The Jolly Llama: Our People
Scott Jacobson: Chef and Founder
Scott founded the Jolly Llama Company to offer healthier, delightful frozen treats. Having been educated at the French Culinary Institute in New York, and working as a chef for over six years in some of the top restaurants in the country, Scott is keenly aware of the importance of quality ingredients and uncompromisingly delicious flavor.
His parents Bo and Dean Jacobson operate BoDeans Baking Company in LeMars, Iowa, a company they built from the ground up 10 years ago. Today, BoDeans is one of the country's largest manufacturers of ice cream cones, wafers, and packaging for the entire frozen novelty industry. Scott gained valuable experience helping his parents start this business and combined with his culinary background knew he could create frozen novelties people would adore.
As for the name, Scott was not only fascinated, but also inspired by the supremely peaceful, yet amusing nature of llamas. These same qualities are at the core of Jolly Llama.
Richard Ellefson: Vice President, Operations and Quality
Rich has more than 26 years of experience in the dairy and ice cream business, both in Technical Development and Plant Operations. Rich has worked on the product development of many frozen fruit bar products with industry leaders including Wells Dairy, Chiquita International, Schwan's, Shamitoff, Welch's, Wells Yogurt, General Mills, Baskin Robbins, and Mar's.
His product and production knowledge is invaluable to Jolly Llama's success. Rich also brings an invaluable dose of practicality to Scott's entrepreneurial and creative impulses.