On the Line: Richard Foley of ChocXO, Part Two

Hockey plays a large role in today's installment with Richard Foley. I wouldn't expect anything less from this Canadian. So put down that dessert and follow along for his fork-tastic skill, plus an upcoming Valentine's announcement.

Get to know the candy man over here in part one.
Then please continue reading when you're caught up. . .

When did you know you would build a career in chocolate?
My dad owned a chocolate factory where we grew up in Canada, making candies and confections. In 1982, I took a few blocks of his chocolate to some local pastry chefs and sold some to my first customer ever: Bridges Restaurant in Vancouver. I immediately set up an office in my bedroom at my parents' house and started building my first chocolate distribution business.

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Where did you grow up?
I grew up outside of Vancouver, B.C. (see previous response). When I was 21, I started my first company in Vancouver. I moved to Florida to grow the business in the United States. I vacationed in Orange County several times and fell in love with the weather and lifestyle. My family and I moved here in 2009.

Hardest lesson you've learned.
Always digest something before you react to it.

What's your favorite childhood memory?
Probably playing hockey– I grew up so Canadian.

Biggest cultural differences between living in Canada and California.
The hockey nation. Go Canucks!

When you're not in the factory, what are you doing in your free time?
Spending time with my three kids, skiing and going to Ducks games.

Last song played on your radio.
Probably Pharrell's Happy. This was our unofficial theme song when ChocXO was just starting. For several months in late 2013 and early 2014, there were only three people in the entire company (myself, Robby Bucarey and Laina Malnight). My team and I would listen to Happy almost every day. I still get a kick out of that song, even though it's overplayed now.

Last movie watched.
I don't watch many movies, but I do travel a lot. I watched The Edge of Tomorrow on a plane the other day.

Are there any special treats being made for Valentine's Day?
Yes. We're working on a line of chocolate hearts filled with aphrodisiac-filled caramels. Don't worry, we're staying away from oysters.

Do you have any skills that are not related to food?
and What would you be doing if you weren't in this business?
I drive a mean fork-lift. Seriously, I'd probably be a fork-lift driver.

Last thing you looked up online:
If you looked at my browser history, it would say, “Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, travel, chocolate.”

To learn more about ChocXO, please visit www.chocxo.com.

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