Meet Jenn Behrmann | Fudge Maker & Follower of Dreams

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenn Behrmann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was in education for about 18 years and I was tired of feeling stuck in the grind. I was raised to be independent and, for me, that meant having a secure job with consistent income. However, I found my entire identity being wrapped up in my job and realized I had lost track of myself and what made me happy. I was having a particularly rough year and my mental and physical health was quickly declining. With the complete support of my family, I quit my job and created What the Fudge Co., LLC. a few weeks later. It was the hardest, yet best, decision I could have made. I had been making fudge every holiday season for my friends and family for over 20 years. I started experimenting with different base flavors (milk, dark, white chocolate) and mix-ins (toffee, nuts, fruit, candy). I had always joked about the idea of having my own “fudge shop”, but I never thought it would actually be possible. I was never brave enough to actually do it until now and it has been so much fun! The Co. is for Colorado, by the way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Personally, I am most proud that I was brave enough to walk away from a steady job to take a chance on my self. I am all about doing what makes you happy. After I left teaching, I really started focusing on my mental and physical health. I took up kickboxing and I dance hip hop. I lost over 50 pounds! It was incredibly scary taking the steps to start my business. However, the support I get from my mom, husband, and kids keeps me grinding. What the Fudge Co. is unique in that we make almost all of our money through face to face sales. We try to attend weekly markets and at least one bigger event each month. I am currently thinking of ways to expand by offering new options such as event platters, party favors, and gift baskets in addition to our classic quarter pound bricks of fudge in over 20 flavors.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Northern Colorado is a great place to visit. I would take them to Old Town Fort Collins for breakfast at the Silver Grille Cafe followed by a walk through the shops and grab a flavored soda from the candy shop, Rocket Fizz. Then, a visit to Windsor Lake for a peaceful walk or bike ride. I love their Summer Concert series where folks just bring chairs and listen to live music while taking in the beautiful scenery and Colorado sky. Next stop, would be a good old drive through the country. I really love exploring county roads to see where they go. I am fascinated by farms and self sustaining homesteads. If things need a boost of enery, I would go to a hockey game. The Eagles games at The Ranch are pretty exciting and the fans are so much fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my husband for not only putting up with, but encouraging, my crazy ideas. Shoutout to my mother who is my best friend on the planet. I am an only child rasied by a single mom and she taught me how to be strong and independent. Shoutout to all my early customers at the Greeley Farmer’s Market. I was terrified to look at their faces when they sampled my fudge, but they kept coming back and showing so much love which made me want to be even more creative with my flavors. Shoutout to my kids for being willing to taste all the different fudge flavors.

Website: www.whatthefudgeco,com

Instagram: @whatthefudgeincolorado

Facebook: @whatthefudgeincolorado

Image Credits
Jenn Behrmann