Undivided Life has become a co-owner of Dallas-based Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, joining founders Tom and Margaret Landis in guiding the mission-driven company through its next phase of national growth.
The partners said they aim to increase the number of stores and expand catering to ensure that Howdy Homemade can “serve more scoops of joy with its super-premium product” while employing adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs).
“We couldn’t imagine a better aligned partner than Undivided Life,” Tom Landis, Howdy Homemade founder and president, said in a December announcement. “Their leadership, experience, and belief in our mission will help us reach more communities and incredible team members who deserve meaningful work and a chance to shine.”
Founded in 2015 in Dallas, Howdy Homemade has built a following for its super-premium ice cream and its employment model, which prioritizes meaningful work for adults with IDDs. The company now employs more than 100 adults with IDDs across its operations.
The company has received national recognition for its model, including the 2025 National Down Syndrome Congress Employer of the Year Award. Howdy Homemade has also been featured on The TODAY Show and ABC’s World News Tonight, and has partnered with organizations such as Keurig Dr Pepper Group, which granted a royalty-free license for the company’s Dr Pepper Chocolate Chip ice cream flavor.
Changing ‘the way the world sees people with IDDs’
Undivided Life now holds a large minority stake in Howdy Homemade, leading strategic growth initiatives to boost the number of new stores and scale employment of adults with IDDs.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
With Tom and Margaret Landis retaining majority control and continuing to guide the vision, the partnership strengthens Howdy Homemade’s ability to create additional job opportunities, the companies said.
Howdy Homemade’s growth plan includes more than 60 new company-owned locations by 2030 and over 1,000 jobs for adults with IDDs, making it one of the most ambitious inclusion-driven employment initiatives in the country. With its award-winning ice cream and loyal fan base, Howdy Homemade said it is positioned for significant expansion in both retail and catering channels.
“This partnership reflects everything we stand for,” said Jeff Schiefelbein, co-founder of Undivided Life. “We believe in building businesses that do good and do well, and Howdy Homemade embodies that spirit in every scoop. Together, we are scaling a mission that changes the way the world sees people with IDDs.”
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