“Lenny Fisher is a visionary.”
Those words are from Amber Richards, Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager, Private Banking for Farmers National Bank. It perfectly describes the man who – in 1985 – purchased a small, single-location ice cream stand founded by Alice Handel in 1945 and in 40 years, grew it to the size and scoop (sorry – scope) it is today.
The familiar Handel’s sign can be found in 14 states at 140 locations. By the end of 2025, that number should grow to 200. As for the selections, “There are 175 flavors in the library, so to speak, with 48 flavors made fresh every day,” says Lenny, whose official title is Chairman of the Board of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream. (His personal favorites? “Pineapple sherbet, cherry vanilla, chocolate pecan and chocoholic chunk.”)
Yet, despite its size, Handel’s has never lost that family business feel, perhaps because so many of Lenny’s family members are part of the operation, including his wife Carol and children Leigh and Joshua. And also because he cares about those involved in the company, from the teen scoopers in stores to the adults who are his franchisees.
The caring doesn’t stop there. As Richards notes, “Lenny is a very charitable, giving person.” His generosity over the years has benefited Tod Children’s Hospital, Akron Children’s Hospital and the Youngstown Business Incubator, with his Donor-Advised Fund, managed by Farmers Trust Company, directing his personal charitable donations. Other organizations he’s donated to include the Rich Center for Autism, Jewish Federation and Sight For All United. It’s clear that even with national success, Lenny will always make time to give back.
In this exclusive interview, Lenny shares the sweet spot he’s found to his business approach, some sound advice for other entrepreneurs and his big plans for the future.
Q: What business philosophy did you adhere to as you grew Handel’s?
Lenny Fisher: One of my credos was, ‘If I won’t have you to my house for dinner, I won’t sell you a franchise.’ I don’t care how much money they had. They had to be as dedicated as I am, and they had to be a family person—care about family and care about the community. As long as you stay community-minded, you’re going to do well.
Q: Who were among your greatest supporters in the early days?
Fisher: When I purchased Handel’s, I had a few friends who helped me with the down payment: Stan Nudell, Robert Machel and Eve Bevilacqua. I’m still dedicated to them to this day. A lot of times when you get into business, people help you and then you forget about them. That’s a terrible thing to do. You should always remember the people who helped you.
Q: Why is it important for you to engage in philanthropic activities?
Fisher: Helping people—it’s just what I love to do. It’s something that was ingrained in me even as a young child, growing up in a tenement in Brooklyn. My parents didn’t have much, but they would share. That’s what I want to do in life. I want to be able to share what I have. And it makes me feel really good knowing I can help people who can really use the help.
Q: What advice do you have for entrepreneurs?
Fisher: Seek out a mentor. There are people in the community like myself that are happy to help those entrepreneurs who are first starting out with advice or whatever they might need. Don’t compromise, and don’t listen to other people that are going to tell you that you can’t do it. You need to stay away from all negative people. Only surround yourself with positive-thinking people. Never give up. Never stop chasing your dream.
My other advice? Never skimp! We only use the finest ingredients and the best of everything. If you use the best, you’ll be the best.
Q: What is next on the horizon for Lenny Fisher? 
Fisher: I can’t just sit at home and watch TV. I have to be doing something and it has to be food-related. I’m thinking about starting a company where everything I do, whether it be tomato sauce or caramel corn or something else, I’ll donate all the profits to charity. That’s my next venture.
Q: How do you define success, both personally and professionally?
Fisher: I think success as a person is the amount of lives you can touch in a positive way. As a business owner, success is normally counted as dollars in the bank, but it’s also the excitement of taking something and growing it from an acorn to a mighty oak. To see that growth and be part of that growth. Success also is having enough to share with the community, and to take care of the community, because – without the community – we’re nothing.