Our Team
OUR TEAM
Markham & Fitz is built on the mission to celebrate people, creativity and craft. We honor the invisible woven networks of people and plants that sustains our lives and livelihoods. We believe that truly good things take time, intention and an unrelenting commitment to a more just world.
Craft chocolate is a labor of love... and it requires a lot of real human people to make this dream possible. We are grateful to be made up of a team full of passionate people who are inspired by craft and a vision that's bigger than ourselves.
Lauren Blanco
Co-Founder & CEO
lauren@markhamandfitz.com
Lauren spent 5 years working in grassroots economic development in war-torn countries where she witnessed business as a force of good and encountered her first cacao farm. Driven to make a positive difference in the cacao supply chain, she leads the company's strategy, creative direction, and product development.
Anders Olsen
Production Manager + Director of Innovation
production@markhamandfitz.com
From fishmonger to Mennonite cheesemaker to a college graduate in biochemistry, Anders' analytical food science approach to chocolate making and his keen palate support his development of both high quality chocolate and reliable management of the production process.
Will Cichy
Fulfillment Manager
fulfillment@markhamandfitz.com
Will, specializes in shipping management and excellent customer service, ensuring that all of Markham & FItz goods arrive in quality condition - whether they're shipping to our wholesale clients or directly to your doorstep, across the country (or the world!). Will has a background in education and logistics.
Rachel Parker
Retail Manager
rachel@markhamandfitz.com
Rachel cultivates a memorable customer experience at our brick & mortar in Bentonville. She started as a chocolate maker, and moved her way into customer service. Rachel is passionate about building our customer service team & ensuring our guests have a memorable experience!
Charisse Anh
Pastry Chef
pastry@markhamandfitz.com
Charisse perfects our desserts and confections at the 8th Street Market from cake and tarts to cookies and creme brulee. She pours meticulous skill and speed into her pastry arts on a daily basis. If you've liked any of our desserts, she's the one to thank.
Jim Wilkins
Sales Account Manager
jim@markhamandfitz.com
Jim has a lifetime of experience in sales and business management, and has enthusiastically brought his experience to help grow Markham & Fitz. He is leading Wholesale and Corporate sales & account management.
Eric Marsh
Lead Chocolate Maker
Eric, aka Mr. Spice, leads our roasting and batch building side of chocolate making. You'll find him at our 8th Street Market location bringing heart to the chocolate making process. Eric is proudly on the neurodivergent spectrum and seeks to empower others by exampling his success in the chocolate craft.
David Viss
Lead Chocolate Maker
David leads our Chocolate Tempering team and the finishing side of chocolate making. You'll find him molding chocolate bars by the hundreds, daily, and McGyvering machine repairs on the regular.