Meet Ross Cohen | CEO & All Things Moo

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ross Cohen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ross, what is the most important factor behind your success?
We live into our values. Every day.

While many companies back into culture, the values we were founded on are, and have always been, the golden thread that helps us fulfill our vision of scooping smiles and building community throughout Colorado.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a desire to learn and grow, taking on challenges that were often outside of my comfort zone. As CEO of Sweet Cow, I’m excited to bring my diverse experiences and lessons learned to the table, using them to propel our ice cream shops and create memorable experiences in more communities across Colorado.

My journey to Sweet Cow began in 1991, when Drew Honness and I packed our bags and headed west. After a year in Boulder, I returned to the East Coast to finish school as Drew discovered his passion & purpose while scooping ice cream at a local Boulder ice cream shop.

On the heels of an 18-year corporate career in NYC, I returned to Colorado to partner with Drew to grow Sweet Cow from a single ice cream shop in Louisville to multiple locations. My professional experiences over that time prepared me for that moment and everything that’s happened since.

While struggling during my first job as a media buyer at an advertising agency in the mid-1990s, I learned the valuable lesson that putting in time and high effort can yield the same results as natural talent. This gave me the confidence to face challenges and the unknown head-on, and lead to a non-linear career path that included roles in strategic sourcing at BMG, business development & revenue operations at a web publishing firm, and data management & digital strategy for Viacom.

For a 5+ year span in the middle of my New York career, I poured my heart and soul into GTV, a communications technology company that I co-founded and was acting COO of. I worked as hard at this venture as I have at any time in my career, putting in 90+ hour work weeks and sacrificing my health, well-being, savings, and sanity in the process. We were a couple of years too early in our space and lacked the funding and time needed to take the next steps with our already-developed software platform. Every day was a struggle as my partner and I put the weight of the company on our collective shoulders to fulfill our commitments to our customers and investors. I recall the panic and dread that came with each new day. While we were eventually successful in selling the technology, I learned the biggest and most valuable lesson of my career: If you’re going to dedicate a significant portion of your life pursuing something, it’s crucial that it’s something you’re passionate about and truly love.

I remember the joy I felt in early 2010 when Drew first tapped me for help and guidance in fulfilling his dream of opening his own ice cream shop in Louisville. The passion and love that Drew invited me to be a part of from the post of my desk in NYC had a profound impact on me. I recall telling my mom all about Sweet Cow during the initial planning phases, and her response that it was the most passionate I’d sounded about anything I’d ever contributed to…and I couldn’t deny that truth.

I remember visiting the Louisville shop for the first time like it was yesterday. The joy and laughter on both sides of the counter and the authentic connection to the community were something truly special. Over a long weekend visit, I worked a shift in the shop and an event on the MooMobile (our mobile ice cream truck), and became immersed in the magic of Sweet Cow in Louisville. It was eye-opening and bucket-filling. Drew and I started imagining the possibilities; what it would be like to bring this experience to other neighborhoods in Colorado, and how I could apply my previous experience to be a key component in scaling the vision and fueling the growth of this incredible brand that brings happiness to so many people. Before too long, I officially traded my suits and the subway for a North Face sweatshirt, a Subaru, and ice cream dreams in Colorado.

Shortly after my arrival, we signed a lease in the West Highland neighborhood of Denver to open our second shop. Our meaning and connection to that community quickly mirrored that of what we had grown in Louisville. For the next couple of years, I had the pleasure of leading the team there, scooping smiles on the daily, and further creating and formalizing systems that we would replicate in future shops.

To date, we’ve proudly built this company to seven shops in seven amazing Colorado communities, with 3 MooMobiles and over 300 employees. We are a company driven by our values of Community, Kindness, Contribution, and Growth.

What sets me apart as a leader is my ability to create and implement effective strategies, systems and processes, and inspire and motivate team members to buy into them with passion and purpose; all in support of our mission of making the best-tasting ice cream, served by the friendliest scoopers in the cleanest ice cream shops on the planet.

I am devoted to delivering excellence in every aspect of my work. My focus is on fostering a culture of empowerment and collaboration that values and supports every individual. I am driven by bringing joy to current and future customers and caring for the people who work with us. I take great pride in the values and mission that we stand for. Sweet Cow is more than just delicious ice cream; it represents community, connection, and an unforgettable experience.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Take in a show at Red Rocks Start with an early evening pre-game dinner/drink at El Camino Community Tavern, where the staff and neighbors in this Highland Square staple are family to all. Cross the street to grab a scoop at Sweet Cow before heading out to Red Rocks for a magical night of music.

Hike Mount Sanitas in Boulder
Your tired lungs will thank you once you start to catch the beautiful views of Boulder. Wrap the afternoon and reward the effort with a milkshake at Sweet Cow North Boulder.

Southern Sun Pub & Brewery in Boulder
Take in the good vibes and spectacular nachos at this local South Boulder classic (p.s. cash only). Follow it up with a short walk across the parking lot to Sweet Cow South Boulder for a scoop of Dutch Chocolate (yum!).

Left Hand Brewing Company in Longmont
Home of the Left Hand Milk Stout, my favorite. Cool atmosphere and deliciously crafted beer. Continue on to Sweet Cow Longmont for a scoop in a homemade waffle cone – perhaps Chocolate Oatmeal Stout will be on the flavor board (made with Left Hand Milk Stout of course!)

South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market
Take a morning stroll through this charming market in Denver’s Platt Park neighborhood. Load up on what’s fresh and local before ending up down the block at Sweet Cow Platt Park for a Sundae to celebrate your Sunday.

Visit Stanley Marketplace
Stanley Marketplace is a super fun and diverse community of over 50 independently owned Colorado businesses located in Aurora, bordering Denver’s Central Park neighborhood. Make a reservation for dinner at Annette, where Caroline Glover (chef and owner) was awarded the James Beard Foundation award as Best Chef: Mountain region. Enjoy a bevy at one of the indoor/outdoor special events, and stop in at Sweet Cow Stanley for a Root Beer Float.

Louisville Street Faire
There are few ways to better enjoy a Friday evening in the summer than at the Street Faire in the heart of Historic Downtown Louisville. Enjoy delicious food, drinks, and live music with our neighbors before walking down a block to the original Sweet Cow to share a double scoop out on the lawn.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without question, Drew Honness, Sweet Cow Founder and Lifelong Friend

Website: www.sweetcowicecream.com

Instagram: @sweetcowicecream

Image Credits
Maureen O’Neill