From Soldier to Lemonade Mogul: Quincy Milam's Bold Journey of Entrepreneurship 🍋

What happens when life throws you lemons? If you’re Quincy Milam, you build an empire. From serving in the National Guard to running a flourishing lemonade business, Quincy’s story is one of grit, resilience, and bold moves. In a recent episode of the "Bold Moves" podcast, hosted by Mat Torres, Quincy shared his journey of leaving the military to establish "Cuties Lemonade and More." His experience is a testament to turning challenges into opportunities and creating something extraordinary out of the ordinary.

The Seed of a Bold Move: From Military Life to Entrepreneurship

Quincy’s transition from the military to entrepreneurship wasn’t a planned move. “The military was supposed to carry me on. I was supposed to do thirty years,” he admitted. But life had other plans. After a medical retirement from the Army and his wife losing her nursing job, Quincy found himself at a crossroads. It was then that the idea of a lemonade business started to take shape, inspired by his father-in-law’s kettle corn venture in Alabama.

What began as a side hustle quickly turned into something much bigger. Quincy shared, “Our first event, a church truck-or-treat, made $800 in four hours. That was the moment I realized we were onto something.” With fresh-squeezed lemonade, alkaline water, and a commitment to quality, Quincy’s business stood out in an industry where standards are often low. The result? A thriving lemonade empire with food trucks and storefronts across Arizona and Florida.

Navigating Challenges: The Roadblocks That Built Resilience

Every entrepreneurial journey has its share of obstacles, and Quincy’s was no different. One of the most significant challenges he faced was a $170,000 tax bill due to lack of awareness about Arizona’s Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT). “It hit me like a freight train,” he recalled. “I didn’t know I was supposed to charge tax, and I had to learn the hard way.”

But instead of letting it derail his business, Quincy tackled the issue head-on. He lived conservatively, paid off the debt in cash, and used the experience as a learning opportunity. His advice to others? “Know your taxes. Charge tax from day one and stay on top of it. Don’t let it snowball.”

The Recipe for Success: Lessons from the Lemonade Stand

What makes "Cuties Lemonade and More" so successful? According to Quincy, it’s all about keeping things simple and consistent. “Our tagline is, ‘It tastes as good as it looks,’” he explained. By focusing on the basics—real lemons, fresh ingredients, and a visually appealing product—Quincy created a brand that customers can’t resist.

He also emphasized the importance of scalability and systems. “You need a business model that can run on its own,” he advised. From training employees remotely to using simple recipes, Quincy has streamlined his operations to ensure consistency and efficiency, no matter where his trucks or stores are located.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Make Your Bold Move

Quincy’s story is full of actionable insights for anyone looking to make their own bold move. Here are some of his key takeaways:

• Start Small: Whether it’s a farmers market or a local event, find your audience and grow from there.

• Stay Humble: “Helping others and staying humble will take you far,” Quincy said. It’s about building relationships and giving back.

• Leverage What You Know: Quincy used his military training to strategize and execute his business plan. “The Army taught me logistics, planning, and resilience,” he noted.

• Embrace Setbacks: What seems like a tragedy could be a blessing in disguise. Quincy turned his medical retirement into an opportunity to build something new.

• Trust the Process: “Let life unfold. Sometimes you just have to ride the wave and trust that it’s leading you to something better,” Quincy advised.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cuties Lemonade

With multiple trucks, storefronts, and a growing following, Quincy is now focused on expanding his business even further. His ultimate goal? Franchising. “It’s about creating a system that’s so simple, anyone can run it,” he said. With his sights set on new markets and innovative offerings, the future of Cuties Lemonade and More looks as refreshing as their signature drinks.

Final Thoughts: What’s Your Bold Move?

Quincy’s journey from Army officer to lemonade mogul is proof that bold moves pay off. It’s about taking risks, learning from failures, and staying committed to your vision. As Quincy put it, “If you’re resisting change, you might be blocking a better plan for yourself. Let it ride, and trust the process.”

So, what bold move will YOU make today? Whether it’s starting a side hustle, pursuing a passion, or overcoming a setback, remember that every great journey begins with a single step. Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your story!

And if you’re ever in Arizona Mills or Tampa, Florida, don’t forget to stop by Cuties Lemonade and More for a taste of what bold moves can create. 🍹