The Business of Artisan Chocolate

In this episode I interview Tim Gearhart, of Gearharts Fine Chocolates in Charlottesville, VA (also in nearby Richmond). Gearharts has the distinct honor of being named the Best Chocolate Shop in the United States by USA Today. They got this recognition in 2026.But even more importantly, this marks the 25th year that Gearharts has been in business. That's a milestone worth celebrating. So I had plenty of questions for Tim about how he's been able to succeed over such a long stretch of time and what advice he'd give chocolatiers and shops looking to grow and prosper as he has.Your Host:Konstantin Zsigo | Chocolatier (celebrating a mere 10 years)KonstantinZsigo.comIndustry contacts: [email protected] Instagram as @ProChocolatier as my industry accountOur Guest:Tim Gearhart, Gearharts Fine Chocolatesgearhartschocolates.comIf you're interested in doing a deep dive on YOUR operation on the air, feel free to contact me.I do not provide paid consulting or training for chocolatiers. As a master chocolatier, you're supposed to give back to the community, this is how I do that. I won't take money.

In this episode I will take you through the jaw-dropping economics of selling chocolates online. How much does it really cost to ship a single box of chocolates? How should calculate whether you're making or losing money on each transaction.I will take you through the methodology to understanding the economics of this channel of distribution.If you have questions that you'd like me to address "on-air" or confidentially, just email me at [email protected] you'd like to be a guest on the show, we can talk through your business and I can provide tips & advice, reach out.

In this episode we tackle the very real threat of Exhaustion as a professional chocolatier, as the profession is extremely demanding physically, mentally, emotionally and creatively. I walk through sources of fatigue and provide some advice for managing it.Email me at [email protected] you'd like to be a guest on the show and/or talk through chocolate business & its challenges, let me know and we'll set up a Zoom call and we can record it.My retail website for chocolate is KonstantinZsigo.com

The podcast is back in the face of industry shakeup from a major artisan chocolatier closing shop and the renewed sense urgency to help others get profitable!My name is Konstantin Zsigo, I'm a professional chocolatier with a shop in Michigan. I've been making chocolates for a living since 2016 and as a hobby in 2010. I have a lot of insights to share.Follow my new Instagram account dedicated to this podcast and interactions with fellow chocolatiers, tips, advice, resources, etc. @ProChocolatierEmail me at [email protected] Storefront: KonstantinZsigo.com

In this episode I'll talk you though freezing chocolates and purchasing a large walk-in freezer unit.  This includes the economics, the sizing and some of the ways that it will impact your production.To donate a few dollars to the podcast, visit https://anchor.fm/konstantin-zsigo or use PayPal to [email protected] & Comments:  [email protected] Music by Phil Denny: https://PhilDenny.com