Banbury builder swaps laying bricks for scooping ice cream with new business venture
A Banbury builder has swapped scooping mortar on building sites for scooping ice cream after launching his new business.
Kurt O’Sullivan and his wife Rebecca launched Gerties Ice Cream, a mobile artisan ice cream and sorbet business, at the start of the summer.
The venture marks a dramitic change of direction for Kurt, who spent 25 years working as a bricklayer after starting in the trade at the age of 16.
He said: “I was bored one day and thought I would start a little ice cream business for my daughters, and we have gone from strength to strength.”
Rather than opting for a traditional ice cream van, Kurt serves customers from a tricycle, giving the business a distinctive retro look.
What began as a small weekend venture quickly grew, with Kurt and Rebecca securing bookings at Fairport’s Cropredy Convention, charity events, sports and running events, as well as several weddings organised by Dovecote Events in Adderbury.
Kurt said: “I honestly thought we’d just be doing local markets, car boot sales and small local events to start with, but things grew much faster than expected.”
As the colder months approach, the couple have expanded their menu to include waffles alongside freshly made Cotswolds ice cream.
They named the business after their youngest daughter, Gertie, who, alongside her older sister Antonia, helps out with the business.
Kurt said: “She’s our little ray of sunshine. She even gets involved, putting her little ideas in and helping where she can.”
Looking ahead, Kurt and Rebecca have partnered with a local ice cream producer, with the pair set to attend several large events throughout 2027.
The couple have also secured wedding bookings and are looking forward to helping couples celebrate their special days.
“We love a good wedding and with over twenty flavours of ice cream and sorbets, there is something for everyone,” they said.
“We love being a part of people’s special moments.”
Kurt is also hoping to buy a retro Citroën H van to expand Gerties growing fleet and take the business to more customers.
For more information about Gerties Ice Cream, visit: https://gertiesicecreams.com/