02.20.12
Meet Mont Blanc: Michael Szyliowicz
Rebecca Gelston

Name: Michael Szyliowicz

Title: Chocolatier, Co-Founder

Born: Grew up in Denver

What do you do for Mont Blanc Gourmet?

I come up with ideas for products— and I have dinner with customers.  

How did you get your start in this field?

Twenty-five years ago I learned to make chocolates in Paris, and everything just kind of fell into place after that.    

What’s the best part about your job?

The best part of my job is getting to think about all of these fantastic new products we create for customers.

What do you order at your favorite café?

Coffee black, or a mocha.  

Last great idea you’ve come across?

In my life as a "top secret" drink developer, I come across a lot of great ideas... but I’m not ready to share them quite yet! 

Beverages, Diary of a Chocolatier, News
chocolatier, Meet Mont Blanc, mocha, paris
02.06.12
Meet Mont Blanc: Irene Szyliowicz
Rebecca Gelston

Name: Irene Szyliowicz

Title: President

Born: London, England

What do you do for Mont Blanc Gourmet?

I am in charge of Export sales and service.

How did you get your start in this field?

I got my start at the beginning of this company, and the chocolate business my son and I created in 1985, then called The French Confection. We made chocolate candies, which we learned to manufacture in Paris, France. This business evolved out of that one.

What’s the best part about your job?

The best part of my job is going to trade shows where I get to meet my customers in person and, hopefully, attract new ones.

What do you order at your favorite café?

I usually order a decaf cappuccino with skimmed milk.

Last great idea you’ve come across?

I was visiting a friend in a nursing home who had multiple sclerosis and could no longer communicate. I took her hand and realized she had the power to press mine. I could then ask her questions which demanded “yes” or “no” answers, and she would press my hand whenever she agreed. I finally found a way to communicate with her!

Beverages, News, Tradeshows
exports, ideas, Meet Mont Blanc, tradeshows
01.30.12
Meet Mont Blanc: Dina Paz
Rebecca Gelston

Name: Dina Paz

Title: Project Manager

Born (location): Honduras

What do you do for Mont Blanc Gourmet?

I oversee Private Label programs and manage new customer concepts from design to production.

How did you get your start in this field?

My culinary degree allowed me entry into fine dining, and eventually got into Research and Development as a lab technician.

What’s the best part about your job?

The camaraderie of my co-workers, fun atmosphere, and the innovative products we test and research on a daily basis.

What do you order at your favorite café?

I usually order hot coffee, but when I splurge, I like a foamy Cambric tea.

Last great idea you’ve come across?

On-the-go flavor shots—a perfect complement to my coffee without the added fuss.

Innovation, News
Flavor Shots, Meet Mont Blanc, Private Label
01.23.12
Meet Mont Blanc: Eric Nakata
Rebecca Gelston

Name: Eric Nakata

Title: Director of R&D

Born (location): Torrance, CA

What do you do for Mont Blanc Gourmet?

Research and development. 

How did you get your start in this field?

Reverse engineering food in restaurants. 

What’s the best part about your job?

Creating solutions people can drink.

What do you order at your favorite café?

Coffee with touch of honey and maybe a dash of cinnamon. 

...
Innovation, News
Eric Nakata, Meet Mont Blanc, R&D
01.16.12
Meet Mont Blanc: Jim Shea
Rebecca Gelston

Name: Jim Shea

Title: Director of Manufacturing & Logistics

Born (location): New Jersey 

What do you do for Mont Blanc Gourmet?

Production Control, Inventory Control, Logistics Control, Purchasing, Product Costing, Sales Data Collection, coordinate special requirements for International sales order, pull weeds & keep parking lot clean

How did you get your start in this field?

I worked for a company where no one else wanted the planning job – the rest is history!

What’s the best part about your job?

When all the plans fall into place without a hitch.

What do you order at...

News
Inventory Control, Logistics Control, Meet Mont Blanc, Product Costing, Production Control, Purchasing, Sales Data Collection