From Real Estate to Ice Cream: Scaling in Two Industries

In this episode of The Western New York Entrepreneur Podcast, we sit down with Deacon Tasker—one of Buffalo’s top real estate agents and co-owner of Rosie’s Ice Cream, a beloved local scoop shop with two growing locations. Deacon shares how he successfully manages two very different businesses, all while raising five kids and staying deeply rooted in the Buffalo community. You’ll learn: How Deacon scaled both a service-based and product-based business What systems and people he put in place to get out of the day-to-day grind Why building a brand experience matters more than price in competitive markets How to build something seasonal or flexible to match your lifestyle goals What real estate taught him about running a brick-and-mortar shop (and vice versa) Why community collaborations and grassroots marketing still win Tips for launching a business while keeping your sanity and values intact