Work is Fun: How King of Pops CEO Steve Carse Built a Brand with Soul, Sweat & Frozen Treats

Macon Atlanta with Brent

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About the Episode: Join us for an engaging conversation with Steve Carse, the founder of King of Pops, as we dive into the journey of building an Atlanta icon. Steve shares the unexpected story behind King of Pops’ most popular flavors, insights into his leadership approach with the company’s unique “wear the shirt” philosophy, and the challenges of running a seasonal business. We also explore the brand’s diversification into ventures like Tree Elves and P10 Distribution and Steve’s reflections on parenting, balancing treats, and the joy of creating moments of happiness for the community.

⭐ Featured Guest: Steve Carse Steve Carse is the visionary behind King of Pops, a playful, community-centered brand that has become a staple in Atlanta’s food scene with over 60 franchise territories.

Connect with Steve: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevencarse/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stevenacarse/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-carse-5a44029 • Blog: https://www.stevecarse.com/

King of Pops on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingofpops Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingofpops/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@kingofpops LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/king-of-pops

🎙️ Host: Brent Macon Brent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he’s passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives. Through his podcast *Macon Atlanta*, Brent talks with interesting people about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. He believes in balancing ambition with well-being and using business as a force for good.

Connect With Brent: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/MaconAtlanta/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?_rdr/

📺 About the Show: Macon Atlanta is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders from diverse fields to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world with more thriving.

If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a 5-star review, like, & comment to help others discover the show. You can also tweet [@MaconAtlanta](https://x.com/MaconAtlanta/) with your feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes, and we’ll personally thank you for tuning in 🙏.

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Steve Carse & King of Pops 00:22 - Top Flavors and Surprising Best-Seller 01:35 - Steve’s Favorite Flavors Over the Seasons 03:20 - Selecting Flavors for Each Cart 04:00 - Why Steve Loves the Work 05:04 - The “Wear the Shirt” Core Value 06:46 - Core Values and Hard Work 08:03 - Balancing Work and Family Life 11:19 - The Three Phases of King of Pops’ Journey 13:09 - The Role of the King of Pops Farm 15:26 - Managing Seasonal Business Operations 18:21 - Realistic Scaling and Gradual Growth 20:06 - Overcoming Challenges Like COVID 23:13 - Competitive Advantage and Product Quality 24:08 - Preserving Brand Soul in Franchising 26:16 - Franchisee Profiles and Their Unique Impact 29:27 - Scaling with Soul in Mind 33:25 - Creating Unexpected Moments of Happiness 36:25 - Seasonal Logistics and Operations Adjustments 40:47 - Steve’s Perspective on Sugar & Prince Pops 47:00 - Steve’s Book “Work is Fun” 51:15 - Defining Success and Fulfillment in Work 51:47 - Keeping Work Fun and Enjoyable

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