For nearly a century, the leaders of Velvet Ice Cream were all misters.
Now, they’re all sisters.
The father-to-son succession that followed three generations of the Dager family since the company’s founding in a Utica confectionary in 1914 became a father-to-daughter handoff with the announcement that Luconda Dager was named Velvet’s president.
Luconda, the great granddaughter of Velvet’s founder, will succeed her father, Joseph Dager.
“It’s a proud day for Velvet and a very proud day for me,” Joseph said. “It is very special for me to pass the baton to my oldest daughter. Luconda has been with us for 15 years. She understands and breathes the ice cream business, and there is no one better suited for this position.”
Joining Luconda on the leadership team are her sisters, André and Joanne.
André Dager was named vice president of guest services, overseeing tourism, marketing and daily operations of Velvet's Ye Olde’ Mill, Utica, Ohio.
Meanwhile, Joanne Dager was named vice president of Velvet's food service division, overseeing sales to independent restaurants, chains, schools and nursing homes.
Joseph Dager will serve as chairman of the board, and his wife, Tatla Dager, will continue in her current position as treasurer of the board.
“This is my dream job,” Luconda said. “As we near the 100-year anniversary of Velvet’s founding, my sisters and I are extremely proud to be at the helm of the family business. Our over-arching goal is to set the company on a firm path toward another hundred years. My sisters and I are dedicated to that task.”
The Dager sisters have worked at Velvet for a combined 30 years.