For Pedro Diaz, ice cream is a passion built on science, persistence and belief in doing things the right way.
He first launched his business in Cuba in 1994, driven by a fascination with refrigeration and a determination to stand out. “People told me there was too much competition,” Diaz recalled. “But I believed in my product.”
More than a decade later, he brought that same entrepreneurial spirit to Miami, founding Pachitos Ice Cream in 2006.
Today, his business has grown into a wholesale operation with one primary location supported by five warehouse facilities and a team of 22 employees.
Under the Pachitos corporation, Diaz produces his “Snowing Ice Cream” line that’s distributed across major Latin grocery chains like Presidente, Sedano’s and Fresco y Más, as well as Winn-Dixie. Now, the company is expanding through national retailers.
Behind that growth is a relentless focus on quality and innovation. Diaz prides himself on his proprietary stabilizers, his deep knowledge of refrigeration, and his careful blending of ingredients. “Quality is the most important of all,” he said.
This principle has shaped every step of his business journey and is one Diaz shares often with other aspiring entrepreneurs.
His favorite ice cream flavor is another reflection of the creativity and care behind every product. It’s served in special coconut shells imported from India.
Scaling Business with the Right Bank
As Pachitos Ice Cream has expanded, so has the need for smarter, more flexible financial solutions.
Diaz initially came to Regions after being referred by a friend. He was looking for financing to purchase a manufacturing property but quickly discovered something more.
“My first experience with Regions Bank went very well,” he says. “They helped me very much. It was fast and efficient.”
From there, the relationship deepened.
Regions supported Diaz with a $480,000 refinance of an existing loan from a private lender. That helped him pay off nearly $380,000 and free up additional cash. The improved liquidity has been critical as he scales production and prepares for new distribution channels.
Through Ascentium Capital, Regions’ equipment finance arm, he also bought another refrigerated truck and commercial freezer to maintain product quality and expand delivery capacity.
Together, these solutions have enabled Pachitos to operate more efficiently, reach more customers, and confidently pursue new opportunities.
Small business is big business for us.
Relationship Banking That Feels Personal
For Diaz, what stands out most about Regions isn’t the financial solutions but the people who deliver them.
“The Tamiami branch feels like family to me,” he said. “I have never had a relationship like I do with this bank.”
That sense of connection reflects Regions’ relationship-banking approach to small business. When Diaz faced a tight deadline on the financing needed for his ice cream factory, he said the Regions team worked diligently to refinance the loan quickly while demonstrating personal responsiveness and care.
He began his relationship with Regions by sitting down with Banker Lisandra Barcenas to create a personalized small business Regions Greenprint® plan to help meet his business goals.
“Pedro has a lot on his plate, and we truly understand the demands of the business he’s managing,” Barcenas said. “We made a promise to Pedro that with us, he is at home. We want him to feel supported by Regions at every stage of his business.”
“When you help others with genuine care and selflessness, it is felt,” she said. “People may not remember everything you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”
We made a promise to Pedro that with us, he is at home. We want him to feel supported by Regions at every stage of his business.
“Small business is big business for us,” added Tamiami Branch Manager Maylen Perez Johnson.
“While each one of our customers has unique needs, they all share one common expectation: they want to feel heard and appreciated,” Perez Johnson said. “We take the time to truly get to know our business customers because we know that’s how you build the kind of meaningful, long-lasting relationships that help their businesses and our community thrive too.”
Diaz is glad he moved his business to Regions. “People care for us,” he said. “We are not just an account at Regions. That’s what matters.”
Building Momentum for the Future
Today, Pachitos Ice Cream products are distributed across multiple states, including Florida, Nebraska, Nevada and Texas. Diaz continues to focus on what sets his ice cream brand apart and continues to open the doors to growth.
“Our ice cream is very delicious,” he said. “Everyone tells us we make very good ice cream and that is what has allowed us to grow.”
Diaz is also exploring new product innovations, such as milkshakes, and carefully working through the refrigeration challenges required to deliver the same quality.
Through it all, Pedro continues to follow the same blueprint for small business success: stay organized, follow through and never compromise on quality.
He said those values extend to his banking relationship — why he’s already referred other business owners to Regions for the same level of personal care and support.
A Sweet Future Ahead
From a small startup in Cuba to a growing U.S. wholesale business with national ambitions, Pachitos Ice Cream is a testament to what’s possible with the right mix of passion, people, investment and technology.
With Regions, Diaz feels well-positioned to take his business to the next level.
“I have worked with other banks for many years and have never received direct help like this,” he said. “I feel like I am at home and with family.”
Note: Experiences and opinions stated by customers are their own. References to companies in this article not owned by Regions do not imply endorsement.