Emory Conrad Brings Her Entrepreneurial Spirit to GoodyPop

As Emory Conrad prepared to graduate high school, she had a choice to make: attend college to earn a business and culinary degree or purchase the local GoodyPop Gourmet Popcorn location in downtown York. She chose the popcorn route and has thrived as a small business owner with the support of her family since May 2024.

“I love being creative with different flavors,” says Conrad. “We have more than 200 flavors here. Any food you can think of, I can probably turn into a type of popcorn.”

Conrad admits that the past year has been a significant learning experience, but there have also been several bright moments. Her experience taking over GoodyPop showcases the entrepreneurial spirit and community support of York residents. 

Conrad’s Popcorn Journey Started in High School

Congrad first started working at GoodyPop during her sophomore year in high school. The former owners announced plans to sell the store during her senior year, and Conrad jokingly told her parents she should buy it. However, what started as a joke soon became a serious proposal. She started working through the financing and logistics of taking over the business.

“I thought about it, prayed about it, and then started developing a business plan and talking to other professionals in the area,” says Conrad. “Eventually, I made an offer on the business and took over ownership a week after high school graduation.”  

During this research period, Conrad and her family met with Lisa Hurley, Executive Director of the York County Development Corporation (YCDC), to gain insight into the purchase and management process.

Conrad appreciates her parents' support throughout her transition into her new role. After everything she has learned, she feels like she has been running GoodyPop for longer than a year.  

Conrad Participated in YCDC’s SPARK Pitch Contest

Shortly after taking over Goodypop, Conrad entered the SPARK Pitch Contest for entrepreneurs developed by the YCDC. Goodypop earned $3,000 and $1,000 in marketing by the Nebraska Rural Radio Network (104.9 Max and Kool Radio).

Conrad based her pitch on purchasing seating and tables to turn the popcorn store into a place where people could hang out. Her target audience with this pitch is students from York University who are looking for places to study.

“Because I am a college-age student, I was able to see that the community lacked space for people to meet,” says Conrad. “Personally, I would appreciate a third location besides my dorm or classroom to hang out with friends.”

Conrad turned the inside of GoodyPop into a warm place where people can gather and have fun. Plus, it keeps people in the store longer. Rather than buying their popcorn and leaving, customers stick around and show what a popular place GoodyPop is to meet.

YCDC is hosting the SPARK Pitch Contest again this year.

Conrad Has Learned a Lot as a Business Owner

Running a business has provided Conrad with countless learning opportunities. She has made the popcorn business her classroom.

“I’ve been able to learn a lot here from an accounting and business management standpoint,” says Conrad. “Plus, I’ve been guest mentored by local business owners who want to see me succeed.”

Conrad also credits her mom for her help, who is also an entrepreneur. She runs Make My Day, which offers invitations, party decor, personal stationery, and more, while specializing in weddings.

Before she left high school, Conrad took dual enrollment college courses through Southeast Community College. This included an introduction to entrepreneurship course, where she learned to develop business plans.  

Business Owners Have to Do Everything

One of Conrad’s main takeaways from her first year as owner of GoodyPop is that entrepreneurs have to take on every role. She has to be the janitor, the accountant, and the employee at the till. She has to be the person to solve problems and identify issues before they become unmanageable.  

“The hard work and perseverance of business owners should not be taken lightly,” says Conrad. “I thought this was going to be easier. It’s been fun, but there have been hard days.”

Despite the initial struggles, Conrad has hit a groove and is running GoodyPop successfully. She says that in the future, she is interested in opening a bakery or breakfast restaurant in York or one of its surrounding towns, depending on what the market needs. 

YCDC Supports Entrepreneurs in York County

The team at YCDC has multiple programs and business resources for small business owners in York County. From the SizeUp tools to its 17-County Leadership program, there are several ways to get the information, tools, and connections you need.

Entrepreneurs can thrive in York County. Discover why more people are choosing to move here and how they find their stride as business owners. You and your business have a bright future here!