Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity is proud to share that our Eta Chapter brother, Tom Landis, was recently featured in a Dallas Morning News article for his mission to empower a vastly underserved section of society. Tom is the owner and founder of Howdy Homemade, an ice cream company whose mission – aside from making great ice cream – is employing adults with autism, Down syndrome, and other disabilities.

In an interview with the Special Fathers Network Podcast, Brother Landis said he and his wife, Margaret, opened Howdy Homemade nearly three years ago after reading the legendary coach Gene Stalling’s book “Another Season: A Coach’s Story of Raising an Exceptional Son,” which chronicles his relationship with his son with Down syndrome, Johnny Stallings.

Despite being “the embodiment of hospitality,” much of the book focuses on Johnny’s struggle to find employment. Millions of adults with special needs or those on the autism spectrum are underemployed or unemployed.

Tom and Margaret have been married for 16 years and are the proud parents of two children — Kate age 8 and Jake age 10. Coach Stalling’s story about his son compelled Tom to “look internally as to how do I be a better dad?” Thus Howdy Homemade came to fruition, hiring adults with special needs to run the operation.

When the pandemic hit, like so many other businesses, Howdy Homemade was severely affected, closing temporarily to ensure the safety of its employees. Even after reopening, customer traffic was slow, leading to the risk of permanent closure.

Because of Howdy’s reputation for its original, delicious flavors, as well as its public service mission, the community rallied around Brother Landis and Howdy Homemade via social media and GoFundMe campaigns. Additionally, CNBC’s “The Profit” host Marcus Lemonis recently gifted Howdy Homemade with a $50,000 grant.

These generous donations will allow Brother Landis to grow his operations, opening new stores (and an ice cream truck!) across the country and continuing his mission to employ adults with special needs. Delta Sig is proud of Brother Landis and his efforts to Build Better Men every day.