Rountree wanted to teach 4 daughters about work, value of money

Kyle Rountree wanted his four daughters to learn the value of money, and how to run a business.

So the nurse practitioner – whose wife, Patty, also is a nurse practitioner – started a business and hired all four.

Southern Ice is a portable shaved ice business. For the past three weeks, they’ve been doing business on the lot next door to Little Caesar’s. But they’ve also moved the red trailer that is their home to do special events, like a back-to-school supply giveaway at their church, Mt. Zion United Methodist.

“We are experimenting with flavors and toppings to come up with specialty ices,” Rountree said. “The girls are better at that than I am.”

Daughter Carlin shared examples she and her sisters are vending at Southern Ice.

“We are creating Southern desserts from shaved ice,” she said. “Like apple pie, S’mores, a cherry vanilla cola, and banana pudding. We also will do seasonal flavors like pumpkin pie.”

They also have basic flavors – like cherry, lemonade, cheesecake, banana, raspberry. And they are experimenting with a coffee flavor, as well as dill pickle. They also offer four sugar-free flavors.

The ices range in price from $3 to $5, depending upon the size ordered, and whether or not the customer orders extras like whipping cream, marshmallow, chocolate, caramel sauce or ice cream.

Rountree said the business will do events, or can be booked for private parties. Next week, they’ll be at the Gantt Mafia’s Ride for Love event, and the following weekend, they’ll be at the rodeo at Hilltop hosted by the Covington County Child Advocacy Center.

While Carlin has been working on mastering the recipes for Southern Ice’s offerings, her sister Avery likes coming up with desserts, and works social media. Their sisters Alex and Presley also are involved, and Mrs. Rountree does the accounting.

They can been booked for special events by calling (334) 343-1481.