University of Cincinnati
07/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/22/2026 22:41
Bearcats bring community (and soft serve) to Cincinnati
Bearcats bring community (and soft serve) to Cincinnati
3 minute read July 21, 2026 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Print Story Like
A random roommate matching in Calhoun Hall eventually turned into a premium mobile soft serve company - an idea that two UC alumni could never have imagined at the time.
Chase Dawson, left, and Alex Yocum pose on Commencement Day in 2016. Photo/Provided
What started as a search for a new business venture has turned into one of Cincinnati's sweetest new additions. Chase Dawson, Bus '16, and Alex Yocum, CECH '16, recently launched Swirley's Soft Serve Co., a mobile ice cream business built around community, connection and classic soft serve. Their mission is simple: Create the most fun ice cream experience in Greater Cincinnati, pairing hospitality with high-quality ingredients to create a long-lasting experience for customers.
The best friends say they wanted to create something that was about more than just running a business. "We've always been big within the community," Yocum said. "We want to do things that make an impact with people, not just make money."
UC gave us the opportunities to lead, collaborate and build relationships that continue to impact our lives today.
Chase Dawson, Bus '16
The two credit their alma mater in shaping who they are, personally and professionally. "UC gave us the opportunities to lead, collaborate, and build relationships that continue to impact our lives today," said Dawson. A decade later, UC remains a large part of their lives, from lessons learned, connections made, and much more.
Since launching this spring, Swirley's has quickly become a hit at neighborhood events, festivals, corporate gatherings and private celebrations. With demand continuing to grow, the duo is developing a plan that includes additional trailers and, eventually, a brick-and-mortar location.
Asked to share their entrepreneurial guidance to other aspiring Bearcats, especially current students, Dawson said, "Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Some of the most valuable things you'll take away from UC aren't just what you learn in the classroom. It's the relationships you build, organizations you join, risks you take, and the people you meet along the way."
Read the Cincinnati Business Courier story to learn how these bold Bearcats turned a simple idea into a growing business that's bringing smiles - and soft serve - to communities across the region.
Featured image at top: Alex Yocum, CECH '16, left, and Chase Dawson, Bus '16 pose in their Swirley's Soft Serve mobile trailer. Photo/Provided
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University of Cincinnati published this content on July 21, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 23, 2026 at 04:42 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]