Brian Devlin got a bit wistful on Monday. Surrounded by sweets inside Makana Confections on Rapaura Road, the magnitude of the morning suddenly swept over him.
He and his wife, Carole Flowers, have owned and operated the business since purchasing it from the founders in February 2006. Exactly 20 years and one month later, they sold it to a pair of friends from the North Island, where Makana’s initial location remans.
Brian and Carole came back to Blenheim to complete the transition. As she attended to details in the office and kitchen, he reflected on their two decades as chocolatiers.
“It’s the most fun I’ve ever had at work,” Brian relayed. Pointing to the kitchen, where employees dipped shortbread into melted chocolate, he noted that neither Carole nor he “knew anything about chocolate when we bought the business, but we had to learn pretty quick.”
Brian brought retail experience to Makana, having owned supermarkets and other ventures in his native Northern Ireland. Carole, a Scot, had worked in the financial sector. Each carved a niche in the two-factory confectionary.
A complementary business partnership is one thing; marriage is another. With Brian on the cusp of turning 74, Carole “prompted me to sell it” so they could retire. They fielded interest from overseas and venture capitalists, but they put aside those offers.
“Small businesses like this are like extended family,” he explained. “We have a duty of care to make sure that the people we’ve had working for us, some for over 18 years, are well looked after.
“I have learned over the years that if you do things right – you’ve got a good product and good service – as long as you watch your costs, you’ll make money at it. [Buyers] all were looking at it from the wrong direction.”
New owners
A fateful encounter changed the trajectory. Walking into the Mitre 10 near Kerikeri, Brian met neighbour Charles Parker walking out. Hearing that Charles had a lull between contracts, he delivered his “usual” sales pitch.
“Have I got a deal for you,” Brian proposed. “I’ve got two chocolate factories; buy one and get one free!”
Charles didn’t say no outright – and in tandem with Richard Snijders, a friend since childhood, gave Brian and Carole a yes.
Ironically, in retirement, the couple anticipates spending more time in Marlborough than they could as interisland business owners. So, while Monday marked the end of an era, wistfulness passed as quickly as it came.
“In 20 years, we’ve gotten to know Marlborough really well,” Brian said. “It’s been a delight for us.”
