Kona Ice Executive and Leadership Team

John Malandro, the Chief Executive Officer at Kona Ice, directs the overarching strategic vision for the mobile shaved ice franchise system. Malandro manages the expansion of the brand across 49 states, ensuring that the proprietary FlavorWave technology remains the industry standard for mobile food service. By aligning corporate goals with the needs of over 2,200 franchise units, the Chief Executive Officer maintains consistent quality across all Kona Entertainment Vehicles. John Malandro monitors market trends to identify new opportunities for growth in schools, corporate events, and private gatherings. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to optimize the franchise model for long-term sustainability. Through rigorous oversight of the business model, Malandro secures the competitive position of the company within the hospitality sector, ensuring that every mobile unit delivers the signature Hawaiian-style shaved ice experience to communities nationwide.

Trey Wood, the Chief Executive Officer Fun Officer at Kona Ice, architects the cultural framework that defines the brand experience for customers and franchisees alike. Wood focuses on the integration of entertainment elements into the mobile shaved ice service, ensuring that every interaction at a Kona Entertainment Vehicle remains engaging and community-centric. By developing unique engagement strategies, the Chief Executive Officer Fun Officer drives brand loyalty across diverse event types, from weddings to large-scale fundraisers. Trey Wood collaborates with marketing teams to refine the visual appeal of the mobile trucks, maintaining the vibrant aesthetic that distinguishes the company in the marketplace. This role requires constant innovation in how the brand connects with local communities, fostering a positive environment that supports the growth of the franchise system. Through these efforts, Wood ensures that the core mission of providing joy remains central to all operational activities.

Kona Athens, the Chief Executive Officer of Fun at Kona Ice, oversees the development of interactive customer experiences that define the brand's unique market position. Athens designs programs that enhance the self-serve FlavorWave dispenser experience, ensuring that customers enjoy maximum customization with proprietary syrups. By focusing on the experiential side of the business, the Chief Executive Officer of Fun drives high levels of community participation at corporate events and private parties. Kona Athens works closely with regional managers to ensure that the fun-focused culture translates effectively across all 49 states of operation. This leadership role involves creating new ways to utilize the Kona Mini and Kona Trailer formats to reach diverse venues. Through strategic planning and creative execution, Athens maintains the brand's reputation as a leader in mobile hospitality, consistently delivering memorable moments that support the overall growth of the franchise network.

Richard Schrader, the Chief Executive Officer of FUN at Kona Ice, manages the strategic implementation of community-focused initiatives that drive the company's rapid expansion. Schrader focuses on the operational side of the fun experience, ensuring that the KEV 2.0 and other mobile formats function efficiently at high-traffic events. By coordinating with franchise owners, the Chief Executive Officer of FUN ensures that the brand's commitment to sugar-free and dye-free options reaches every corner of the market. Richard Schrader analyzes performance metrics to refine the delivery of shaved ice products, supporting the company's goal of providing a cleaner, more engaging alternative to traditional ice cream trucks. This role involves balancing the logistical demands of a large-scale franchise system with the need for a lighthearted, community-oriented service model. Through these efforts, Schrader sustains the brand's momentum and ensures that the fun-centric mission remains a core driver of success.

Derek Taylor, the Chief Operating Officer at Kona Ice, directs the daily logistics and supply chain operations that support the company's 2,200-plus franchise units. Taylor oversees the distribution of proprietary syrups and the maintenance of the Kona Entertainment Vehicle fleet, ensuring that all units operate at peak efficiency. By managing the operational infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer supports the rapid scaling of the franchise system across the United States. Derek Taylor collaborates with regional teams to streamline the deployment of mobile trucks for schools and corporate events, optimizing service delivery in diverse geographic markets. This leadership role involves implementing rigorous quality control standards to maintain the consistency of the shaved ice product. Through strategic management of resources and operational processes, Taylor ensures that the company meets the high demand for its services while maintaining the operational excellence required for sustained growth in the competitive hospitality industry.

Suniel Khem, the President at Kona Ice, leads the strategic development of the franchise system, focusing on long-term growth and market penetration. Khem manages the expansion of the brand into new territories, ensuring that the franchise model remains attractive to potential operators across the country. By overseeing the recruitment and training of new franchisees, the President ensures that the company's standards for community engagement and service quality are upheld. Suniel Khem works with the executive team to refine the business model, incorporating new product offerings like Vita-Blend and Fruit First options to meet evolving consumer preferences. This role involves high-level planning to ensure that the company maintains its position as one of the largest food truck systems in the nation. Through strategic leadership and a focus on sustainable expansion, Khem drives the overall success of the franchise network and supports the company's mission of reimagining the mobile ice cream experience.

Bill Purper, the President at Kona Ice, directs the financial and administrative functions that underpin the company's extensive franchise operations. Purper oversees the fiscal health of the organization, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support the growth of the mobile shaved ice network. By managing the corporate structure, the President facilitates the smooth operation of the franchise system across 49 states. Bill Purper collaborates with other executives to develop policies that enhance the profitability of individual franchise units, from the Kona Mini to the flagship KEV. This leadership role involves monitoring the economic performance of the company and identifying opportunities for cost-effective scaling. Through rigorous financial oversight and strategic planning, Purper ensures that the company remains a dominant force in the hospitality industry, providing the necessary stability for the brand to continue its rapid expansion and community-focused mission.

Alisa Pompetti, the President at Kona Ice, manages the brand's marketing and public relations strategies, ensuring that the company's community-focused message resonates with diverse audiences. Pompetti oversees the development of promotional campaigns that highlight the unique features of the Kona Entertainment Vehicle, such as the FlavorWave dispenser. By driving brand awareness, the President ensures that the company remains the preferred choice for schools, weddings, and corporate events. Alisa Pompetti works with regional teams to tailor marketing efforts to specific geographic markets, maximizing the impact of the brand's presence across the United States. This leadership role involves constant innovation in how the company communicates its value proposition to potential customers and franchisees. Through strategic brand management and a focus on community engagement, Pompetti strengthens the company's market position and supports the ongoing success of the franchise system in the competitive food truck industry.

Steve Webber, the President at Kona Ice, oversees the technological integration and innovation of the mobile shaved ice platform. Webber directs the development of new hardware and software solutions that enhance the customer experience, including improvements to the patented FlavorWave dispenser. By focusing on the technical aspects of the business, the President ensures that the company remains at the forefront of mobile food service technology. Steve Webber collaborates with the operations team to implement these innovations across the entire fleet of Kona Entertainment Vehicles, ensuring that every unit provides a consistent and engaging experience. This leadership role involves evaluating new technologies that can improve the efficiency and appeal of the franchise system. Through strategic investment in innovation, Webber maintains the company's competitive edge and supports the mission of providing a modern, high-quality alternative to traditional mobile food service models.

Wayne Reese, the Owner and President at Kona Ice, provides the foundational leadership and vision that guide the company's overall direction. Reese oversees the core values of the organization, ensuring that the commitment to community-focused service remains central to all business activities. By maintaining a deep understanding of the franchise model, the Owner and President supports the growth of the brand from its headquarters in Kentucky to its nationwide presence. Wayne Reese works with the executive team to ensure that the company's mission of reimagining the mobile ice cream experience is consistently achieved. This leadership role involves long-term strategic planning and the cultivation of a culture that values innovation and community engagement. Through dedicated oversight and a focus on the company's original mission, Reese ensures that the franchise system continues to thrive and deliver high-quality shaved ice experiences to communities across the United States.