On a scorching Florida afternoon in August 2020, Kimberly’s Frozen Treats launched its first pop-up window in Miami, offering refreshing frozen lemonade to overheated passersby. It was a risky move. The pandemic had forced countless businesses to close their doors, and uncertainty loomed over every venture. But for Patrick Walsh, the timing was right.
"People were looking for something comforting, something familiar and refreshing," Walsh said. "I just wanted to bring a bit of joy to the city, even when things felt so bleak."
The business quickly found its footing by tapping into a classic Miami demand — cool relief from the relentless heat. Walsh soon deployed vending carts to various street corners and community events throughout Miami-Dade County.
Now, Kimberly’s Frozen Treats is participating in another unique pop-up — showing up this month at the ADT booth inside loanDepot park — the home of the Miami Marlins.
Growing despite the odds
The growth of Kimberly’s Frozen Treats was as much about hustle and resilience as it was about high-quality products. Walsh built his brand not just through traditional marketing but by forging personal connections with the Miami community. He embraced opportunities to serve his product at local events, festivals and markets, and became a vendor at the Marlins’ ballpark.
"It was never about just selling lemonade," Walsh said. "It was about showing up wherever people were, being part of the community. That’s what built our reputation."
Popping up in the ADT booth
For the third year of its partnership with the Marlins, ADT wanted to do something different in its booth at loanDepot park. So, in partnership with the team, it launched “Protecting Our Comunidad,” a series of pop-up shops featuring local small businesses that rely on ADT to help protect their dreams.
As a stadium vendor, Kimberly’s Frozen Treats was a natural choice to kick off the initiative. When fans visit the pop-up, they’ll receive a special free "ADT Blue" frozen treat and can learn more about the company and ADT’s small business offerings.
"Security is a foundational aspect of any successful business," said Ben Tamblyn, ADT’s Chief Communications Officer. "We want these entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best — creating incredible products and experiences — without having to worry about whether their assets are protected.”
For Walsh, the opportunity to be a part of the Protecting Our Comunidad initiative was a no-brainer. Kimberly’s Frozen Treats has been featured in the ADT booth near the Home Plate Entrance since Opening Day and will close out its run during the weekend home stand. So far, fans have flocked to try the free treat, with hundreds of samples given out each game.
"This exposure is incredible," Walsh said. "We’ve had people trying our lemonade who never would have seen us otherwise."
Rob Gelman, Marlins Vice President of Partnership Development and Strategy, noted the value of highlighting South Florida small businesses and entrepreneurs at the games. "By offering these businesses a unique platform at loanDepot park, we are not only showcasing their passion but also giving fans the opportunity to experience the incredible small businesses that make our community so special," he said.
Helping grow a dream
Kimberly’s Frozen Treats relies on an ADT security system at the commissary where he and his team create the frozen drinks. With the help of ADT, Walsh also recently enhanced the protection of his vending carts and equipment — something he has struggled with for years.
"I always worried about theft," Walsh said. "But now, having monitoring systems in place gives me peace of mind. I can focus on expanding the business without constantly worrying about whether our carts are safe."
The enhanced security measures will allow him to broaden his reach with confidence, Walsh said. With the foundational support of ADT, he is considering more permanent installations, including plans for his own storefront and expansion beyond South Florida.
"I’m excited about the future," Walsh said. "This has all reinforced my belief that anything is possible."
Throughout the baseball season, ADT and the Marlins will host additional small businesses as part of the Protecting Our Comunidad initiative. The next pop-up, featuring Juice from HeadzUp Barbershop in Miami Lakes, will open on May 5.