Mariell Gholson never imagined he’d find the perfect fit in a popsicle plant—but sometimes, the sweetest opportunities come when you least expect them.
After spending 20 years in Houston—and weathering more than his fair share of hurricanes—Mariell made the tough call to leave Texas after Hurricane Harvey. He and his daughter packed up and moved to Colorado in search of safety and a fresh start.
They landed in Denver, where Mariell soon found work with The Ziegenfelder Company. It didn’t take long before he realized he’d found something special.
“They’re family-oriented, and the leadership is always accessible,” he shared. “They truly support their employees, especially when it comes to growth and training.”
Mariell noted that many Ziegenfelder employees have been with the company for years and he credits that to the strong culture of support. “It’s what sets them apart,” he says, and it’s why he sees a long future with the company.
Now, life has brought Mariell full circle—back to Texas. He and his daughter have made their home in Lockhart, and it’s been the perfect match. His daughter just graduated from LHS and is heading to Texas State University in the fall, making Lockhart an ideal spot for both of them.
Of course, coming back to Texas also came with a not-so-subtle reminder. When asked about the biggest difference between Denver and Lockhart, Mariell laughed and said, “I forgot how the heat takes your breath away here!” We all feel that one, Mariell.
Since settling in, Mariell has fully embraced the community, and the community has embraced him right back. Around town, folks now recognize him as the “popsicle dude,” a nickname he wears proudly.
“Everything really is bigger in Texas,” he laughs, and shares that the people are even friendlier.
He especially loves the small-town vibe when it comes to food. His go-to spots so far include Loop & Lil’s, Old Pal Texas Tavern, and his absolute favorite: Guadalajara, where he has quickly become a familiar face. Of course, no stay in Lockhart is complete without diving into our famous barbecue. Mariell’s tried a couple spots so far and says he’s really enjoyed the Original Black’s BBQ—but he’s excited to make his way through the rest of the BBQ joints around town.
With so much change in the last few years, Mariell says he’s most proud of his personal and professional growth.
“I’m a totally different person now. I have a great job and a great thing going here in Lockhart,” he said. “I’m not going anywhere.”
When asked if he had any message for the Lockhart community, Mariell didn’t hesitate: “Never lose our small-town charm.” And we couldn’t agree more.
Oh—and in case you’re wondering? His favorite Ziegenfelder popsicle flavor is Banana.