On this week's episode, presented by Busey Bank, I’m sitting down for the 2nd time with Dan Abel Jr., CEO of Bissinger’s Chocolates—a brand with over 350 years of heritage and a bold vision for the future. From handcrafted truffles to luxury retail boutiques, Dan is leading a nationwide expansion of Bissinger’s retail shops, bringing artisan chocolate experiences directly to consumers across the country.

We’ll dive headfirst into the strategy behind scaling with soul—why Dan chose to grow retail now, how he’s building teams that reflect the company’s values, and what it means to preserve craftsmanship in a world of automation. We’ll explore the new chocolate campus in St. Louis, the balance between wholesale and direct-to-consumer growth, and how culture, purpose, and quality remain at the heart of every decision.

Speaking of quality and purpose, I'm excited to welcome a new partner for the show - The Normal Brand - clothing rooted in Midwestern values. They’re giving listeners 15% off one purchase of regularly priced clothing. Just use the code BAKEDIN at checkout. Head to thenormalbrand.com and find your new favorite fit.

Let's roll...