For four summers, Kelly Jutting has had the same job. She returns each year despite somewhat cramped working quarters.

There are a few perks, however. She likes her employers and enjoys the delighted smiles of appreciative customers.

At Shirley and Douglas Ott’s Tropical Sno Shaved Ice stand, the new summer of treating the public has already begun.

Each season begins with finding employees to serve up the cones and mixing up the vast amounts of syrup that will turn a cone full of ice shavings into the ultimate summer cool down.

“It’s like making Kool-Aid, but you’re making gallons and gallons,” Shirley says.

The Otts have been in the snow cone business since 1996.

The decision occured when their own shaved ice addiction finally compelled them to open a stand in their home town of Jefferson.

“We were going broke buying them,” Shirley says. “We had to go to Carroll or Boone to get one, so we checked into starting one ourselves.”

With the success of the first stand, the Otts opened a second stand in Ames in 1999 in the parking lot of North Grand Mall.

Snow cone lovers can also get these summer treats at another Ames location on South Duff in the 20th Century Bowling parking lot at 505 South Duff.

Amanda Doering, junior in hotel, restaurant and institution management, recently bought the stand with her father, Craig Doering, and Randy Woodbeck, a family friend.

Amanda will be the new manager of the stand on South Duff, and she hopes to take a portable stand to other locations — possibly the Hunziker Youth Sports Complex, off U.S. Highway 30, in June and Welch Avenue in August.

A firm knowledge of the rainbow of snow cone flavorings available is what separates the first time shaved ice novices from the well-versed snow cone connoisseurs.

Amanda says she has already had a chance to pick out her favorite flavor.

“I would go for either the Simba or Tiger’s Blood,” she says.

Craig Doering says he’s learning quite a bit about the process of making a snow cone since he has bought the stand with his daughter.

“It takes five pounds of sugar for one gallon of water with the flavoring,” he says. “I think there’s about 40 different flavors and 80 different combinations.”

One reason the Otts were so impressed with the product is because Tropical Sno offers an upgrade on a classic treat, an important distinction that makes Tropical Sno popular for grown-ups, as well as kids.

“It’s more than a snow cone. It’s shaved ice, but it’s ice cream texture,” Doug says. “Kids like it, but adults appreciate it more.”

Jutting has seen first-hand the effect Tropical Sno’s product has on customers.

“A lot of the comments that we get are that they are really good, better than any other snow cone they have ever had,” she says. “People get addicted to them and come every day.”

Since getting into the business, the Otts have found that a lot of people share their enthusiasm for snow cones.

“It depends on the type of day,” Shirley say. “We have a lot of families, more high school kids come later in the afternoon — lots of people come after ballgames.”

David Saide of Ames is one regular customer. A stop at Tropical Sno is a great way to unwind after a long day at school, Saide says.

“We need to relax, to have some place to go instead of going straight home. It’s nice to sit outside in an outdoors environment,” he says.

Business at Doug and Shirley’s stand is highly dependent on the fitful nature of Iowa weather.

“It’s a very weather-oriented business,” Shirley says. “No one wants to freeze and eat one.”

Even the occasional cooler temperatures, however, can’t stop dedicated snow cone lovers.

“We do still get customers [when it’s cold], believe it or not,” Shirley says.

“Usually people are ready for one after the winter.”