From Tailgate Discovery to Community Treasure: Lisa Gardner Brings New Nightlife to Thomasville

Tuesday, March 4

7:00 a.m.

DeShay Williams

When entrepreneurs identify community needs, and the community gives them a nudge...innovative solutions often follow.

Lisa Gardner, business owner and Spark Thomasville graduate, is transforming a chance discovery at Dallas Cowboys tailgate parties into Fire N Ice Mobile Lounge, bringing fresh entertainment options to our community.

Lisa Gardner shares her novel approach to transforming Thomasville's social scene at Spark Tank 2024, where her mobile hookah lounge concept showcases how Spark entrepreneurs create unique economic opportunities.

A Vision Takes Shape

Lisa’s entrepreneurial idea began with a simple hookah at a Dallas Cowboys tailgate party.

“It generated so much interest,” she recalls with a friendly smile. “Someone even offered to buy it on the spot! I took ten hookah’s to the next tailgate party and sold them all!”

Returning to her roots in Thomasville to care for her mother, Lisa saw an opportunity. While hookah lounges were thriving in major cities, our community lacked similar experiences. City ordinances didn’t allow for an actual brick and mortar lounge so she came up with the idea for a mobile one!

With business practices learned from her family of restaurateurs, she created Fire N Ice Mobile Lounge.

Today, Lisa’s service includes:

• Mobile hookah experiences

• Custom non-nicotine flavors

• Adult frozen drinks

• Premium cigars

• Themed event packages

• Expert setup and guidance

From weddings to private parties, her approach ensures each event is unforgettable and tailored to client preferences.

The Spark Connection

Hearing about the success of Spark entrepreneurs like Climmie and Ashley Mosley of Climmie’s H&M BBQ & Soulfood, Lisa joined Spark Thomasville’s 2024 cohort. Under the guidance of coaches Sue Keith and Earl Williams, she refined her business model and expanded her network.

A journey to success: Fire N Ice Mobile Lounge owner Lisa Gardner (center) shares a proud moment with her mentors Sue Keith and Earl Williams at her Spark Thomasville graduation, demonstrating how coaching and community support help minority entrepreneurs build lasting legacies in Thomas County.

“Through Spark, I have many meaningful business relationships now,” she shares. “It was great for networking and helped me fill in missing pieces for my business idea.”

Building Community Through Innovation

Lisa’s success - booking multiple events immediately after launching her mobile trailer - demonstrates how underestimated entrepreneurs can create economic viability while enhancing our community’s social fabric.

Lisa's story is our story, a partnership of Spark donors and amazing entrepreneurs building sustainable enterprises that create generational wealth.

Check out Lisa’s business, Fire N Ice Mobile Lounge