Gerbers acquire Dairlyland property

The mercury’s back on the rise again, hopefully this time for good, and it won’t be long before people will be going after cold treats at Dairyland. Though it may not be visible, the business recently underwent a change as Kevin and Jordan Gerber became the official owners of the property.

Kevin said he and Jordan are getting ready to enter their seventh year with the business, and in their first year they managed the business for former owners Brad and Shannon Shaffer. From there, they entered into a five-year lease-to-own. That recently came to an end and they had to make some big decisions.

“We’ve absolutely loved it,” he said, and they’ve been blessed with what Dairyland has done for them and their family. When they got into the business, he added, they weren’t looking for a “hamburger and ice cream” place. With a love for the youth of the community they wanted to continue the tradition the Shaffers started, of providing the youth an opportunity to enter the job market and learn what it means to be an employee, mistakes and all.

“Without a doubt, God’s hands were in it,” Gerber continued. He was teaching fitness classes at Gottsche when Shannon Shaffer, who was in one of his classes, proposed the idea that the Gerbers manage the business. After much praying and considerations, they tried it out that first year and for the past five they’ve tried their best to honor what the Shaffers have done while putting their Gerber stamp on it as well.

When the lease came up, Kevin said the family thought and prayed about whether they could continue on with it. He added they had looked at other options, but were led back to where God wants them to be, working with the youth in the community. Kevin has plenty of youth work, having previously worked and coached in the school district.

The Gerbers aren’t providing an opportunity to the youth with the hope of having lifelong employees. Kevin hopes they are able to keep them through high school, perhaps into college, then watch them move one and do great things in this world.

“We want to just have an impact on the community that means a lot to us.”

There is plenty of work to do before opening the doors for the summer, and Kevin said it would be business per usual though every year they try to add some different things here and there. He knows the big question will be whether Dairyland will be open year-round, and explained one of the appeals of the business was that it still allowed time for the couple to still be parents and be involved with their children’s activities. It could mean they’re open for a few additional weeks, though.

Opening day is planned for April 12, but will be no later than April 19.