Mr. Freeze This entrepreneur gave ice cream a makeover.

Ten years ago, microbiologist Curt Jones was making ice cream when an idea struck him: He could develop his own ice cream product using cryogenic technology. "I knew a way I could get a quicker freeze so [the ice cream] wouldn't get large ice crystals," says Jones. "About six months later, I decided to quit my job and go into business."

Dippin' Dots, the little flavored ice cream and yogurt pellets that are flash-frozen using Jones' patented technique are sold nationwide. There are 140 dealers in about 350 locations. The 20 standard flavors include Banana Split, Strawberry Cheesecake Yogurt and Peanut Butter Chip; there are several seasonal flavors, too.

Start-up costs begin at $10,000; the company meets with potential dealers at its Paducah, Kentucky, headquarters to familiarize them with the program.