Life is like a box of chocolates when you're Konny Zsigo.
In October, Zsigo swapped a 30-year run as an entrepreneur and corporate CEO in the high-tech wireless, digital advertising space to pursue a new path as a chocolatier. It was a move that took some by surprise since Zsigo had launched and operated East Lansing-based wireless companies since graduating high school, creating about 500 jobs. His most recent venture, WDA, was sold to the big data marketing company
Rocket Fuel in 2014, contributing to the growth of high-tech ventures in the Greater Lansing area.
"I didn't want my whole life to be about high tech," says Zsigo. "I've been that way since I was 17 and started a computer company. It's very stressful, and this represents a nice semi-retirement option for me. It also gives me a chance to be creative."
Typical of Zsigo's enterprises,
Masters of Confection isn't simply what it appears. Instead of being a brick-and-mortar chocolate shop, Masters of Confection offers a monthly subscription service where members get a two-pound, eclectic assortment of handcrafted, signature chocolates and confections. Corporate clients can opt for an efficient gift-giving program for key employees and customers—complete with a box customized with the company's logo. Zsigo also coordinates tasting parties and charity events, including a recent "ladies night" at
Azzi Jewelers.
"I didn't want to be a backroom chocolatier, someone who doesn't see anyone," says Zsigo. "I want to do the opposite and bring the chocolate to the people rather than having them come into a shop. Most chocolatiers I've met are in the back with their gloves and hats on. I'm doing that, too, but I want to go out and meet people."
Zsigo credits his son for igniting his chocolate craze. About six years ago, his then 10-year-old son was looking to start his first business in the form of a lemonade stand. Zsigo steered him toward something bigger, and suggested he do something with chocolate instead.
"He was dipping Oreo cookies, and while he was doing that, I was making truffles," says Zsigo. "I discovered I loved it and was really having a great time."
It wasn't long before Zsigo was seeking advice from professional chocolatiers, attending trade shows, and learning everything he could about the business. Today, he makes preservative-free confections that source chocolate from France and Belgium, creating a variety of different chocolates and sweets for each month.
"It's seasonally inspired—so you'll get different assortments for Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and so on," says Zsigo. "That's part of the fun of it. It's a surprise."
Zsigo handcrafts all chocolates alongside his wife and business partner Nikki. Monthly subscription services for Masters of Confection are $35 a month, and run for nine months out of the year—excluding June, July and August. To find out more, click
here.
Source: Konny Zsigo, Owner and Chocolatier, Masters of Confection
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
Got a story idea for Capital Gains? Email Ann Kammerer here.
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