On Aug 27, the Daviess County CEO Cohort took a meaningful trip to Scoops in Washington, where they had the opportunity to visit with Julie and Eric Bassler. Now in their seventh season as owners of Scoops, originally purchased the thriving business from the Grays as a family venture involving their children. Over the years, they have successfully managed not only Scoops but also the Cherry Ghost. Additionally, Eric juggles roles as an Edward Jones Financial Advisor and a State Senator for Indiana's District 39, making the Basslers an exceptionally busy couple.
During their time with the Cohort, Julie and Eric emphasized the importance of a firm handshake and good eye contact, reinforcing the value of these small but impactful gestures. They also shared valuable insights on entrepreneurship, speaking candidly about the challenges of running a business. They highlighted how external factors, such as the ongoing road construction that has plagued their area for over a year, can indirectly affect business operations.
They advised the young entrepreneurs to start small and take calculated risks. They encouraged buying used equipment when possible, often available for pennies on the dollar, and stressed the importance of keeping overhead low. Their message was clear: don’t be afraid to challenge yourself, and take small steps toward growth.
The couple shared memorable quotes that resonated with the Cohort, including, "If you watch your pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves," and "Through the eyes of the Customer." They also advised, "Be efficient with things and effective with people," and emphasized that "People are always watching how you react to adversity" and "We learn when we stub our toe." These words of wisdom left a lasting impression on the aspiring business leaders, inspiring them to focus on the fundamentals and view their ventures from the customer's perspective.
The Cohort expressed their gratitude for the infinite knowledge shared by the Basslers and for the sample of ice cream, which added a sweet touch to their learning experience.