What happens when an engineer trades blueprints for bonbons? In this episode, we meet Brian Krichbaum, co-owner of Gilbert Chocolates, a beloved Michigan chocolate company that’s been delighting customers for more than 125 years.

After decades in corporate operations, Brian took a leap from consulting to entrepreneurship, buying a century-old gourmet chocolate business seven weeks before Christmas. Since then, he and his wife Sally have tripled the company’s customer base, expanded e-commerce, and preserved the heart of a community icon.

We talk about what it really takes to turn a legacy brand into a thriving modern business: the courage to start small, the power of perseverance, and how optimism, adaptability, and a love of quality craftsmanship can turn even the toughest season into something sweet.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business, working with your partner, or finding joy in reinvention, this one’s for you.

To learn more and pick up a few sweet treats for yourself, visit: https://www.gilbertchocolates.com/