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Beyond the Double Dip: Finding Purpose in Community Service
Manage episode 474395672 series 3633831
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What happens when a teenage promise becomes reality? In this heartwarming conversation with James Dewinter, we explore the remarkable journey of a local entrepreneur who transformed from a 14-year-old ice cream shop employee to the proud owner of Walker's beloved Double Dip Depot.
James shares the serendipitous timing of purchasing his business in February 2020—just weeks before COVID changed everything. While many businesses struggled, Double Dip Depot's walk-up model became an unexpected sanctuary for community members seeking normalcy. "So many people were just driving around looking for something to do and they'd come by our shop," James explains, highlighting how adaptability and community connection helped his business thrive during unprecedented challenges.
Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, James serves Walker as a paid-on-call firefighter, balancing emergency response duties with running his ice cream shop. He offers a fascinating glimpse into how these seemingly different roles complement each other, from applying business acumen to departmental budgeting to creating innovative community programs like "freeze cards" that reward good deeds with free treats. With approximately 275 hours of initial training and ongoing commitments, James exemplifies dedication to community service alongside business ownership.
The conversation illuminates the soul of small-town America—where business owners understand their neighbors' needs, maintain nostalgic spaces that foster connection, and find creative ways to give back. Whether you're a small business supporter, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone curious about the hidden commitments of local heroes, this episode celebrates the community-minded spirit that makes places like Walker special. Ready to discover how you can better support the businesses and services that form the backbone of your community? Listen now and be inspired by one man's dedication to keeping both his town safe and sweet.
Chapters
1. Meeting James DeWinter (00:00:00)
2. Double Dip Depot's Origin Story (00:02:10)
3. Surviving COVID as a New Owner (00:04:04)
4. Life as a Paid-On-Call Firefighter (00:06:25)
5. Balancing Two Demanding Roles (00:12:21)
6. Supporting Local Businesses (00:14:23)
7. Future Plans and Closing Thoughts (00:16:18)
9 episodes
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