On a warm afternoon in Marion, children run toward the street with smiles on their faces. But instead of chasing down an ice cream truck, they’re flocking to Jude’s Chill Cycle — a freezer-packed, four-wheeled bike with a canvas roof pedaled by a 13-year-old entrepreneur.
That entrepreneur is Jude McNamara, an 8th grader at Grant Middle School, who started his frozen treat business earlier this year.
“I wanted to make money and I thought selling ice cream would be a good way to do that,” McNamara said.
As McNamara pedals from Chateau Ridge to Colonial Acres, his ride isn’t an ordinary bike.
“Have you seen a bike that looks like a golf cart before?” he asked with a grin.
His family found the base for the four-wheeler on Facebook Marketplace. They outfitted it with freezers, signs and a logo Jude helped design.
Jude’s Chill Cycle is street legal. He has a state business license, a transient vendor’s license, an employer identification number and has been inspected by the health department.
Now, when he pedals through neighborhoods four to five days a week during warm weather, kids light up at the sight of his cart. Top sellers include Chipwiches, Fat Boys ice cream sandwiches and the ever-popular Spongebob popsicles.
“They’re really interested in the bike,” McNamara said. “Kids get really happy to see us. Customers really like all the different items we have.”
The items are $2 each and McNamara accepts cash, cards and Venmo. He has many repeat customers.
“Very nice young man and his mom! We will buy ice cream from you anytime!” said Angela Whitaker.
"I had a wonderful experience with Jude's Chill Cycle! Jude had an amazing assortment of ice cream products to offer me and my family. The entire experience was wonderful. We cannot wait for Jude's Chill Cycle to return," one of his most loyal customers said.
“Thanks for coming to Canterbury!!!! We had some happy kids to support Jude!” one wrote.
Jude’s parents, Julie and Ian McNamara of Marion, own their own small business: Off Doody Pet Waste Solutions. His parents said they couldn’t be prouder of their son’s entrepreneurship.
“We are so proud of Jude and his commitment to his business. He has been involved in every aspect: designing his logo, choosing equipment, obtaining licensing and, of course, researching products,” Julie McNamara said. “He is gaining so many important skills, but he just sees it as having fun while making money.”
Jude receives services through the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DD) as he is on the autism spectrum and has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The board is very proud to see one of their clients succeed with help from his parents and support from the community.
"The people we serve are so capable of working. Sometimes it’s important to be creative or do things a little differently. Jude is a shining example of using his abilities in a unique way to achieve his goal of making money," Marion County Board of DD Director of Communications Nicole Workman said. "Doing this at just 13 years old is incredible. I am not surprised though. Jude has incredible natural supports in his parents. They do a great job of recognizing his strengths."
For Jude, the Chill Cycle is more than just a job. It’s a way to bring joy to his community, one frozen treat at a time.
“Seeing kids light up when they spot us is my favorite thing,” he said.
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