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From one truck to a nationwide phenomenon, Kona Ice has built an extraordinary business with relationships at the heart of its success.
When Tony Lamb launched Kona Ice in 2007, he had one truck, a big idea, and a vision for something different. Nearly two decades later, that single truck has grown into a thriving business with more than 2,000 trucks on the road, another 1,000 pieces of supporting equipment, and an exciting second brand, Traveling Tom’s Coffee, with approximately 400 trucks of its own.
It’s an extraordinary entrepreneurial success story. But for Tony, building a successful business isn’t just about having the right idea at the right time. It’s also about surrounding yourself with the right people.
And that’s where Barnes Dennig comes in.
A relationship that grows with the business
As Kona Ice has evolved from a startup into a major franchise operation, its financial needs have become increasingly sophisticated. Through every stage of that journey, Tony has valued the consistency, expertise, and personal relationships he’s developed with the Barnes Dennig team.
“What makes it easy to work with Barnes Dennig is the personalities and the relationships you develop over time,” Tony explains.
Those relationships have become particularly meaningful as his business, family, and personal financial circumstances have evolved. Working with professionals who understand his history means Tony doesn’t have to start from scratch every time a new opportunity or challenge arises.
In fact, some of his relationships at Barnes Dennig have lasted longer than those with members of his own executive leadership team.
That continuity creates something every business owner values: confidence that the people advising them truly understand their business, their goals, and what matters most.
More services. More opportunities. One trusted team.
One of the things Tony appreciates most about Barnes Dennig is that the firm has continued to grow alongside Kona Ice.
As his needs have expanded, so has the range of services and expertise available to support him. What began as a professional relationship has evolved into a comprehensive partnership that extends beyond business accounting and tax matters to encompass his personal financial needs and family office services.
Tony particularly values the ability to have proactive conversations about what’s ahead, rather than simply reacting to challenges as they arise.
That forward-looking approach helps him consider new opportunities, prepare for changing circumstances, and make informed decisions with a team that knows his financial history.
For an entrepreneur managing multiple growing businesses and increasingly complex personal financial considerations, having that depth of expertise and continuity in one relationship is a significant advantage.
It’s personal. And that’s the difference.
While Tony values the breadth of Barnes Dennig’s services and the technical expertise of its professionals, he makes it clear that something else sets the relationship apart.
“As we go through our lives and we get to choose at some point who we work with, we have chosen to work with Barnes Dennig,” he says.
For Tony, that choice comes down to more than capabilities or credentials. It’s about trust, consistency, and genuine connections with people who have been part of his journey for years.
“It’s because of great services, it’s because of a large portfolio of services that you guys provide, but just as important, the personalities. It’s the relationships that you develop.”
From one truck to thousands, from a single brand to multiple growing businesses, Tony’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to what’s possible with a great idea, determination, and the right people in your corner.
And as Kona Ice continues to grow, Barnes Dennig is proud to be part of the journey.
Let’s build what’s next. Together.
Your business won’t stand still, and neither should your financial strategy. From accounting and tax planning to sophisticated advisory and personal wealth solutions, Barnes Dennig brings the expertise, relationships, and forward-looking guidance to help you navigate what’s next.
Let’s build a better, brighter future together.