Markham & Fitz CEO is moving to Brooklyn

Lauren Blanco, co-founder and CEO of Markham & Fitz, will move to Brooklyn, the most populous borough of New York City, in early October but maintain ownership in the chocolate company. She’ll keep a fractional CEO role and work to promote the company nationally.

Asked why she’s moving, Blanco said it’s been her husband’s dream for 10 years. She also plans to try something new that’s yet to be determined.

“We’re really just chasing a dream, chasing adventure,” she said.

Bentonville-based Markham & Fitz will continue to operate with its 11 staff but have a new face representing it in Northwest Arkansas. Longtime employee Anders Olsen, production and operations manager and head of research and development, will be promoted to director of operations and run the company’s operations here.

Its staff “know all the ins and outs of the business … across the board,” Blanco said.

“They’re going to do an excellent job and have a particular passion for community connection, which is a great opportunity, I think, for them to step up in ways that I’ve probably … prevented that growth in the past. I’m really excited to step out of the way in some ways so that they can build more connections with our other businesses and community members in ways that I haven’t done in the past.

“I’ll be looking to expand our network and … broaden our reach nationally,” she said. “I’ve already got lots of networking opportunities in New York that I think will only ultimately benefit Markham & Fitz in a way … I haven’t been focused before.”

Blanco said business is good, and with the growth of Bentonville, foot traffic is rising at its café at 8th Street Market. The company’s wholesale business is also increasing.

“We’re just overall having a great year,” she said.

Customers can expect Markham & Fitz to maintain “the same level of quality and customer service that everyone has always known … and continue to grow the business from where it is now,” Blanco said.