On the Pops: A Journey from Vision to Reality
At ICON CDC’s North Valley Business Source Center, we take pride in supporting entrepreneurs as they bring their visions to life. One such success story is James, the proud owner of On the Pops, a mobile kettle-cooked popcorn business that blends delicious snacks with a mission to promote education in the community.
James, a lifelong resident of Pacoima, dedicated over 40 years to teaching at LAUSD before setting his sights on entrepreneurship. In 2019, he joined ICON CDC and participated in our Entrepreneurial Training Programs, where he gained a deep understanding of launching a business in Los Angeles. With a clear vision, James aspired to create a mobile popcorn business that not only offered a tasty treat but also included learning materials to emphasize the importance of education.
By 2021, James took significant steps toward his goal, investing in a trailer to serve as his mobile business hub. However, navigating the complex health permitting process proved to be a major hurdle. Numerous modifications were required to meet health department regulations before he could obtain clearance to operate legally. Despite these challenges, James remained committed to his dream.
Fast forward to the summer of 2024, James returned to ICON CDC for additional assistance in finalizing his city and state business documentation. With renewed determination, he set an ambitious goal: to complete the necessary paperwork, purchase equipment, and officially launch his mobile business by early 2025.
Through perseverance and with the dedicated support of ICON CDC’s North Valley Business Source Center, James reached a major milestone—On the Pops officially began business operations on Saturdays from 9AM-2PM at El Nido Family Center on February 8, 2025. This marks the beginning of an exciting journey for James as he brings his passion for kettle-cooked popcorn and education to the community.
ICON CDC is proud to celebrate James’s success and looks forward to seeing On the Pops thrive as both a delicious treat and an educational initiative in Pacoima and beyond. “ICON CDC provided invaluable support in helping me secure all the necessary licenses and permits, making my dream of launching On the Pops a reality.”— James, Owner of On the Pops
BUSINESS WEBSITE: www.onthepops.com
