From Pops to Profits: Destin Mince Finds Sweet Success in Gadsden
Destin Mince turned a mobile cart into a thriving storefront near Gadsden’s iconic Noccalula Falls with guidance from the SBDC.
When Destin Mince launched Frios Pops in Gadsden, Alabama, in November 2019, he had a simple vision: bring handcrafted, gourmet popsicles to the heart of his community. What began as a mobile cart operation quickly evolved into a full-fledged business—thanks in part to the strategic support of the Alabama Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Jacksonville State University.
From day one, Mince leaned on the SBDC for guidance through the startup phase, navigating everything from marketing strategies to location scouting. That partnership proved invaluable when he made a bold move in 2022: purchasing a permanent storefront just outside Noccalula Falls, a beloved local tourist destination. The $120,000 investment, funded personally, positioned Frios Pops in a high-foot-traffic area perfect for impulse buys and community engagement.
With a fixed location came new opportunities. Mince expanded his team, hiring four part-time employees—equivalent to two full-time roles—allowing him to pursue catering events and wholesale partnerships across the region. Sales steadily climbed, from $197,000 in 2021 to $219,000 in 2024, reflecting both retail and wholesale growth.
In 2025, Mince made a strategic pivot: focusing on the more profitable retail segment. While projected sales may dip slightly to just over $200,000, he views this as a smart recalibration. “Early on, I offered wholesale pricing to build awareness,” Mince explains. “Now that the market knows us, it’s time to grow the retail side.”
Throughout his journey, Mince has remained a committed SBDC client, attending workshops, seeking marketing advice, and exploring new partnerships—including potential campus collaborations with Jacksonville State University. His story is a testament to what’s possible when entrepreneurial grit meets expert guidance.
Today, Frios Pops isn’t just a business—it’s a destination. And with the SBDC in his corner, Destin Mince continues to build a brand that’s as sweet as the treats he serves.
The Alabama SBDC at Jacksonville State with Ken Grissom is a great resource to get information about the overall market. Being in one Market doesn’t always tell you the overall economy, but the SBDC can relate how other businesses are doing, which is great for me to know that my business is doing just fine in the overall economy. Ken Grissom is a valued resource, and I am thankful for his guidance throughout the growth of my small business.