Dedication. Professionalism. Honor. Discipline. Many of the same qualities that are required serve in the United States Military are also needed to run a successful business. That’s why it’s no surprise that our community is home to a number of thriving veteran-owned businesses. Learn more about two veteran-owned businesses in our community: Let’s Chill Ice Cream and DP Window Cleaning.
Let’s Chill Homemade Ice Cream
When military veterans Ricardo and Christina Braga set out bring an ice cream shop to Coral Springs, they wanted to create a place where families, friends, and neighbors could gather and make memories while enjoying a sweet treat.
At Let’s Chill Ice Cream, located at 9739 W Sample Road, the Bragas offer a vibrant atmosphere where customers can try homemade, small-batch ice cream that is made using real ingredients and very little preservatives or artificial colors. Adults 21 and older can even opt for a boozy alcohol-infused scoop or shake. Unique menu flavors include Caramel Crunch, Cannoli, Guava, Honey Lavender, in addition to classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, and rocky road. The shop also features seasonal flavors, a rotating flavor of the month, and dairy free options.
Both Army veterans who served in Iraq in the early 2000s, with Cristina serving a second deployment to Afghanistan from 2011-2012, the couple says aspects of their military service have made them better business owners and more focused on providing quality products.
“Discipline is a big factor in success,” the Bragas said. “We credit a lot of our discipline from our service in the military.”
The Bragas, who also reside in Coral Springs, hope to serve the community for many years to come. They strive to create relationships with all of their customers and welcome them as family.
“If you've visited us before you know when you walk through those doors you are welcomed as family,” the Bragas said. “We are also so thankful to all of our small business friends who above-and-beyond with mentorship and support; it is such a strong and supportive community.”
Veterans Day Deal: Active members and veterans can receive a free scoop of ice cream and enjoy patriotic music on Friday, November 11, 2022.
DP Window Cleaning
Longtime Coral Springs resident and military veteran Mike Del Pozo is the owner of Coral Springs-based DP Window Cleaning. The company specializes in interior and exterior window cleaning for private residences, businesses, and commercial buildings.
Before opening his businesses, Del Pozo served in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, where he was involved in deployments to Grenada, Beirut, and Honduras. Notably, he performed 114 parachute jumps during his time in service. Now Del Pozo takes to the skies in a different way, cleaning windows for structures large and small.
Del Pozo says his service in the military has contributed to his ability to run his business with professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to doing the job right. Although Del Pozo is a 2nd generation window cleaner, with business roots in New York and New Jersey, the decision to open a business in Coral Springs ten years ago was an easy one.
“I’ve been a resident for over 25 years, Del Pozo said. “I live in Coral Springs, so why not open a business in Coral Springs.”
Despite being a one-man operation, DP Window Cleaning is widely known and respected throughout the community. Del Pozo dedicates a great deal of time to the Coral Springs-Coconut Creek Regional Chamber of Commerce and stays involved in Coral Springs city government. In fact, his company was the recipient of the Small Business Leader Award in 2015 given by the Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce.
As a small business owner, veteran, and Coral Springs resident, Del Pozo hope that his family and business can continue to grow and thrive in Coral Springs in the future.
Original source can be found here.
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