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OUR STORY
Pioneer Sweets started because there was interest in doing something unique with students that would allow for creativity and learning to happen simultaneously.
Hands-on learning is a core value of UW-Platteville and was the main driving force in creating our student-managed business! Pioneer Sweets was created in partnership with many community supporters who were interested in supporting our goals and interests. After the first batch freezers were purchased, we were in business!
We employ students of all study interests, including agriculture education, agribusiness, and dairy science. These students work hard in all aspects of the business, from flavor development to promotion and production. Pioneer Sweets is a success because of our hardworking students!
OUR STAFF
Dr. Tera Montgomery
Advisor
Professor of Animal Science at UW-Platteville
Dr. Montgomery is around for the business's day-to-day operations and to help guide students to make this business successful. She had the idea for this business, and students brought it to life! Doc loves working with the students and creating success through them!
This business is one of her dreams; she has finally seen it come to fruition.
OUR ALUMNI
Pioneer Sweets would not be where it is today without its alumni. These fantastic women significantly impacted the business, and there isn't a day when we don't miss them. They all dedicated time and hard work to make the business thrive for years to come. We are so grateful that they enjoyed their time with the business, and we wish them luck in their future endeavors.
See below for a glimpse of what our alumni are doing now and how Pioneer Sweets impacted them!
The first 4 student managers
Katie Yanke
Graduation Year: May 2022
Current Position: I am the Sales and Marketing Specialist at the Save Cows Network of Companies in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
Pioneer Sweets Impact: Pioneer Sweets impacted me by pushing me out of my comfort zone and trying something new. I also learned a lot about starting a business and what all goes into a startup.
HOW DO WE DIFFER?
Pioneer Sweets is unique from other on-campus ice cream businesses because we are a student-managed business and so the students are allowed the freedom to determine what direction the business could go. We will also be able to make the ice cream from milk and cream from Pioneer Farm in the near future and we work with local businesses to design ice cream flavors for their customers as well.
