Send us a text

Curt Jones shares the fascinating journey of how he invented Dippin' Dots using cryogenic technology from his microbiology background, built it into a $47 million business, then lost it all during the 2008 recession before making his comeback with 40 Below.

• Starting as a pig farmer in southern Illinois before studying microbiology at university
• Using liquid nitrogen technology originally developed for preserving bacteria to create beaded ice cream
• Opening the first struggling Dippin' Dots store with limited savings and credit cards in Lexington, Kentucky
• Breaking into theme parks starting with Opryland USA after persistent efforts
• Creating the "Ice Cream of the Future" branding that helped propel the company to international success
• Facing devastating financial challenges during the 2008 recession despite $47 million in annual revenue
• Losing control of Dippin' Dots in 2011 after years of struggling with predatory lending practices
• Building 40 Below with his daughter, creating innovative frozen products including coffee beads, mocktails and dairy-free desserts
• Applying the knowledge and connections from decades in the industry to build his comeback business

Visit 40belowco.com to order products online or find them at water parks, small theme parks, bowling alleys and family fun centers across the country.

Support the show