For Bethel alumnus Bob Jaques ’00, franchise owner of Ritter’s Frozen Custard on Main Street in Mishawaka, Ind., life is pretty sweet these days – especially in the summer when sales are booming. This year, he celebrates 20 years in business selling frozen custard and is the top-selling Ritter’s in the state of Indiana.
One of his favorite parts of the job is investing in the young people who come to work for him — many as their first job — and finding ways to invest in the community.
He’s catered events at local colleges, including ´óĎóĘÓƵ and the University of Notre Dame. On campus, he’s provided frozen custard at Homecoming and the Earl Awards. And in the community, he’s given out coupons at events and gift cards to local women’s shelters.
“Investing in the community is a twofold thing – from a business standpoint, we want people to come to the shop and enjoy it. But each month, I also try to give back to different companies.”
He hopes to continue to partner with Bethel because its faith-focused mission aligns with his own as a Christian business owner. As an alumnus and parent of two current Bethel students, he maintains close ties to the school.
Bob has used his Bethel psychology degree in his career to help him be a better manager by really trying to understand his employees and what they’re going through, which helps the shop run better. His liberal arts education also helped prepare him to be a business owner.
“I was very grateful to be accepted by Bethel. I didn’t want to take it for granted. I wanted to get through my classes and learn as much as I could. My parents helped me pay for it – they were investing in me,” he says.
Getting started as a franchise owner in 2005 took complete dedication and a whole lot of work. At the beginning of his career, he had to be “all in,” seven days a week. He describes his wife, Danna (Griffin) Jaques ’00, as his “backbone.”
“The first years were really hard,” he says. “My wife has been such a good support. She knew we had to take care of this first.”
As his children have grown, they’ve become part of the family business, too. Employees and sons Carson and Coen Jaques are also current Bethel students.
“I’m in the sweet spot of my career,” Bob says. “I’ve got my children working here. I’ve had employees come in from churches and homeschoolers come and work. Working with my kids and their friends – I know they are good employees.”
The Mishawaka Ritter’s provides a 25% off discount to college students, faculty and staff who show their ID at the window, and Bob hopes to see many friends come out this summer, or through the drive-through window in fall and winter (Ritter’s is open year-round).
About Ritter’s Frozen Custard
Ritter’s frozen custard is made fresh twice daily, with six flavors and endless add-in combinations available to customers every day. At the end of the day, the custard is packed in quarts and pints to be sold. Customers keep coming back for their favorite flavors, as well as the atmosphere, including outdoor seating and excellent customer service. Learn more at .