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ExperiencesExperiences is a podcast about humans creating happy memories through their participation in the experience economy. Author: Experiences App
Experiences is a podcast about humans creating happy memories through their participation in the experience economy. We discuss how brick and mortar retail is changing rapidly, the clear winners in the experience economy, and visit with brands that are not just surviving, but thriving. Language: en Genres: Business, Education, Entrepreneurship Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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A Chocolate CEO: Jean Thompson's 23-Year Bet on Herself (and Cocoa Farmers)
Episode 10
Friday, 17 April, 2026
Episode: Jean Thompson, CEO of Maeve ChocolateWhat does it take to rescue a chocolate company after a literal earthquake, a departing CEO, and a distributor bankruptcy — all while raising kids and drawing no salary? Jean Thompson, founder and CEO of Maeve Chocolate (formerly Seattle Chocolate), knows firsthand.In this episode, Mark sits down with his longtime entrepreneur friend Jean for one of the most candid founder stories you'll hear. After nine years of losing money, taking on home equity loans, and at least one roadside panic attack, Jean built a thriving, values-driven chocolate company — and rebranded it entirely in year 33.In this episode, you'll hear:How a Seattle earthquake in 2001 accidentally made Jean the owner of a failing chocolate companyWhy "this housewife is going to take the company to its knees" became her rocket fuel for yearsThe brutal cash flow reality of physical product businesses — and why growth almost killed themWhat Jean saw visiting cocoa farms in Ghana (including tribespeople tasting chocolate for the first time)Why she turned down Ferrari of Seattle during her divorce to keep the chocolate companyThe bold, all-or-nothing rebrand from Seattle Chocolate to Maeve — named after a fierce Irish warrior queenHow immersive factory experiences, pop-ups, and a viral book collaboration sold out an entire year's inventory in 36 hoursBuilding an "evergreen" company designed to outlast youKey Themes: Founder resilience, ethical supply chains, experiential retail, rebranding, sustainable growth, women in business, the experience economyLinks & Resources:🍫 Maeve Chocolate: maevechocolate.com🍫 J.COCO Chocolate: jcocochocolate.com📍 Factory tours & tastings available at their Tukwila, WA location📱 Experiences App (show sponsor): experiencesapp.comThe Experiences podcast is brought to you by the Experiences app — the booking system built for Shopify merchants who sell bookable tours, tastings, classes, and adventures. Free 14-day trial in the Shopify App Store.
