Kevin Richards Belgium Maître Chocolatier By Gerry Croteau
At first glance, Kevin Richards is what we would call the ‘total package’. Extremely easy on the eyes, great conversationalist and very charming. The man is far more complex. His strong roots into family, work ethic and community reveal a man passionate about how he lives his life. Kevin takes nothing for granted and is truly appreciative of what life has given him thus far. He’s been on the mountain top and down in the valley. I sat down with Kevin recently to further discover the man behind the apron! Kevin wasn’t always in the kitchen donning an apron. At seventeen, his entrepreneurial skills led him into screen printing T’s with an artsy flare that were all about cows. I was curious and asked, “So, T’s with cows on them?” “Oh yes,” Kevin said and added, “It was their names that made them awesome.” Their names? Kevin gave me two names and I got it – Picowso and Moodonna! The man is creative and understands Marketing 101 – give the customer something to talk about. So, fast forward to 2015 and Kevin is embarking on a new branding for his chocolates under ‘Fitkatchocolate.com’ in partnership with his new wife. New branding, new wife and a new life. I asked Kevin who inspired him and who gave him the strength to weather life’s changes and challenges. Without hesitation and with a Cheshire smile Kevin said, “My Mom, Barb Richards.” Kevin went onto say that his mom’s generosity, integrity and her desire to give back to the community impacted his life forever. Anyone else come to mind in influencing your work ethic? Kevin looked over and said, “Arch Brown, a man well-known in Canadian Tire circles.” Kevin quickly reminded me that Arch Brown was the creative genius behind Canadian Tire money. So creativity is Kevin’s forte.
As Kevin put it, “Creating something nobody has seen before and improving on what already exists.” G. Olivier, Chocolat Connoistre, had this to say about Kevin, “Until recently, there were three World's best-known chocolatiers: William Curley (London, U.K.), Patrick Rogers (Paris, France) and Jacques Torres (New York, NY, USA). And now there are four Chocolatiers that come under Best-known – add Kevin Richards’ name.” In fact, Olivier goes on to state that Kevin is ‘Le Grande Maître Chocolatier’ of all. In the World of ART Making Chocolate Mastery, Kevin has found his place with fabulous, most-refined, and tasty chocolate delicacies possible! Kevin Richards, the man behind the apron! Kevin’s transparency and honesty enabled me to see far more than his award-winning chocolates. I see a self-taught man who isn’t afraid of failure and knows that taking risks is part of the entrepreneurial spirit. Kevin understands that life holds hurdles and that problem solving is exciting. In Kevin’s own words, “I’d like my kids, wife and parents to be proud of me. Then I can sleep. Takers can’t sleep well, but givers sleep the best.” fitkatchocolate.com
PIE Magazine
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