The Seasonal Operator Episode 3: Turning a One-Day Event into 46 Years of Loyalty

In this Seasonal Business Operator bonus episode of the Customer Connect Podcast, Nicole dives into one of the smartest—and sweetest—seasonal marketing strategies ever created: Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day. What began as a small thank-you event for local customers has become a 46-year tradition that continues to attract crowds, media coverage, and customer loyalty across the globe.

This episode isn’t about ice cream—it’s about strategy. Nicole unpacks how one free event became a marketing powerhouse that reconnects locals, builds community, and sets the tone for every upcoming season. She breaks down what made it work then, and how seasonal operators—from Christmas stores to cafés and tourism businesses—can apply the same principles to their own customer base.

You’ll learn how to:

• Reconnect with your local audience before peak season
• Create buzz that fuels organic word-of-mouth marketing
• Lower barriers to purchase and reignite customer loyalty
• Turn gratitude-driven events into long-term brand growth

Whether you’re reopening after the off-season or preparing for your busiest quarter, this episode will show you how a small gesture of appreciation can deliver massive returns.

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