23-Year-Old Quits Desk Job, Builds 40-Store Frozen Yogurt Chain

Neil Hershman didn't want to spend his twenties staring at a computer screen at his asset management job, so he did something about it. At 23, he used $160,000 of his own savings and a $300,000 Small Business Administration loan to buy a single 16 Handles frozen yogurt shop in New York City.

Most young entrepreneurs might hire managers and step back. Hershman did the opposite, working every role from cashier to bathroom cleaner to understand his business inside and out.

"The biggest thing that's made me successful is I like doing things, not just sitting around and talking," Hershman told Reuters. "You only get to know a business by absorbing it and doing it."

His hands-on approach paid off fast. He doubled the store's profitability, improved customer reviews, and grew revenue enough to buy two more locations.

In 2022, now in his early 30s, Hershman acquired the entire 16 Handles brand, which started as New York City's first self-serve frozen yogurt shop in 2008. Today he oversees about 40 franchised locations across Arizona, Florida, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, and Texas, plus six shops he owns himself.

Hershman's playbook includes engaging local communities through sports teams and school groups. He even turned failed flavors into marketing gold, like when "French fry frozen yogurt" flopped but generated buzz as customers tried it, reacted, and shared their experiences with friends.

The company now offers 16 flavors at every location, ranging from high-protein and gluten-free options to creative choices like Mike's Hot Honey frozen yogurt "with a kick of heat" and Butter Beer. They've built what their website calls "a library of Artisan flavors" including better-for-you frozen yogurt, all-natural ice cream, and vegan options like oatmilk soft serve.

Why This Inspires

Hershman's story shows what happens when passion meets action. He didn't wait for the perfect moment or unlimited resources; he used what he had and learned by doing.

His willingness to start small, work every job, and truly understand his business from the ground up created a foundation strong enough to support rapid growth. The frozen yogurt market is projected to grow from $1.93 billion to $2.65 billion by 2034, and Hershman plans to lead 16 Handles into national and international expansion.

One young person's refusal to settle for work that didn't fulfill him has created jobs, brought communities together over creative flavors, and proved that hands-on dedication still matters in business.