Meet Patrick Nauman | Candy Store Owner

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

Hi Patrick, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was raised on a ranch in Idaho outside of a small rural community. I was taught at an early age to work hard for the things that you want. Being raised on working ranch we learned how to budget our money, pick the things that were important to us, spend time with family, set goals and most importantly to enjoy life. We were taught to be honest and fair and to value those people that came into our lives. You can learn a lesson everyday from every person if you are receptive to the lesson. I was lucky enough to have amazing parents who valued hard work and perseverance. I went to school in a school district that valued its students and had amazing teachers who took an interest in making sure their students excelled. All of these things are what I try to do every day. I value the people that walk into and out of my life everyday, each one brings a new perspective. I try to be fair and honest and to work hard within my means to provide a better life for my family and for my employees. I value philanthropy and believe it is my job to give back as much as I can to help leave the world a better place.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the owner of a small batch chocolate company located in Weiser Idaho. We pride ourselves on using local & regional ingredients in the production of our candy. I have been in food & hospitality since the age of 14. I have a degree in hotel/restaurant management and have worked in all areas of the food industry. Before becoming a small business owner I worked in the small ship cruise industry for over 13 years starting as a deckhand and working my way up to Director of Hotel Operations. It was not an easy journey to get to the point of owning a small business but anything worth doing is worth the work and effort to put into it. Recently, my store was voted the Best Candy Store in the State of Idaho. I have worked hard since buying the company 15 years ago to market my company and my brand to the region. It has been a goal to increase my market share and develop a brand that is recognized as the best in the region.

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.
Of course we would have to start with the best chocolate shop in the state!! I would also take them to the sunny slope wine area, one of Idaho’s premier vittaculture areas, It would include lunch at the Orchard House winery, then for dinner that night we would go to Indian Creek Steakhouse and enjoy the shops around Indian Creek, in Caldwell. Maybe cap off the evening with some frozen yogurt at the Spoon. We would also need to include Bogus Basin, Sun Valley, a trip to Anderson Reserve Steak House, a couple of days in McCall.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people in my life that have made a difference! Teachers, siblings, customers, employers, supervisors and the list goes on. When you get right down to it though my successes can all be traced to my parents. They gave me the building blocks I needed to be the person I am today.

Website: www.WeiserClassicCandy.com

Instagram: WeiserClassicCandy

Linkedin: PatrickNauman

Facebook: WeiserClassicCandy

Image Credits
Ricky Chavarria