For Subscribers

Double Dipping Life is sweet for a vice president of sales by day and chocolate fountain franchisee by night.

By Sara Wilson

Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.

You may call it love at first sight--or at first bite. While attending a business event, Pete Kraehmer caught sight of a Sir Chocolatechocolate fountain. "It had the 'wow' factor," says Kraehmer, 39. "It was very eye-catching. Between the chocolate fountain, the presentation and the flavor of the chocolate, it was phenomenal."

The chance encounter hit a soft spot with Kraehmer and marked the beginning of his double life. By day, he's vice president of sales for a telecommunications company. By night, he's a chocolate fountain franchisee, turning events into tasty memories with his fondue fountain and dipping delicacies that range from strawberries to coconut macaroons. His schedule gets hectic at times, but the extra work comes with sweet rewards. Says Kraehmer, "It's awesome at the end of the day to say this is mine."

Kraehmer became Sir Chocolate's first franchisee in October 2004, and since then, has successfully turned heads at events ranging from weddings to holiday parties. No matter what the event, he finds people's reactions are always the same. "I have a 2- and a 5-year-old, and everything is new to them. Their faces light up at everything," says Kraehmer. "You see that same expression on an adult. It's just like, 'Wow, this is so cool.'" Last year, Kraehmer's Virginia Beach, Virginia-based franchise grossed more than $50,000 in sales, making it easy for him to fall deeper in love than ever.

Want to be an BIZ Experiences Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Science & Technology

OpenAI's Latest Move Is a Game Changer — Here's How Smart Solopreneurs Are Turning It Into Profit

OpenAI's latest AI tool acts like a full-time assistant, helping solopreneurs save time, find leads and grow their business without hiring.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for BIZ Experiencess to pursue in 2025.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Money & Finance

These Are the Expected Retirement Ages By Generation, From Gen Z to Boomers — and the Average Savings Anticipated. How Do Yours Compare?

Many Americans say inflation prevents them from saving enough and fear they won't reach their financial goals.

Business Solutions

Boost Team Productivity and Security With Windows 11 Pro, Now $15 for Life

Ideal for BIZ Experiencess and small-business owners who are looking to streamline their PC setup.

Starting a Business

I Built a $20 Million Company by Age 22 While Still in College. Here's How I Did It and What I Learned Along the Way.

Wealth-building in your early twenties isn't about playing it safe; it's about exploiting the one time in life when having nothing to lose gives you everything to gain.