Dream Job

It’s distinctive tune can be heard up and down Smith Mountain Lake on sunny summer days. The music box piping out classic ice cream truck music lets kids, adults and even dogs know the one-of-a-kind Ice Cream Boat is on its way.

Founded 12 years ago by brothers Travis and Ryan Burke when they were just 15 and 12 respectively, the pontoon boat loaded with frozen treats is one of SML’s most endearing traditions.

“We have a blast doing it,” said Travis. “I love talking to and meeting new people. And it’s always nice to see some return visitors year after year.”

The Burke brothers first set afloat in 2000, looking for an inventive approach to summertime earnings. Rather than flipping burgers or mowing lawns, the pair decided to sell their parents on a strategic partnership.

“We lived in Roanoke at the time but had a house on the lake,” said Travis. “We thought the lake area could use something like the ice cream truck in Roanoke. That’s how we came up with the idea. Our parents believed in us and were our investors.”

Now, Travis, 27, and Ryan, 24, have successfully completed 11 seasons of selling ice cream while cruising the shores of SML. Ryan said he still recalls the excitement of launching the operation.

“I just remember thinking how much fun it would be to meet people every day. I thought, what better job than to ride around on a boat all day and sell ice cream,” he said. “I couldn’t wait to get out there that first day.”

Over the years, the Burkes have logged an average of 3,500 miles per season, last year totaling 3,800. They put in 10-12 hours each day when they’re out on the lake, making a round trip of about 60 miles. Operating the business also requires hard work before and after driving the daily route.

“We have to restock the freezer, count inventory and get gas,” Ryan said. “There is boat maintenance, and when a motor breaks down, there isn’t [always] a quick solution. Last year, we went through about three different freezers. After we return from a day of selling, we usually spend until midnight or so getting ready for the next day.”

The brothers have kept the enterprise afloat through high school, college and now “real jobs.” Travis works at his father’s Roanoke-based industrial design company and Ryan is a recent graduate of Ferrum College pursuing a job in the field of parks and recreation. So far, both have been able to work around their full-time schedules to devote summers to the Ice Cream Boat. Long-time fans like Carol Gilbert-Daughtrey look forward to its dockside stops each year.

“Travis and Ryan and their parents are so dedicated. My husband, Tom, and I have gotten to become really good friends with them,” Gilbert-Daughtrey said, adding that their black Labrador, Buddie, is particularly crazy about the Ice Cream Boat.

“When they start coming from Hales Ford Bridge, which is 3 miles away, Buddie can hear the music and starts barking. He is a sight to behold. We go down to the dock and wait and wait and wait. Once they get to the dock, they give him a Milkbone treat,” she said.

Travis said “it’s scary” to think how quickly the time has gone by for the young entrepreneurs.

“It’s hard for me to compare it to anything else because I’ve done it most of my life,” he said. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

ICE CREAM  BOAT MENU
$1 items
Ice Cream Sandwich
Push-Up
Fudgsicle
Creamsicle

$1.50 items
Drumstick
Klondike Bar
Firecracker
Oreo Bar
M&M Cookie Sandwich
Klondike Krunch
Choco Taco
Strawberry Shortcake
Chocolate Eclair
Toasted Almond
Carb-Smart Bar