Special Neat Treats Ice Cream is Much More Than an Ice Cream Truck

Did someone say ice cream? I don’t know about you but as a child I was delighted when I would hear the familiar sound of the ice cream truck coming around the block in our neighborhood. As an adult I still get excited because of the memories it brings back, and let’s face it, who doesn’t like ice cream…

I recently had the privilege to speak with a gentleman who bought an ice cream truck. Mr. Joel Wegener, purchased the ice cream van this past year so he could give back to his community and generate a career for his son, Josh, and daughter, Mary Kate, who were both born with Down syndrome. Joel Wegener, 62, a former science teacher and current owner of a fundraising business, was enthusiastic to support Mary and Josh in safeguarding employment. They bought the ice cream truck from another special needs family in Indiana and started to pursue the venture. Mr. Wegener’s wife, Freida, had the fabulous idea to name it “Special Neat Treats”. The family opened the business up to the public April 2021. Special Neat Treats Ice Cream Truck is in full operation and is looking forward to the new season adventures starting April 15, 2023.

Owner, Joel Wegener in front of Special Neat Treats.

Joel and Freida Wegener have ten children whose ages range from 16-36 years old. They have five boys and five girls. Mr. and Mrs. Wegener are incredibly proud of their children for running the truck successfully. Josh and Mary Kate expressed their outlook about the venture, “Our dad is the best dad ever and we love to sell ice cream with him. We have a really fun summer, and we hope we have good luck selling ice cream in the future.” When Josh and Mary Kate are not selling ice cream, they both love to go out to eat, watch movies, and play basketball with Special Olympics. Josh especially loves acting and writing plays!

The Wegener’s did not realize how well it would be welcomed in the community. Special Neat Treats Ice Cream Truck sells in the greater Cincinnati/Dayton area in Ohio and hopes to expand to a fleet of trucks this summer. So far, Joel Wegener said their business has “exceeded expectations.” They’ve sold over 10,000 treats! Absolutely amazing! Overwhelmed with joy, Joel Wegener said “The publicity we have received is remarkable.” His hope is that they can encourage other families with special needs kids to find new and inventive ways to support their children and create safeguards for their future. As Mr. Wegener plans to assist his children at Special Neat Treats, they also hope to grow the business to help more people with intellectual/developmental disabilities find employment.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could hear that ice cream truck jingle in all our neighborhoods someday. Special Neat Treats will help raise awareness about the hiring potential of people with varying abilities. Mr. Wegener is inspiring others to dream big with his personal business model. Perhaps you, or someone you support, will start a business too. What talents and services can you bring to your community? I will leave you with Mr Wegener’s encouraging words “No matter what your abilities are, there’s always something that you can do and you can spread joy and interact with other people.”

For more about Special Neat Treats, check out their Facebook page.