The Parkersburg native has been inducted into the Kentucky Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame News, sports, jobs

Kona Ice, primarily based in Florence, Kentucky, was created by Parkersburg native Tony Lamb. On Thursday, Lamb was inducted into the Kentucky Entrepreneurship Corridor of Fame. (picture offered)

PARKERSBURG — A Parkersburg native who went from vacuum cleaner salesman to proprietor of the world’s largest meals truck enterprise has been inducted into the Kentucky Enterprise Corridor of Fame.

Kona Ice’s Tony Lamb stated he owes all of it to his father, Tom Lamb, who inspired him at an early age to be his personal boss.

“He is my instructor” Sheep stated. “He is the man who acquired me began.”

Lamb was a 1987 graduate of Parkersburg Excessive Faculty the place he was senior class president. He additionally performed soccer for the Massive Reds and retains in contact with outdated associates in Parkersburg.

He graduated from the College of Kentucky in Lexington, the place he bought Rainbow vacuum cleaners. Lamb’s father was a consultant for the Rainbow District.

Lamb based Kona Ice, primarily based in Florence, Kentucky, in 2007 and drove the truck himself. He started franchising Kona Ice in 2008, which has expanded to greater than 1,800 vans in 49 states.

He began the corporate after his 3-year-old daughter had a foul encounter with an ice cream truck man.

The Corridor of Fame induction ceremony was held Thursday on the Central Financial institution Middle in Lexington. Lamb stated he was honored.

“It sort of shocked me after I was instructed.” Sheep stated. “Me and Colonel Sanders. How do you want this?”

Different 2023 inductees into the Entrepreneurship Corridor of Fame embrace Jamie Kirchdorfer, Chairman and CEO of ISCO Industries, and Donna Salyers, President and Founding father of Fabulous Furs.

Thursday can be Lamb and his father’s birthday. Lamb was 55 and Dad was 87.

“My father works at Kona Ice day-after-day,” Sheep stated.

In 2020, Lamb launched Travelin’ Tom’s Espresso, named after his father. In 2020, Travelin’ Tom’s Espresso Truck has 150 franchise vans, however has orders for 300 extra, Lamb stated.

The brand new Beverly Ann’s Heat Cookies and Ice Cream drink is called after his mom, the previous Beverly Ann Graham of Parkersburg. His dad and mom dwell in Lexington.

Lamb and his spouse, Susie, have been married for 31 years. They’ve 4 youngsters, sons Jake and Jonah and daughters Annie and Ava.

Entrepreneur journal named Kona Ice to its Franchise 500 listing. Kona Ice has been ranked #1 or #2 in franchisee satisfaction for the previous 12 years by Franchise Enterprise Evaluation.

Lamb was named the 2021 Massive Non-public Firm CEO of the 12 months by the Cincinnati Enterprise Courier.

Since 2007, Kona Ice has offered greater than $135 million to the communities it serves, offering funds to colleges, youth sports activities and charities.

“It was a beautiful journey” Sheep stated.

Jess Mancini might be reached at jmancini@newsandsentinel.com.