News

Bruster's announces five winners of inaugural mentoring contest

December 3, 2014

Bruster's Real Ice Cream has concluded its inaugural mentoring contest, in which the brand sought individuals who are "making a difference in the lives of young people."

The winners this year include:

• Blake Struss of Jacksonville, Florida, nominated owner/mentor Tom Devenny. Struss is in a local program that helps find jobs for people with developmental and acquired disabilities. Two-and-a-half years ago, Devenny created a food preparation/maintenance position for Struss that taught him work skills and ethics, and allows him to live independently.  
• Brittany Kessinger, who worked at Bruster's in Monroe and Indian Trail, North Carolina, nominated owner/mentor Tom Zak. Kessinger began working at Bruster's while in high school, later becoming a general manger. She worked her way through college and is applying to medical schools with the goal of becoming a doctor. Today she is an emergency medical technician. Kessinger credits Zak with inspiring her to "create a dream and to chase it."
• Another Charlotte, NC-area winner is Nathan Mulholland, who works for owner Lee Underwood in Mooresville. Underwood rehired the one-time scooper as a new store manager to help him develop the skills needed for a career in management. He taught Mulholland about operating the business. A 14-year cancer battle cost Mulholland his voice, according to a news release, and he now communicates via gestures and written notes.
• The Bowling Green, Kentucky, Bruster's produced the final two winners. Maddie Powers nominated general manager Caleb Hayes, while Johni Lecoffre nominated owner Stuart Kirby. Powers said Hayes has been a role model since her first shift, teaching her about the benefits of relationships and personal growth. Lecoffre says Kirby taught her that balancing work, family and studies is an art that cannot be neglected.

"Bruster's is in the people business," CEO Jim Sahene said in the release. "Each year, we have an opportunity to teach thousands of young people skills they may not be learning elsewhere, skills they are going to need as tomorrow's leaders."

Nearly 30 mentor nominations were submitted. The Bruster's Franchise Advisory Board selected the five winning entries.