By Matt Nelson, Special Writer
EAST WINDSOR — Two years ago, three college students were in need of a summer job.
But instead of filling a job application at a restaurant, grocery store or strip mall, they started their own ice cream truck business.
Now, all three at age 22, Ben Small, of East Windsor, Bryan Behrman, of East Windsor, and Hunter Ellentuck, of Roosevelt, operate the BHB Ice Cream Truck, which travels through the streets of East Windsor serving frozen treats to residents of all ages.
”All of our other ideas were already being used so we thought it would be simple if we used the first letter of our first names,” Mr. Behrman said.
When they started this business, all three men were on summer break and couldn’t find internships in their respective fields.
”We all felt as though this would be the best way to make money,” Mr. Small said “It still is a fun part-time job after three years of hard work.”
When they started in 2010, the crew originally had a bus, which they upgraded into a van and custom-made the van to look like a classic ice cream truck.
The men typically drive the truck weeknights and weekends, and while Mr. Behrman and Mr. Small each have another job, they have developed a passion for selling frozen treats to anyone in East Windsor.
”Whenever we stop at someone’s house, the parents love seeing us selling to their young children,” Mr. Small said. “A lot of kids love the SpongeBob SquarePants ice pops, firecracker ice pops, ice cream sandwiches and strawberry shortcake flavored food. It’s nice to see the kids smiling and jumping up and down whenever they see the truck on their streets.”
He added, “The more hours we work, the more money we make. It’s not like we’re scheduled to work hours that an employer wants us to work. We have to work to earn the money and the reputation that goes with selling frozen food to residents of our town.”
The three men learned about the basics of running a business in high school and in college, but Mr. Behrman and Mr. Small believe there is more to this job than just learning about how to run a business in college.
”There is a lot that students can learn by going out into the real world and starting their own business like we did,” Mr. Behrman said.
The men also are aware that running a business means they need to solve problems when they arise.
”You have to be ready for any unexpected issues that might take place whether it’s a broken engine in the truck or the freezer isn’t working,” Mr. Small said. “It’s all about problem-solving when you’re on your own.”
The last two years, the crew ran the truck from May to August. They also attend birthday parties and special events.
This year, Mr. Small plans on running it into late September as he is finished with college.
He recently graduated from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, and also is working for an accounting firm.
Mr. Behrman will return to William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey, in the fall. His second job is at a bank.
Mr. Ellentuck graduated from Syracuse University in New York and is not working the ice cream truck this year. Instead, he is teaching students English in Thailand.
For more information, email [email protected], or search for BHB Ice Cream Truck on Facebook.

