If you weren’t working in the industry, what would you be doing?
Outside of chocolate, my passion is music. I started DJ’ing in middle school and played at school dances throughout high school. My brother and I used to record with rappers and make mixed tapes. Some of my favorite artists are NY guys – Jay-Z, Benny the Butcher, Joey Badass. I built a recording studio in my basement, which I still have, in the early 2000s to produce music with my brother. Although my focus is on chocolate and cocoa farmers these days, there’s always music playing in the background when I’m not in meetings.
What originally attracted you to this industry?
The industry found me. I was fortunate enough to find employment with a regional grocery chain straight out of college that afforded me a decent lifestyle. At the time that was my primary goal – to find a good job. Within two years, I had developed a strong skill set in account management. I’m a people person and I’m very results-oriented. What kept me in this industry in the early days was my success in new item launches and increasing distribution in new markets. Plus, it’s chocolate – why would I leave?
Which five people, alive or dead, would be your dream dinner table?
My dream dinner table would include a diverse group of change makers that were trailblazers and champions in their own fields: Condoleeza Rice, Mike Tyson, Angela Davis, Bob Marley, and Michelle Obama.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The people – my team, my retail buyers, my industry partners, the leaders of Kuapa Kokoo – the cocoa cooperative that co-owns Divine Chocolate, etc. I’m fortunate to work with such a diverse group of people where we identify challenges, work together to overcome them, and have fun with one another. I consistently seek to build positive relationships and positive outcomes…all while working in premium chocolate. It’s a pretty sweet deal (pun intended).
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I’m very proud to be a father and a husband . My wife and I have been together for over 25 years. Met wife in Brooklyn – her best friend was dating a guy Troy coached youth football with. Went to get ice cream at Baskin Robbins and been together ever since – sherbet; she ordered cherry jubilee. We have been blessed with two sons, who have changed my life for the better. As I think about my work at Divine Chocolate, where our mission is to create a fair and sustainable world, my passion for this business ties directly to building a better world for my family. I believe we should all have access – access to housing, healthcare, education – and have upward mobility in the workplace and equal opportunities across the board.
Is there a saying you live your life by?
Treat people how you would like to be treated...
To read more see our latest issue here.
Media contact
Caitlin Gittins
Editor, International Confectionery
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920
Email: editor@in-confectionery.com
