Business is sweet for Jamie and Buddy Scott. Not only does the couple spend their days scooping up and "throwing" ice cream, and decorating mouth-watering chocolate creations, they spend their days together, which they say makes it all that much sweeter.
Jamie, an Illinois native, met Fulton native Buddy while attending Culver Stockton University. The two have been married 27 years and have one son, Travis.
For years, they worked separately. But five years ago, after looking for new opportunities, they purchased and opened Cold Stone Creamery in the Wildwood Crossing Center. For the first two years, Jamie continued to work full time while Buddy ran the store.
"When I was working, our schedules just kept us missing each other all of the time," she said. "Now our schedules are more flexible - we have a little more control over what we do."
Buddy said part of the balance is letting the other do the work they excel in.
"I am no good on computers," he said moments after showing Jamie how to package chocolate-covered strawberries. "She is, so I let her handle all of that, while I do more of the day to day."
They recently acquired the Cold Stone Creamery at the outlet mall in Osage Beach, which means Jamie will be running between the locations, while Buddy maintains quality and standards set forth by corporate offices.
The couple both admit there is additional stress owning their own business, but Jamie said the flexibility and freedom it allows them is worth it.
"We are planning a cruise with our friends - we can't just take off and go - we have to make plans," she said. "But we can go - we can make adjustments if his family needs him or we need to do something last minute."
While they have been married 27 years, and Buddy says they know everything about one another, Jamie said her admiration for Buddy has grown.
"He is great with customer service. He knows many of our customers by name. I just admire him and how he handles it all," she said. "Seeing him working hard in here and interacting with all kinds of people and situations has helped with my appreciation of him. I appreciate him and his abilities more now."
Being closer and interacting throughout the day has helped their appreciation, and also helped them realize the importance of sharing a little happiness in everyone's day.
"People come in wanting ice cream or a chocolate treat, and they are happy. They like these things," Buddy said. "We are here to help them, and we get to do it together."
And that is why life is sweet for them as well.