From Wall Street to Gelato: Former Trader Finds Fulfillment in Flavor
John Snider, a former Wall Street trader, traded the boardroom for the kitchen, finding a sweeter success in the burgeoning world of artisanal ice cream. After six years in finance, Snider realized his true passion lay in creating, not trading. This led to the founding of "e laboratorio Del gelato," a unique ice cream laboratory dedicated to crafting innovative flavors for chefs seeking something truly special for their menus.
“I spent six years on Wall Street and I really wasn’t happy,” Snider confesses. “I think I always had something that I missed… not having to answer to a boss, not having to put on a suit and tie to work.”
Snider’s journey to gelato began with a childhood spent working in his grandfather’s ice cream store. This early exposure sparked a love for the treat that never faded. After a successful stint in the business world, Snider returned to his roots, drawing upon his entrepreneurial spirit and his passion for ice cream.
"I knew I wanted to start my own company again," Snider explains. "I knew how to make ice cream, and I knew there wasn’t anything like what we do here, creating new flavors for chefs."
e laboratorio Del gelato boasts a flavor list exceeding 250, ranging from classic caramel to more adventurous options like honey lavender and coconut. Snider emphasizes the wholesale nature of his business, catering to high-end restaurants and catering companies in search of unique, delicious, and handcrafted ice cream.
"Our main business is wholesale, and I hope it will always be," says Snider. “I was at the point where I was going to be very happy with a small income, but a nice business that I could nurture and grow slowly.”
Despite its exclusivity, the company has achieved remarkable success, generating over $2 million in annual sales with a dedicated team of 13-14 employees. Snider’s dedication to quality and his love for the craft have clearly paid off.
"We all take a lot of pride in the quality of what we do here,” he says. “You work within your passion, and the money will follow. That’s what happened here.”
Snider’s story is a testament to the power of pursuing your passion. By swapping high-finance pressure for the creative freedom of crafting delicious ice cream, he not only found his true calling but also built a thriving business, proving that sometimes, the sweetest success comes from following your heart.
From Wall Street to Gelato: John Snider’s Journey of Passion and Innovation
John Snider, founder of e Laboratorio del Gelato, a vibrant, New York-based ice cream company, has taken an unconventional path to success. After a successful career on Wall Street, he traded suits and spreadsheets for the sweet world of artisanal gelato, following a deeply rooted passion for his craft. His story is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams, blending tradition with innovation, and finding happiness in the pursuit of passion.
Key Takeaways:
- From Wall Street to Gelato: Snider’s journey from finance to food is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
- Family Legacy: Snider’s passion for ice cream was ignited through his family’s history. His grandfather’s construction of iconic New York "Carvel" stores sparked a lifelong love.
- Founding Shia Bella: Snider’s first foray into the ice cream business was with "Shia Bella," a small shop he started in his youth. This early experience laid the foundation for his future success.
- Pursuit of Passion: After a disillusioning stint on Wall Street, Snider returned to his love of ice cream, founding e Laboratorio del Gelato. This time, he focused on providing unique gelato flavors for chefs and restaurants.
- Innovation and Quality: Snider’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in his extensive flavor list, boasting over 250 unique concoctions.
- Family Values: Snider’s family plays a pivotal role in the company, underscoring the importance of strong family ties in his entrepreneurial journey.
- Wholesale Success: Despite a thriving retail section, Snider’s main focus remains on wholesale sales, demonstrating his dedication to innovative flavors for food professionals.
- Balanced Growth: While passionate about his work, Snider emphasizes sustainable growth and a healthy work-life balance, highlighting the importance of finding happiness in one’s business.
From Carvel to Shia Bella: A Family Legacy
Snider’s love affair with ice cream began at a tender age. His grandfather, a contractor in the 1940s and 1950s, constructed numerous Carvel stores in the New York area. The last store his grandfather built became Snider’s summer workplace from the age of 9 to 17. "Every summer I would work there," he recalls, clearly demonstrating the formative impact of his early exposure to the ice cream industry.
After high school, Snider decided to postpone college and pursue his passion. He opened his first ice cream venture, Shia Bella, at 19. The business took time to take off, but by the fifth year, it became a solid, profitable enterprise. However, Snider realized his entrepreneurial spirit coupled with his desire for a formal education demanded a change.
From Wall Street to Gelato: A Return to Passion
In 1989, Snider chose to pursue higher education, earning a Master’s degree from Columbia University. He then embarked on a career on Wall Street, working as a trader at AB and Amro and Lane Brothers. Despite the financial success, Snider found himself unfulfilled. "It just wasn’t for me," he admits. He missed the freedom and autonomy of running his own business and the creative satisfaction he experienced in his earlier venture.
"I think I always just had something that I missed, out of having my own thing," Snider notes, highlighting the emotional pull of his passion. "Not having to answer to a boss, not having to put on a suit and tie to work," he explains, emphasizing the constraints he felt in his Wall Street role.
With this realization, Snider decided to return to his roots. He knew he wanted to start his own business again and he knew how to make ice cream. However, he recognized the limitations of the traditional, artisanal ice cream brands that were emerging at the time. He wanted to offer something different, something unique.
Building e Laboratorio del Gelato: A Focus on Innovation
In 2009, Snider established e Laboratorio del Gelato, which translates to "The Ice Cream Laboratory" in Italian. His goal was clear: to create innovative, exciting flavors of gelato for chefs looking for unique additions to their menus. This focus on culinary partnerships set e Laboratorio del Gelato apart from traditional ice cream makers.
Snider’s commitment to creativity is evident in his extensive flavor list. He’s crafted over 250 unique gelato creations, ranging from the familiar, such as "Caramel," to the more adventurous, like "Honey Lavender." His dedication to quality is equally evident. He explains, "It’s very much what we do here – create new flavors for chefs who want something unique for their menus."
Family Values and Sustainable Growth
Snider’s family remains an important part of his business journey. His mother, who actively participates in the company, is a constant source of support. She helps with labeling and even contributes to the retail section of the business. The family dynamic extends to the team, creating a supportive and nurturing environment.
"I have a staff of 13 or 14," Snider states proudly. "And I think we all take a lot of pride in the quality of what we do here." He emphasizes a balanced approach to growth, recognizing the importance of quality and sustainability.
"I was at the point where I was going to be very happy with a small income, but a nice business that I could nurture and grow slowly," he shares, emphasizing his desire for a comfortable lifestyle alongside career satisfaction. With annual sales exceeding $2 million, Snider has found the perfect harmony between passion, success, and a healthy work-life balance.
A Testament to Passion
John Snider’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passions. His journey from Wall Street to the world of artisanal gelato demonstrates the power of following your heart. e Laboratorio del Gelato not only serves delicious and innovative gelato, but also stands as a testament to the importance of family, dedication, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. Snider’s words ring true: "You work within your passion and the money will follow. And that’s what happened here."
