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

Hi Tom, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
I decided to start Sungold shortly after my daughter Allie was born, and she was a big part of why I started the business. When Allie was a newborn, I caught myself reciting in my head advice I’d give her someday about how to live: put yourself out there, be a person who says “yes” to her own ideas, don’t be afraid. Hearing myself think like this, I realized I was ready for a new challenge of my own and ready to put myself out there in a new way.

What should our readers know about your business?
Before Allie was born, my wife and I talked a lot about what our dessert policy would be. I wanted sweets in the house at all times, while Emily advocated for an approach that was more healthy. I started scouting the grocery store aisles for treats that would work for both us, and I noticed that, while there was plenty of creativity going on in the ice cream section, the popsicle section looked the same as it did when I was a kid in the ’90s. I thought to myself that updating the popsicle for today, with more creative flavors and higher-quality ingredients, would be a super fun task. A little over a year — and many, many hurdles — later we launched Sungold.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d take my friend on my morning dog walk in the Hahamonga watershed just downstream from JPL. After that, we’d drive to Cafe Dulce in Little Tokyo and eat a bunch of roti. From there, we’d go to Griffith Park and hike to the observatory while holding iced coffees. I would insist all the way up that hiking with iced coffees was an essential part of the LA experience. At the top of the climb, we’d take in the city spread out before us and feel the love for LA.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
After I got together with my wife Emily, I felt like I had the partner-in-crime I needed to fully launch my ideas. Sungold is one ongoing shoutout to her and our daughter Allie.

Website: https://sungoldicepops.com

Instagram: @sungoldicepops

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