UNC’s Seth Trimble Becomes Youngest Ben & Jerry’s Franchise Owner

For most college athletes, the off-court focus is usually on staying in shape, balancing classes, and maybe enjoying a little downtime between practices. But for UNC basketball guard Seth Trimble, the summer of 2025 brought a very different kind of challenge — one that had nothing to do with running plays or hitting shots. Instead, Trimble is stepping into the world of business, becoming the youngest Ben & Jerry’s franchise owner in the country.

Yes, you read that right. The Tar Heel, known for his athleticism and defensive intensity, will now also be known for scooping up cookie dough and chocolate fudge brownie ice cream for the Chapel Hill community.

More Than Basketball: A Player with Vision

Trimble’s decision to take this leap wasn’t just about business. It was about vision — seeing a future beyond basketball, a future where his name and hard work could open doors not only for himself but for others.

“I’ve always loved the idea of creating something that lasts,” Trimble explained in a recent interview. “Basketball has taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to handle pressure. Owning a business is another way to put those lessons into practice.”

This move reflects a growing trend among college athletes who are leveraging NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities to explore entrepreneurial ventures while still competing on the court. For Trimble, however, this isn’t just a side hustle — it’s a serious investment in his future.

Why Ben & Jerry’s?

When asked why he chose Ben & Jerry’s, Trimble’s answer was as refreshing as a scoop of their iconic Cherry Garcia. “It’s more than ice cream,” he said. “Ben & Jerry’s has always been about community, about giving back, and about bringing people together. That’s something I want to be a part of.”

It’s a fitting partnership. Much like UNC basketball, Ben & Jerry’s is built on tradition, culture, and community pride. Both carry legacies that stretch far beyond the product itself — whether it’s championships or ice cream flavors.

Balancing Hoops and Business

Owning a franchise is no small task. From staffing and management to customer service and community outreach, Trimble will now juggle responsibilities far different from running point on a fast break. But if there’s one thing UNC fans know, it’s that Seth Trimble doesn’t shy away from hard work.

“Basketball will always come first,” he admitted. “But I also think being able to step into a business role sharpens me as a person. It teaches balance, accountability, and leadership differently. At the end of the day, both basketball and business are about building a team and striving for excellence.”

A Trailblazer for Student-Athletes

Trimble’s bold step into franchise ownership is inspiring a new wave of conversations among young athletes. For decades, college basketball stars often focused solely on the pros or overseas careers. But Trimble is showing that it’s possible to build wealth, influence, and legacy while still playing the game you love.

Former Tar Heel greats often speak of the “Carolina Family” — the idea that UNC basketball is bigger than just one player or one team. In many ways, Trimble is expanding that idea. By owning a franchise in Chapel Hill, he’s planting roots in the same community that cheers him on inside the Dean Dome. It’s a reminder that athletes can make an impact in ways that stretch far beyond the court.

Community at the Core

The news of Trimble’s ownership has already sparked excitement locally. Fans are eager not just to grab a scoop of ice cream, but to support one of their own. And Trimble is ready to give back.

“We want to make this shop more than just a place to buy ice cream,” he said. “We’re going to host community nights, charity events, and really find ways to make this business about the people who support it.”

That commitment mirrors the values instilled in him at North Carolina: teamwork, leadership, and service. Just as he plays for something bigger on the hardwood, he now owns a business with the same mindset.

The Bigger Picture

In years to come, people may look back at this as more than just a headline about a basketball player owning an ice cream shop. This may be remembered as the moment a young athlete shifted the narrative about what student-athletes can accomplish.

Trimble isn’t just chasing wins on the court. He’s chasing legacy. He’s showing younger players that you don’t have to wait until basketball is over to start building your future. You can start now.

And for UNC fans, it’s another reason to celebrate one of their own — not only for what he does in crunch time on the floor, but for what he’s building off it.

A Scoop of the Future

So, the next time you’re in Chapel Hill and find yourself craving a double scoop of Ben & Jerry’s, you might just catch Seth Trimble behind the counter, greeting fans with the same energy he brings to the court.

Because in Chapel Hill, basketball and ice cream now share one thing in common: both have Seth Trimble’s fingerprints all over them.