Taylor Jones has always believed that a simple drink can make a big difference. The 2021 Dickinson State University (DSU) graduate turned that belief into Pop’s Soda Shack, a beverage kiosk in Dickinson, North Dakota, designed to be welcoming, fun and full of good vibes for the community.
Born in Laurel, Montana, Jones earned a business degree at DSU and now lives in Jamestown, North Dakota, with her husband, former DSU All-American wrestler Gresh Jones, and their sons, Myles, 3, and Dax, 1.
She chose DSU for its community. “I wanted a place where I wouldn’t just be a number in a lecture hall, and DSU provided the personal connection and mentorship I was looking for,” she said. While at DSU, she was on the DSU track and field team for two years.
Jones had dreamed about the idea for Pops Soda Shack for months. Things kept aligning in small ways, and eventually she knew it was time. “Taking the leap was honestly the hardest part,” she said. “I didn’t want to look back years later and wonder ‘what if?’ So, I trusted that feeling, took the chance and went for it.”
Her first steps were practical and intentional: defining what the brand would represent and securing the right location. “Having a strong location is crucial for a new business,” Jones said. “I wanted that in place before moving forward with everything else.”
Running a business from a distance has been the biggest challenge. Now living several hours away, she often calls Pops her third child. “It means so much to me, and I want to make sure everything runs perfectly every day, even when I’m not physically there,” she said. She credits her staff and management team with keeping the kiosk running smoothly and maintaining the welcoming atmosphere she envisioned.
Jones loves seeing the community embrace Pop’s Soda Shack. “Watching people get excited over their favorite drink, seeing regulars come through the drive-thru, and being part of their daily routines means everything to me,” she said.
Her advice to current DSU students dreaming of entrepreneurship is simple: “Just start. You don’t need to have every detail figured out before taking the first step. Do your research, ask questions, find mentors, and be willing to learn as you go. Don’t let the fear of making mistakes hold you back. Those mistakes will end up teaching you more than anything.”
Jones also encourages working in silence, especially in the beginning. “I kept my business plans quiet at first because everyone has an opinion, and not all of them are positive. Sometimes outside voices can create unnecessary doubt. Protect your vision early on, stay focused and trust yourself.”
Through Pops Soda Shack, Taylor Jones has turned an idea into business and a hub for community connection, proving that even the smallest gestures, like a favorite drink, can have a big impact.