A small spark of inspiration and a leap of faith ignited a seven-year career in founding, owning, and operating CRAVE Ice Cream Social. 

Amanda Grollnek graduated from Ball State University with a degree in fine arts and a concentration in graphic design. She’s part of a family of “Cardinals” and knew she would get her education at Ball State University because her sister attended prior to her. She took trumpet lessons on campus while in high school, and her daughter also graduated from the nursing school and is now taking graduate classes. 

“I felt like it was kind of a natural school to go to,” Amanda said. “Ball State really forced me to be more creative than I knew I was…I just honestly can not say enough great things about Ball State and the education they provide.”

Upon graduation from Ball State University, Amanda’s portfolio helped her gain experience through internships and jobs.  Amanda worked as a communication specialist and graphic designer for Saint John’s Health System for nine years before starting her 10 and a half year career with Firestone. She spent five years as a graphic designer for Firestone Industrial Products, then expanded to Firestone Building Products, where she worked as a strategic brand manager.

Amanda was faced with a choice after Firestone made an executive decision to move to Nashville, TN. She decided to stay in Indiana and leave the company she loved behind. 

“To really take a leap and leave all of that was really scary for me,” Amanda said. 

Although that door closed for Amanda, it presented the opportunity to open another one. One evening, Amanda went out to dinner with her family before seeking out a sweet treat for dessert. A simple thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an ice cream place close by?” became the start of a new adventure. 

Although Amanda is naturally comfortable with a set plan for her life, her husband, Scott, encourages a different agenda — he has an extensive entrepreneurial portfolio. 

On a whim, Scott and Amanda spoke with the landlord of a building up for lease at the Geist Marina (close to where they had dinner the night before). Although that space was set up for offices, the landlord directed them to another suite that would soon be available that was “perfect” for their vision. 

Amanda started studying the world of ice cream and owning her own business — two things she did not go to Ball State University to study. She put in the hard work and it all paid off: from working open to close at the shop as well as managing an ice cream truck for events and catering.

“It was a super busy and challenging time. It was rewarding to know that you could build something like that from nothing. It was successful,” Amanda said. “I never had a dream of opening an ice cream shop. It was just completely out of left field, but it was great.” 

Amanda was self employed as the owner and manager of CRAVE Ice Cream Social for almost seven years starting in July 2016. In April 2023, Amanda sold her business to pursue a new passion: real estate. She and her husband bought a house in Pendleton last year and flipped it. Another small spark of inspiration and she “caught the bug.” In December 2023 she was recognized as self-employed with Carpenter Realtors as a Real Estate Broker. She secured her real estate license and is once again pursuing something a little out of her comfort zone.

Through all of Amanda’s experiences, she has taken important life lessons with her: communication is key and learn how to control your reactions. 

“Communication is so important. Whether that’s communicating to your boss, communicating to the public, or communicating to people that work for you. It is just so important,” she said. “When things come across your desk, whatever that may be, and it makes you upset, you have to take a breath and really think how you should respond instead of just reacting to your feelings…Sometimes when you can step back for a minute you realize what you thought was a big deal, may not be.”

Outside of Amanda’s professional career she has sparked new interest in hobbies. She has always loved music as a band member in high school, but has found enjoyment in trying new things. She is teaching herself how to play the violin and guitar while still playing the piano.

With family scattered all over she has traveled a lot, especially to San Diego, but she hopes to explore Africa within the next few years. As the weather starts to feel more like summer, Amanda finds herself outside making her yard look nice with flowers and gardens, going for bicycle rides, playing pickleball, and finding new hiking trails to explore. 

Amanda says, “she caught the bug,” but she really caught a glimpse at the thrill and adrenaline of stepping outside of her comfort zone and fell in love with it.