Meet The Team: Mordecai
Kicking off the New Year by introducing our jack-of-all-trades, Head Chocolate Maker, sensory sensei and resident goofball, Mordecai. A vital part of our production team for 9 years now, we think y'all deserve to share in the fun he brings to our factory.
Meet: Mordecai Nichols
Hometown: Cary, NC
Worked at Videri Since: 2015
Position: Head Chocolate Maker
Hey, Mordecai! Why work at a chocolate factory, and specifically Videri?
Making chocolate is magical, although it is a lot of work. It is really great to be a part of turning a beautiful fruit into something else, like some of the best chocolate. I’ve enjoyed getting to visit a few of the farms around the world who grow cacao for us, as it has given me a whole new perspective on how much goes into making delicious chocolate.
Anything you never expected about working at a chocolate factory?
I never imagined I would be at this job as long as I have been. I have worked in many trades and this is by far the most fulfilling. Through being a chocolate maker, I am able to use my talents and skills from past jobs and previous careers to create chocolate. I have also learned so much about what it takes to be a chocolate maker
What’s one thing you love most about working at Videri and being a part of the production team here?
The people I work with are amazing humans and we all work together to make a product we are all proud of.
What restaurants in the area do you enjoy eating at?
I really enjoy Union Special, Gym Tacos, and Noodle Boulevard.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you choose?
Japan, everything from the culture, to the geography, and especially the food looks amazing!
What’s your favorite cocoa bean, and why?
Guatemalan - it is a dynamic bean with delicious chocolate and citrus notes. Because of that, it is also my favorite Single Origin bar. It’s rich and fudgy, while still packing a citrusy punch. Our 75% Guatemalan Bar has a chocolate brownie vibe to it, and I love it.
What’s something you wish everyone knew about working at a chocolate factory?
One thing I wish everyone could see about working in the chocolate industry is that there is so much more that goes into it than what is shown on social media, in information on the packaging, or even through visiting the factory. The process of creating chocolate really showcases artistic creativity, a bit of science, and the difficulty of farming.
What’s your current favorite bar or bonbon?
My go-to is the Cocoa Nib Bar made with our Classic 70% Dark Chocolate. I love our 70% because of it’s tart, berry-like finish. I love the crunch, texture, and toasty flavor that the roasted cocoa nibs add to our chocolate in this bar. You’ll often find me snacking on a nib bar throughout the day.
*Editor’s Note: We recently learned that Mordecai does a very good turkey call. Upon this discovery, we endeavored to work this skill into his factory responsibilities. On days we enrobe bonbons, there is a tray of chewy caramel scraps that Mordecai can be found hovering over. He is now required to issue a turkey call before swooping in for a treat and it brings us all a good laugh.
Anything unrelated you want us to know about you?
I enjoy taking funny pictures of my coworkers. It’s a well known fact about me throughout the factory. Enjoy this collection of snapshots:
And, lastly, what’s your favorite soft serve combination?
An off the menu item that I am obsessed with is my own creation, the Hot Shot: sipping chocolate with a shot of habanero caramel when we have it in-house. It’s so good.
Thank you so much for chatting with us, Mordecai. We’re so grateful to have you on our team! Cheers to many more years of chocolate-making magic. ✨
