A paramedic has disclosed that his ice cream van side hustle generates an impressive £60,000 annually, a venture he initiated to alleviate the stress from his primary medical role. James Shemmeld, aged 46 and a father of four, currently operates four ice cream vans that collectively yield this substantial income. This is in addition to the £200,000 private ambulance and paramedic service he manages from his residence in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.
From Childhood Passion to Pandemic Project
James's affinity for ice cream dates back to his youth, when he assisted a local ice cream vendor named Paulo, who became a father figure to him. After a hiatus, he rekindled this passion during the Covid-19 pandemic by investing £13,000 in a second-hand van, which he refurbished and certified. What began as a personal distraction has since flourished into a thriving business.
Balancing Medical Stress with Sweet Relief
Working as a paramedic since 2013 and launching his private medical business in 2015, James faced immense emotional strain, particularly during the pandemic when his team assessed Covid-19 patients, many of whom tragically passed away shortly after. This took a severe toll on his mental health, prompting him to seek an outlet. The ice cream van provided a welcome escape, allowing him to disconnect from the pressures of emergency medical care.
He explained, "With the ice cream van, I get in it and drive, and I'm away with the fairies. None of the stresses of the medical side exist. They both involve a van with people running towards it, but they're polar opposites, and I love that."
Ice Cream Business Takes Center Stage
Initially a side hustle in 2020, the ice cream enterprise rapidly expanded, necessitating the purchase of additional vans to meet growing demand. James now dedicates three to four days a week to his ice cream operations, which have become his primary focus, overshadowing his medical duties. He continues to handle international rescue missions and event paramedical services but admits, "The ice cream van is the main work now for me; it's taken over."
Unique Blend of Services
Interestingly, James's dual roles sometimes intersect, with customers seeking medical advice while purchasing ice creams. He recounted instances where individuals have approached him with health concerns, even showcasing rashes for consultation. Prepared for emergencies, he keeps a defibrillator in the back of his ice cream van and has occasionally parked to assist those in medical distress.
In a heartwarming turn, his childhood mentor Paulo gifted him the very van he worked in as a child, adding sentimental value to his business. James maintains affordable pricing, charging only £1 per ice cream, emphasizing that his motivation is mental well-being rather than profit. He stated, "It wasn't about the money; it was about improving my mental health. I love what I do."
