan Jacks was the professional support and the unique founder-led culture.


Rhonda was most impressed by meeting and speaking directly with the company's owners and founders. She cited this accessibility and connection as a crucial factor in her decision-making process:


  • Direct Access to Founders: The ability to reach out to the people who started and founded the brand was highly important to her.
  • Professional, Walk-Through: She was impressed by how professional, friendly, and quick the team was, walking her through every step of the inquiry process in just about five weeks.
  • A Feeling of Family: Rhonda specifically praised the "family, the camaraderie of this whole establishment," noting that the warm culture resonated deeply with her.


For an experienced entrepreneur like Rhonda, knowing the people behind the brand share a passion for the product and offer accessible support is a huge vote of confidence in the partnership.


An Amazing Opportunity for Growth


Rhonda's story underscores the value of the Pecan Jacks franchise opportunity: it blends a proven, desirable product (handcrafted, small-batch ice creams and confections) with a supportive, family-like infrastructure.


“Pecan Jacks, named after our beloved dog, Jacks, was built on a simple mission: to bring the magic of beachside afternoons into every bite. Now, we are inviting passionate, community-minded individuals like Rhonda to join our rapid national expansion.”


Rhonda’s advice to anyone considering the opportunity is straightforward and enthusiastic: "I would say definitely consider it. It's great and it's an amazing opportunity."


Ready to Start Your Sweet Journey?


If Rhonda's story has inspired you, and you are serious about owning a franchise that offers unmatched support, a family-like culture, and a delicious, high-quality product, Pecan Jacks is worth considering.


Whether you're a seasoned business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, we provide the model, the support, and the sweet treats you need to build a successful future.

December 18, 2025
Welcoming Our Newest Pecan Jacks Franchisee: Randy Akies At Pecan Jacks , we believe the strength of our brand starts with the people who choose to own and grow it. That’s why we’re excited to officially welcome Randy Akies , our newest franchisee, to the Pecan Jacks family. In a recent interview, Randy shared his experience going through the Pecan Jacks franchise discovery process and what ultimately led him and his wife to bring a Pecan Jacks location to Newnan, Georgia . If you’re exploring an ice cream franchise opportunity or considering franchise ownership, his story offers valuable insight. A Franchise Culture Built on Team and Support From his first interactions with the Pecan Jacks leadership team, Randy noticed something different. “I am amazed at the team environment here. I’m amazed at how the owners of Pecan Jacks have brought this organization together.” Creating a collaborative, supportive franchise culture is intentional at Pecan Jacks. We believe franchisees shouldn’t feel like they’re doing business alone—they should feel like part of a growing brand family. A Transparent, No-Pressure Franchise Process Randy spent approximately four months in the franchise evaluation and discovery process, working closely with our franchise development team. “The process experience was amazing. I worked with Ken throughout that four-month process. He was very informative, the meetings were on point, and the way information was shared made everything clear.” For many prospective franchise owners, pressure during the sales process is a major concern. Randy addressed that directly: “There was no pressure at all. It was about being provided the information and allowing my wife and me to decide if joining the Pecan Jacks family was the right move.” This commitment to transparency allows future franchisees to make confident, informed decisions about owning a Pecan Jacks franchise . Why Pecan Jacks Was the Right Franchise Opportunity Beyond the business model, what stood out most to Randy was the energy and leadership behind the brand. “The energy and feedback I’ve gotten from the team—including Ronnie—has been amazing. That’s what I’m most excited about.” For Randy, bringing Pecan Jacks to Georgia isn’t just about opening a store—it’s about becoming part of the local community and delivering a premium ice cream and candy experience customers love. Expanding the Pecan Jacks Brand in Georgia Randy’s upcoming Pecan Jacks location in Newnan, GA represents another step forward in the brand’s strategic growth across the Southeast. We’re proud to partner with franchise owners who are passionate about: Community involvement Delivering exceptional customer experiences Growing a premium dessert brand with strong support Interested in Owning a Pecan Jacks Franchise? If you’re researching a franchise opportunity , exploring an ice cream franchise , or looking to bring a proven concept to your local market, we invite you to learn more. 👉 Visit: https://pecanjacksfranchise.com Be sure to watch the full interview above to hear directly from Randy Akies about his experience and why he chose Pecan Jacks.
By Cory Mosley December 9, 2025
Pecan Jacks expands to Texas with new Odessa location at Parks Legado; Grand Opening is Dec. 13. ODESSA, TX, UNITED STATES, December 3, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- Pecan Jacks Ice Cream & Candy Kitchen proudly announces the opening of its first-ever Texas location, bringing its beloved handcrafted ice cream, gourmet candies, and premium Southern-inspired treats to Odessa. The newest franchise location, Pecan Jacks Parks Legado , is officially open and will host its Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, December 13, at 12:00 p.m. The store is located at 7254 TX-191, Suite 103, Odessa, TX 79765. ”This store is something our whole family and the Odessa community can be proud of” — Russell Gilbert, Franchisee & Owner The Odessa location is owned and operated by franchisee Russell Gilbert, who brings a passion for community, hospitality, and entrepreneurship to the brand’s rapidly growing national footprint. “This opening marks a major milestone for our expansion into Texas, one of the fastest-growing markets in the country,” said Cory Mosley, VP of Growth & Franchise Development for Pecan Jacks. “Odessa is the perfect community to introduce our premium ice cream and candy experience, and we couldn’t be more excited for Russell and his team to bring something truly special to the area.” Pecan Jacks—founded by husband-and-wife team Veronica “Ronnie” Wyatt and Tim Wyatt—is known for its small-batch craftsmanship, elevated flavors, and a customer experience that blends fun, nostalgia, and premium quality. The brand continues to expand through franchise partnerships in high-growth markets across the U.S. “We’re thrilled to plant our flag in Texas officially,” said Ronnie Wyatt, Co-Founder of Pecan Jacks. “We’ve heard for years from customers who vacation near our Florida locations that they want Pecan Jacks in their hometowns. Seeing Odessa welcome us with open arms has been incredibly rewarding.” Co-Founder Tim Wyatt added, “Russell has been an amazing partner from day one. His commitment to creating a welcoming environment and delivering our signature Pecan Jacks experience makes him exactly the type of franchisee we’re proud to stand behind.” The Grand Opening Celebration on December 13 will include special promotions and the signature Pecan Jacks experience the brand has become known for. Guests can enjoy a free kids' scoop with any purchase, meet the franchise owner, and connect with the brand’s founders. “This store is something our whole family and the Odessa community can be proud of,” said franchisee and owner Russell Gilbert. “Pecan Jacks is more than ice cream—it’s a place where people make memories. We’re excited to finally open our doors and welcome everyone in.” About Pecan Jacks Ice Cream & Candy Kitchen Pecan Jacks is a premium handcrafted ice cream and candy brand known for its small-batch production, innovative flavors, and commitment to quality. With locations across Florida and now Texas, Pecan Jacks continues to expand through franchising, offering entrepreneurs a fun, profitable, and community-driven business opportunity. For more information about franchising, visit PecanJacksFranchise.com . Cory Mosley Pecan Jacks Franchising LLC +1 850-290-4913 Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram 
Exterior of Pecan Jack's Ice Cream store with A-frame sign saying
December 3, 2025
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