Success Story: Kona Ice of Marin

Flavor and Fundraising: Kona Ice Franchise Blends Business Growth with School Support

Location: Northern California | Marin County | San Rafael 

Business Type: Food Services 

CalOSBA Partners: Marin SBDC 

Assistance Received: Access to Capital, Financial Planning, and Business Consulting 

California State Assembly District: 12 

California State Senate District: 2 

Visit Kona Ice of Marin online.  

Kona Ice of Marin is a mobile shaved ice franchise serving Marin County, from the Golden Gate Bridge to San Rafael. What began as a single truck last year has grown into a two-truck operation serving schools, community organizations, and local events. The business follows an innovative give-back model where 20% of total sales from events are returned to the hosting school or organization, creating a win-win that supports local education while building customer loyalty. 

Husband-and-wife team Derry and Dori Gutierrez run the business together. Dori handles logistics, scheduling, and communication, while Derry operates the trucks and builds relationships throughout the community. Their expansion includes partnerships with organizations like Dominican University and HeadsUp, plus private events and community festivals including the Mill Valley Film Festival, May Madness, and San Rafael Porchfest. 

Derry grew up inspired by his stepfather’s entrepreneurial spirit, helping him sell souvenir shirts at parades, festivals, and sports events. This experience taught him customer relations and the importance of starting a business with a strong foundation. Derry’s love for children led him to earn a degree in psychology and work as a preschool teacher. While his career thrived, the idea of entrepreneurship remained on his mind. 

Derry was drawn to Kona Ice’s business model because it combined his entrepreneurial aspirations with his passion for working with children and building community connections. He envisioned more than just selling shaved ice. He wanted to create a space where every child feels seen, heard, and joyful. 

But as first-time business owners transitioning from education to entrepreneurship, Derry and Dori faced significant challenges. They had limited knowledge of business operations and financing, and were unsure how to evaluate the franchise’s financing options or navigate the loan process. 

That’s when they connected with the Marin SBDC. Their advisor provided comprehensive guidance in understanding and securing the initial financing needed to purchase the Kona Ice truck. He researched the various loan alternatives presented by the franchise and helped Derry determine which option made the most financial sense. 

“Running a business was a whole new world for me. I didn’t know where to start,” Derry shared. “While we had support from the franchise, we still needed help navigating our options and securing funding for the Kona Ice truck. Our SBDC Advisor broke everything down in a way that was easy to understand and helped us compare loan options. What stood out most was the time he spent researching on our behalf to find the best fit, and the fact that all of this support was completely free!” 

The advisor’s hands-on approach helped them through the loan process, providing straightforward explanations for complex business concepts and ongoing availability during the launch. 

“He made himself available to answer every question and helped me feel confident moving forward,” Derry noted. “Honestly, we might not be where we are today without that guidance. I had no idea such helpful, free resources existed for new business owners. It gave us the confidence and knowledge we needed to get the loan and launch Kona Ice of Marin.” 

With the SBDC’s support, Derry and Dori secured a $156,000 loan through Osgood Bank and launched their business. Today, Kona Ice of Marin is on target to surpass projected sales and growing at a sustainable rate. They’ve hired one full-time and one part-time employee, and they’re making lasting impressions in the community where kids line up with excitement seeing their truck. 

In their first year alone, they donated over $10,000 back to local schools and organizations, and that number continues to grow annually. As the business expands into South Marin and parts of San Francisco, they’re working on marketing strategies to highlight their unique community impact. 

For Derry, success isn’t measured just in revenue, it’s measured in the smiles of children who line up at his truck, the relationships built at community events, and the meaningful support they provide to local schools and organizations. From preschool teacher to business owner, Derry has found a way to combine his entrepreneurial dreams with his passion for serving children and building community. Learn more about Kona Ice of Marin by visiting them online at kona-ice.com/local-site/kona-ice-of-marin-county or following them on social media. 

Are you a California entrepreneur looking to start or expand your business? Connect with the Marin SBDC to access free business consulting, financing guidance, and support to help turn your vision into reality. 

1/27/2026