Archive · 16 Sep 2025
Astrophysicist Turns Frozen Yogurt into an 8-Figure Business
Neil Hershman, who used to work on Wall Street, decided to start a frozen yogurt business.
At 23, he invested in a 16 Handles franchise and learned the business by working in the stores.
Seeing potential in a declining market, he bought the entire 16 Handles brand.
He revitalized the brand with innovative flavors and customer-focused experiences.
Today, he is expanding the business, aiming for 100 locations.
His finance background helped him manage risks and his focus on the customer experience helped grow the business.
Neil Hershman left a Wall Street career to invest in a frozen yogurt franchise.
He purchased his first 16 Handles franchise at age 23.
Hershman acquired the entire 16 Handles brand at age 27.
The brand has increased in-store traffic and same-store sales.
He plans to expand to 100 locations.
- Who
- Neil Hershman, an astrophysicist, turned entrepreneur
- What
- He built an 8-figure business in the frozen yogurt industry.
- When
- He purchased his first franchise in 2019, at 23, and acquired the brand in 2022.
- Where
- The business is in the frozen yogurt industry.
- Why
- Hershman sought a more hands-on and customer-focused career.
- Entrepreneur
- Neil Hershman
- Original Career
- Wall Street Asset Management
- Current Business
- 16 Handles Frozen Yogurt
- Annual Revenue
- Over $20 million
- Age at Brand Acquisition
- 27
- Expansion Goal
- 100 locations