The Brock family made the move to Fernie from Vancouver in 2001. At a time when their oldest son was just about to enter high school, they found themselves growing increasingly tired of city life and the rising crime rate. They decided to pack up and move to the tranquility of small town Fernie and fulfill a long time dream of opening their own business.

Marilyn and Martin Brock were determined to bring something new to Fernie, to add to the flavor of Fernie rather than compete with an existing business. Many hours of research led them to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise and within a few months they opened their store on Main Street. They haven’t looked back…. and neither have we! Who doesn’t love chocolate? Especially when it’s made fresh on the premises. It’s a short walk down Main Street before you’re drawn in by the smell of melting chocolate and enticed by the colorful displays.

Opening your own business in a new town is a great way to meet people in the community and very quickly become part of the fabric of that community. For Martin, the best part of owning a business is “knowing that your hard work goes toward providing for your family, and can give you the opportunity of income growth that you might never receive from a job.”

The flip side to this is you don’t just hang up your apron at the end of the day and go home. Your own business can be all-consuming, especially during the start up process. Now, after four years, the Brocks are able to enjoy time away from the store; the business is never far from their minds, but a well- trained, dedicated staff means they’re able to relax a little more.

Local businesses have seen a steady growth as Fernie moves toward becoming a year-round destination. With projects such as the Blackstone Golf Course, the Cranbrook Airport Expansion, and developments around Lake Koocanusa, it seems unlikely that this growth will not continue. This can only be an encouraging factor for up and coming entrepreneurs.

What advice do the Brocks have for those thinking about starting a business in Fernie? “take your time, research, and determine a new niche that you could bring to Fernie. Try to fill that need instead of replicating something already offered by another business.”

We chocoholics can rest easy; until the right entrepreneur comes along with some new fresh ideas for the chocolate factory, Marilyn & Martin will continue to work at making it a successful and contributing member of the Fernie business community.

Now, who’s for a Pecan Mogul?