For nearly three decades, Pop Pop’s Italian Ice has been bringing smiles to families across New Mexico. What started as a beloved neighborhood treat has grown into a statewide brand, serving communities through retail locations, food trucks, concession stands, and countless special events. Today, Pop Pop’s Italian Ice employs more than 40 people, operates eight mobile units, three retail locations, three concession stands, and recently moved into a new 10,0000-square-foot headquarters. But the journey to get here was build on hard work, resilience, and a commitment to community. And when it came time to take the next step, Homewise was proud to help.

“When we looked at this deal, what stood out wasn’t just a well-run business. It was a team that shows up for youth sports, schools, and neighborhood events consistently,” says Chris Anderson, Commerical Project Manager for Homewise. “Supporting businesses that activate and strengthen their communities is exactly what Homewise Commercial Loans are here to do.”

Pop Pop’s Italian Ice first opened in 1997 near Eldorado High School in Albuquerque. In late 2018, business partners Dominic Maestas, Ric Martinelli, Ty Martinelli, and their team took over the company with a vision to continue growing the brand while honoring its legacy. At the time, opening a new retail location wasn’t financially feasible. Instead, they invested in a single mobile trailer and spent weekends traveling throughout New Mexico, serving customers at community events and gatherings. A year later, they purchased a second mobile unit – a 1973 GMC Step Van that, by their own admission, could barely run. But it allowed them to expand their reach and continue building momentum. Then came COVID-19.

Like many small businesses, Pop Pop’s faced uncertainty as events across the state were canceled. Rather than retreat, they adapted. The team shifted to online ordering, deliveries, and serving customers at local parks. Their determination paid off. The business more than doubled during that challenging year, allowing them to invest in a third mobile unit and continue growing. Today, Pop Pop’s has become the largest dessert food truck company in New Mexico, serving thousands of events annually. What makes Pop Pop’s so special isn’t just the product, it’s the connection to the communities they serve. Many customers remember visiting Pop Pop’s as children and now bring their own kids to experience the same Italian ice they enjoyed growing up. Those multigenerational memories are at the heart of the business. Community involvement is equally important. Since taking over the company, Pop Pop’s has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local schools, youth sports teams, nonprofits, and community events.

“Community is one of the core values of our company,” explains Dominic. “We strive to be a light in the communities that show us so much support.”

As Pop Pop’s continued to grow, their existing 2,000-square-foot facility could no longer support the business. The building served as both headquarters and a retail location, leaving little room for inventory or equipment, and storage limitations made bulk purchasing difficult, office space stretched beyond capacity, with multiple employees sharing a single desk. The team knew that if they wanted to continue growing, they needed a facility that could support their long-term vision. Without additional financing, expansion would have been difficult, if not possible.

“We had reached full capacity.” Dominic shared. “The limitations of the facility were bringing to impact our efficiency and ability to scale.”

The introduction to Homewise came through a trusted source. Another business owner shared his positive experience working with Homewise and recommended organization’s Commercial Lending program. That recommendation led to Pop Pop’s to explore their options.

“The business is deeply woven into the community. Pop Pop’s regularly shows up at youth sports events and school functions, donates a percentage of sales back to those programs, and partners with local suppliers to keep dollars in New Mexico,” said Anderson. “They serve customers across income levels and are intentional about being accessible to the neighborhoods where they operate.”

From the beginning, the Homewise team focused on understanding the business, its goals, and its impact on the community.

“The Homewise team did an excellent job guiding us through every step of the financing process,” said Dominic. “Their communication, transparency, and support helped make the entire process feel seamless from start to finish.”

Perhaps most importantly, Pop Pop’s found a lending partner whose values aligned with their own.

“What stood out to me was how much they genuinely care – not just about the businesses they work with, but also about the communities those businesses serve.”

That focus on community impact resonated deeply.

“Giving back has always been a core part of who we are, so it was refreshing to work with an organization that shares those same values.”

With support from Homewise, Pop Pop’s was able to purchase a new 10,000-square-foot headquarters that provides the infrastructure needed for the next phase of growth. The expanded facility will allow the company to improve operations, increase storage capacity, enhance product quality, expand offerings, and create more efficient systems throughout the organization.

“Ultimately, this investment is about building a stronger foundation so we can continue serving our customers at a higher level while supporting future growth.”

For Homewise, that’s exactly what commercial lending is about – helping local businesses create lasting economic impact while strengthening communities. While some future plans remain under wraps, Pop Pop’s is focused on expanding its wholesale and distribution efforts to make its products more accessible throughout New Mexico. Long-term, the vision reached even further. While New Mexico will always be home, the company hopes to eventually bring Pop Pop’s Itailian Ice to customers across the country while maintaining the quality, community involvement, and customer experience that have defined the brand since 1997. Reflecting on the journey from a single trailer to a thriving statewide business, the Pop Pop’s team sees more than growth, they see perseverance, faith and possibility.

“We started with a single trailer, a lot of hard work, and a vision for what Pop Pop’s could become,” he said. “There were plenty of challenges along the way, but each step helped us grow stronger.”

Today, their new headquarters stands as a symbol of that journey.

“The Homewise Commercial Loan gave us the opportunity to continue growing our business and create a foundation that will support our next stage of growth for years to come.”

For Homewise, stories like Pop Pop’s demonstrate what’s possible when local businesses have access to the resources they need to grow. Strong businesses create jobs, invest in neighborhoods, and help communities thrive. And for Pop Pop’s Italian Ice, the future looks sweeter than ever.