#43: Rejecting the Status Quo with Dan Abel

Dan Abel Jr. is the Chief Chocolate Officer behind Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company and Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier. A second-generation chocolatier and entrepreneur, Dan oversees everything from manufacturing to product development and national distribution while still keeping his family roots and St. Louis legacy at the center. 

Known by some as the "Willy Wonka of the Midwest," Dan blends tradition with innovation

as he expands the business with new concepts like a chocolate bar and café, all while raising three kids and sneaking in a round of golf.

In this conversation, Dan opens up about the sweet (and sometimes sticky) reality of growing a handcrafted chocolate company. He shares how he went from working the caramel line to running two nationally recognized brands, why he still gets excited about small-batch innovation, and how he manages to scale without sacrificing soul.

We get into the hilarious and high-stakes stories of pitching big retailers with nothing but samples and passion, how Dan leads a team that spans engineering, production, R&D, and operations, and why his favorite creation is still a waffle cone caramel bar. He also explains the hard lessons of trying (and failing) to automate certain processes, the joy of making something delicious with your hands, and what it's like to carry on the legacy of a company founded in 1668.

Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. RISE is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or RISE and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. 8135159.1 Exp: 7/27

What’s Inside:

• Dan’s lessons from acquiring a 357-year-old brand
• How free samples opened doors for Dan’s business
• Why storytelling sells better than stats
  
  

Mentioned in this episode:

Bissingers.com
Chocolatechocolate.com
Dan Abel Jr. on LinkedIn