Citizen Profile: Steve Rankin

Citizen Profile
Steve Rankin
By Kathleen Downey

“What am I going to do with this gift called life?” It’s a deeply personal question that Steve Rankin, owner of Gram’s Ice Cream, says that each person should ask of oneself. Philosophy is an unexpected and inconspicuous ingredient in the flavors that this unassuming and self-effacing ice cream parlor proprietor serves each day. But Gram’s is not your typical, nor corporate, ice cream operation.

“Whimsical” is the word that comes to mind in describing the atmosphere that Rankin has capriciously but warmheartedly created. Suspended over the ice cream counter floats a giant, inflatable turtle wearing sunglasses. An exaggerated, oversized “genuine” Plum Island greenhead clings to the far wall—more of a curiosity than a menace. Endearing farm animals and woodland creatures watch customers from a mural backdrop painted by Rankin’s wife. “I enjoy being silly.” Rankin confesses. His lighthearted attitude is embraced by his smiley young staff who wear electric-green T-shirts with the axiom, “I eat dessert first” across their backs. The words are fun and frivolous, but they also speak (or whisper) to Rankin’s belief that people need to discover that which gives them joy. “Too many people never find their passion–either because they are frightened or because their passion has been ‘beaten’ out of them” Rankin says.

Rankin’s passion is serving people. After fifteen years at the helm of Gram’s (a name that affectionately honors his own grandmother), Rankin still derives great joy through interacting with his customers. In fact, Rankin greets all his regular customers by name (during the course of our conversation, he says “Hello” to several who come in and take their places in the ice cream queue). “I enjoy serving up happiness with each scoop of ice cream,” he tells me, a wide smile spreading across his face.

Rankin has strived to create what he describes as “a destination business that caters to locals as well as tourists—but with a uniquely local flavor.” Of course, Gram’s ice cream flavors are as unique as the ice cream parlor’s unique local atmosphere. Mocha Merrimac Mud, Plum Island Turtle, and Joppa Sludge are three distinctively “local” flavors that Rankin has concocted, to the delight of locals and tourists alike. He is proud of the “superb” ice cream that his little parlor serves. “The ice cream, hot fudge sauce, and even the whipped cream are all home-made,” he says. Rankin jokes that he receives “ice cream epiphanies” in creating new flavors.

But a greater epiphany may be the realization that, for Rankin (who considers himself a spiritual person), the act of making ice cream is meditative. He likens it to the practice of walking meditation for the contemplative, self-reflective mood that each activity inspires. “Making ice cream helps me to feel centered; it gives me the time to check in with my deeper self to help me know what’s important, and what isn’t,” he explains.

A five-week visit to Calcutta, India, with his wife two years ago helped to clarify Rankin’s perspective on the important things in life. While volunteering at Mother Teresa’s Home for the Dying and Destitute, he and his wife administered care, comfort, and compassion to those suffering from what he calls “incredible poverty.” He describes his service to the starving, homeless, disfigured, and infirm as the most rewarding experience of his life. Rankin was touched, and humbled, he says, by the gratitude expressed by these meek individuals. He was equally humbled by the selfless service of the other volunteers who had come to Calcutta from across the globe.

Returning home from Calcutta helped Rankin to appreciate the “blessing,” he says, of living in America. The visit also strengthened his conviction that each of us needs to periodically check in with ourselves to be sure that we are fully embracing the gift of life we’ve been given—and are following the paths meant for us. For Rankin, that path—his passion—is serving others, whether administering to Mother Teresa’s flock . . . or serving double-scoop cones of Gram’s creamy home-made ice cream to Newburyport’s locals.

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Kathleen Downey is a contributing writer to Newburyport-Today if you are a “Townie” and would like to be interviewed by Kathleen, please let us know!