Ackmans’ businesses built on giving back
TOM PINNEY/DAILY FORUM
David and Leslie Ackman pose for a picture following an interview at the Daily Forum office. The couple has a history around town for owning several businesses and running the Kool Kats shaved ice stand.
From one institution to another, the Ackmans are one of Maryville’s most well-known families, and each of them for different reasons.
Leslie Jackson Ackman, the matriarch, is a member of the Jackson family who has lived in northwest Missouri for generations. She has also been a regular substitute at Eugene Field Elementary School, choosing to exclude herself from the list this year, and has recently started devoting time to becoming a mixed media artist.
David came to Maryville in 1990 to run Domino’s, leaving the business in 2011 to take over the Kool Kats shaved ice stand. Now, the whole family is associated with the popular summer destination, but the stand was a Maryville institution before the Ackmans took it over.
The Ackmans purchased Kool Kats from Kermit Lager, who himself had purchased the stand from Myles Burnsides. David noted that the visitors to the stand are frequently people with memories.
“We have people coming to visit who were frequent visitors in their youth bringing their kids,” David said. “Even Leslie visited the stand in high school.”
“Occasionally, kids will come to the stand who were students in classes where I was a sub,” Leslie added. “They’re always happy to see me, and I’m always glad to see how they’ve grown and progressed.”
The stand also has been contracted by the city on several occasions to provide free shaved ice to the community. David specified that the city was the real hero there.
“It’s really a partnership between us where they pay for the free drinks we give away,” David said. “We usually charge them about half of what it actually costs, because we give a lot away, but the city actually pays us for the ice.”
That attitude of service guides the family in many things they do. Their service to Maryville is frequent and varied, from teaching classes to giving to their friends.
“When I came to Maryville, I told myself that I would not only work to provide my own living, but that I would always give as much as possible,” David said. “Some people may think I’m nuts, but we’re always up for an opportunity to give.”
“When I was with Domino’s, we frequently had fundraisers for area groups, cancer patients, and a lot of other things that people needed. This year alone, we’ve given away two cars. We really enjoy helping the community.”
“I’m actually going to be teaching a class on art to wounded warriors,” Leslie added. “Our daughter, Emma, also spent some time teaching classes at Upward Bound.”
The Ackmans’ spirit of altruism is almost a hobby for them, but it contributes to the overall good they’ve seen in Maryville all along.
“In many ways, Maryville is doing great things,” David said. “That’s why we’ve always kept businesses here, and that’s why we never want to leave.
“We try to involve the community in what we do because we’re excited to be part of it. We love getting to know everyone here and being part of this town.”
Kool Kats almost exclusively employs students at Maryville High School to give them experience in not only a work environment, but in the service the Ackmans and Kool Kats are known for. In addition to their businesses, the Ackmans are looking to get more offerings in town for people suffering from mental illnesses.
The Ackmans are a regional success story, but their advice revolves around staying grounded.
“To start out, you have to be grateful, say ‘thank you,’ and stay humble,” Leslie said. “Every single person you meet is fighting their own battle, and you have to remember that.
“This is almost advice to my younger self as well, because I wish I would have done this more when I was younger, but you have to love people and give of your heart. It’s something I’m trying to do more.”
“I like to ask people what it would feel like if they found out today they were the Prince or Princess of England,” David added. “How would that impact your life if that happened?
“You can’t forget who you are, because each and every one of us is a son or daughter of God. We are literally princes and princess, each of us, and it’s important to remember that.”
Editor’s Note
This story is part of a weekly series highlighting “Everyday Heroes.” In this weekly segment, the Daily Forum takes a look at people who work tirelessly to make Maryville a great place to live. If you have a suggestion for someone who you feel should be featured, please contact us via email at [email protected] or call the Forum at 660-562- 2424.