some needs don’t change
for companies and individuals,
no matter what the economy
is doing. people still need
to entertain clients,
celebraTe weddings and
birthdays, take a break, and
do something PosItIve.
valERiE bECk Something old, something new
when the going gets rough,
Carol Kimmel Schary, president of
the tough need chocolate.
Nathan Kimmel Company LLC, has
Beck offers a pleasant indulgence
and much-needed escape
succeeded in helming her family-owned
from reality.
business to “necessity status” in slower
economic times. Schary’s father and
Sweet inspiration feel-good atmosphere. Corporate clients
mother started the company, which sells
Valerie Beck has made all the right and vacationers want fun group events
industrial supplies and equipment to
moves to position her company for that won’t break their budgets, and a
the construction industry, in 1956.
growth. President and founder of Chicago Chocolate Tour fits the bill.
Half a century later, the company
Chicago Chocolate Tours, Beck started “Chicago Chocolate Tours cheers
went “green” and boosted its
her successful and growing business people up,” she says. “That makes me
bottom line.
two years ago. The company provides happy. Some needs don’t change for
“Adopting the successful philosophy
guided walking and tasting tours of local companies and individuals, no matter
of my father, we’ve grown the company
chocolate shops for corporate outings what the economy is doing.
and chocolate lovers of all stripes. People still need to enter-
“We had over 1,200 people take our tain clients, celebrate
tours last year, and we’re on target this weddings and birthdays,
year to double that,” says Beck. “My take a break, and do
goal is to quadruple it. I’m optimistic something positive. People
about the opportunities in this econ- need that kind of uplift
omy. I think that now is the time to now more than ever.”
move forward, by reaching out to new Plus, there is always that
clients, strengthening relationships segment of the population
with existing ones, and even adding that seems untouched by
more offerings.” economic setback. “The
Beck’s plan to combat the recession Cocoa Cruise I’m offering
is deceptively simple. “I already had is perfect for visiting
three tour routes, I’ve just added Europeans who have
a fourth, and I’m putting together cash and want to enjoy
a fifth. People have already started their relative wealth in
signing up for the new offerings.” the U.S.,” Beck says.
Not taking her continued success for And the fact that even
granted, Beck also decided to beef up during the current econ-
her sales staff. Now, business is growing omy, premium chocolate
so quickly she’s looking for additional consumption continues
tour guides to handle the volume. to rise is another bonus
Taking a Chicago Chocolate Tour for Beck’s business model.
is a great pick-me-up for people, and Chocolate, she says, is like
CaRol kimmEl SChaRy
By using the “green” trend to
in times like these, Beck thinks it’s lipstick — a necessity and
take her family-owned business
important to cultivate an optimistic, generally recession-proof.
international, schary has clearly
come out on top.
growingwealthmag.com I Growing Wealth I July 08 I 55
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