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Berkshire Business Journal SEPTEMBER 2025 | VOL. 4, NO. 9
Serving sweets, lifting spirits
STEPHANIE ZOLLSHAN
Erik Bruun, owner of SoCo Creamery in Great Barrington, has been named as the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year. “It’s nice to feel like you made a difference in people’s lives,” Bruun said.
SoCo Creamery owner honored as businessman — and a civic leader By Talia Lissauer GREAT BARRINGTON — As a surge of custom-
ers came into SoCo Creamery on a warm summer day, Eric Bruun took a break from restocking pints of ice cream in the freezer to help manage the rush. Bruun, who is principal owner and president of the business, has a reputation for just that sort of thing. “He really, in just his own quiet, humble way, every day gets up and tries to figure out, ‘How can I help,’” said Betsy Andrus, the chamber’s executive director. Known for his dedication to supporting and uplifting the community, especially youths, Bruun has been named 2025 Business Person of the Year by the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. The award goes to a Southern Berkshire Chamber member in good standing who is outstanding in civic and professional areas. Anyone can nominate anyone and those nominations are viewed by a com-
mittee separate from the chamber board that selects the winner. Bruun was set to be honored during an event at 5 p.m. Sept. 10 at Catamount Mountain Resort in South Egremont. Despite being awarded business person of the year, Bruun doesn’t see himself as a fantastic business person. Rather, he views himself as someone who knows the community dynamics well, likes to empower people and create meaningful change through collaborative ways. “I’ve done a lot for the community, and I also happen to be a business person,” he said on why he thinks he was selected. Bruun joined the Railroad Street ice cream store and factory around 10 years ago, and he’s been a prominent figure on that street for nearly 40 years as a journalist, a founder of community projects, and a board member for local organizations. He has had a significant impact on Southern Berkshires, Andrus said, and she described him as a “voice of reason”
and a “moderator” in many situations. “We all know Eric,” she said. “He’s just done so many things for the community and he’s just a very modest person, so he does things and doesn’t even really acknowledge that he’s done.” ‘IT’S JUST FUN’ SoCo Creamery, which was founded in 2004, features over 30 flavors of ice cream, in addition to sorbets. A constant favorite for the best ice cream in Western Massachusetts, it is a popular spot for summer tourists and a sponsor of community events. All the dairy used is from a family farm in Vermont and they make all their own inclusions, like cookie dough or brownie bites, from scratch. What once started as a temporary role during a transition time turned into a long-term position for Bruun at the shop. A decade later and Bruun frequently can be found at SoCo helping out with day-today tasks — like stocking the freezer or
making a customer’s chai tea latte. This fall, Bruun will be leaving SoCo in the hands of Matt Scott, the former director of brand integrity and production, someone who Bruun said knows the business well and will keep it running. “Matt was the person who made the ice cream when I first got involved, and he has a strong belief in the brand and all that sort of thing,” Bruun said. As another busy summer comes to a close, he said he’s feeling “very frazzled” and ready to move on. He’s going to stay on the various boards, but is moving on from ice cream to spend more time with family and rest. Bruun has loved working in the shop because all the young employees have so much energy and high spirits, and he likes the opportunity to guide them to be hardworking and kind people. “It’s just fun,” he said. “When you’re having fun, it’s easy to do.” SOCO CREAMERY, Page 4