Chamber’s People of the Year ‘just keep everybody smiling’

John Malandro and Julie Puglin, Merrick’s Kona Ice franchisees, left a collective four decades of work in the banking and legal worlds to go into the business of smiles.

The business partners — who are often confused for husband and wife — were honored last week at the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce as Merrick’s Businesspeople of the Year.

Malandro and Puglin both lost their jobs within a couple of months of each other, Malandro told the Herald this week, as they celebrated their first anniversary with the tropical-themed shaved-ice company.

“We’d been friends for about 20 years, and I was like, ‘Come on, let’s do something together,’” he said.

After “sitting behind a desk for 20 years,” Malandro said, he and Puglin agreed that it would be fun to try something different and “just make kids smile.”

Kona Ice is well known for its philanthropic interests, donating thousands of dollars each year to school groups, sports teams and community groups. “That was one of the deciding factors for us that led us into buying the franchise,” Malandro said, adding that at this point, he and Puglin have raised money for “pretty much every school” in Merrick.

Kona Ice trucks bring a unique atmosphere to events and venues they visit, starting with the steel drum music pumping from their speakers and ending with the icy gluten- and dairy-free treats they serve.

“A lot of the flavors are enriched with vitamins, pretty much hypoallergenic … There’s something for everyone, basically — unless you’re allergic to ice, which is pretty hard,” Malandro said with a laugh.

“Julie and John share our commitment to giving back,” Tony Lamb, founder and president of Kona Ice, which is based in Kentucky, said last year. “They want to have a positive influence on the people in their community, whether it’s new textbooks, sports uniforms or simply a smile. We are proud to have them on board. Together, we’re excited to make a difference in the lives of those around us.”

Beyond fundraisers, popular spots for Kona Ice stops in Merrick, Wantagh and Bellmore include fairs, festivals, corporate events, neighborhood socials, church events and birthday parties. Malandro and Puglin’s trucks also run regular weekday and weekend routes.

Last weekend, the partners donated ices to the Town of Oyster Bay for an event, and they plan on being at Merrick’s Halloween parade on Saturday.

“We’re pretty much going for six months out of the year, 18-hour days,” Malandro said. “Pretty much we can do anything fun. You pull up, the lights are going, the steel drums are going, and we just keep everybody smiling.”