Sweet success for Fernie’s Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Martin and Marilyn Brock pick up the 2014 Fernie Chamber of Commerce award for outstanding customer service.

by Trina Ayling — January 21, 2015

Marilyn and Martin Brock own the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise in Fernie. — photo courtesy Martin and Marilyn Brock

When Martin and Marilyn Brock began researching franchise opportunities, it was partly the name Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory that won them over. In mountain-majestic Fernie, this specialty chocolate, fudge and caramel company is a sweet complement to a thriving tourism-focused business community. The Brocks moved to Fernie from the Lower Mainland in 2001 after visiting their daughter.

“It was a breath of fresh air after the big city”, said Martin. “We knew it was a much safer environment to raise our two young boys. My parents came for the trip to help us move. Before long, they decided to make Fernie their home. It has been wonderful having the whole family here.”

The Brocks decided to invest in Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in 2003. Marilyn, who is also a successful realtor in Fernie, has a background in law, accounting and management. Martin spent most of his career in the automotive industry as a licensed auto technician and service manager. He also loves to cook.

While their combined skills provided a number of franchise options to consider, they wanted to find a unique business that would not adversely affect any existing Fernie retailers.

“Our daughter told us about the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise,” Marilyn said. “We looked into it and it sounded amazing—definitely something that would not only enhance Fernie’s business community, but also play right into Fernie’s tourism.”

The process of opening the shop took about a year to complete. The Brocks streamlined the business for ease and efficiency, enabling them to provide outstanding customer service while maintaining production levels. Staff consists of three employees.

The shelves are loaded with goodies at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

With two tempering machines—a larger one dedicated to milk chocolate and a smaller machine for white, dark and no-sugar-added chocolate—RMCF usually stocks around 700 pounds of chocolate during the regular season. This can easily double during big holidays. Rocky pop, brittle, seafoam, fudge and caramel are also made from scratch in-store.

During their first year of business the Brocks received the Fernie Chamber of Commerce Award for Entrepreneur of the Year, and in 2014 the Chamber once again nominated Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in three different categories, including Excellence in Retail and Business of the Year. The Brocks ended up taking home the Outstanding Customer Service Award.

“Marilyn and I were away on vacation for our 30th wedding anniversary at the time of the awards presentation dinner,” said Martin, “so we sent our manager and staff to represent the store. “We were so glad our staff got to accept the award, as it truly did belong to them. They are our frontline people and to win this award was the ultimate recognition of their hard work and dedication to customer service.”

Despite the success of the chocolate shop, Martin said his and Marilyn’s long-term goal has always been to build a successful turnkey business and eventually pass it along to another family with the same business ethics as their own.

“We are currently looking for new owners,” Martin said. “But don’t worry, it’s business as usual until we find the right match. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is here to stay.”

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is located at 581A Second Avenue in Fernie and is open seven days a week, 364 days a year, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.