THERESA (WKOW)-- More chocolate is consumed in the winter than any other season. And, Americans consume about 3 billion pounds of chocolate every year. An area candyman can attest to that.
Sure his chocolates are great, but that's not the only reason why Joel Bernhard is 'Someone You Should Know.'
"Then we'll be slowly whisking the beer into the chocolate," said Joel.
Joel Bernhard knows chocolate.
"There are over 200 different types of chocolates in the world depending on how they're manufactured and where the chocolate beans are grown," said Joel. "Chocolate grows on a tree, so it's a fruit, so it's good for us!"
At his store "Confections for Any Occasion" in the small town of Theresa, Joel takes great pride in making just the perfect chocolate candies.
"Anything tastes better dipped in chocolate," said Joel.
Christmas is Joel's busiest time of year.
"Trees, sleighs, snowmen, Santas, reindeer and different suckers," said Joel.
And, just like the measurements, everything around the kitchen needs to be just right. Joel's employees know they have to keep everything exactly in the same spot so Joel can find it.
"When I was 2 years old, they found a tumor on my optic nerve and I had a surgery to remove it," said Joel. "I went blind in one eye. 2 years later I had a second surgery to remove it again and I had radiation for 6 weeks and I went totally blind after the second operation."
Joel says his other senses took over.
"I can see light and dark; I can see a few shadows," said Joel.
"A lot of people don't know I am blind until it's time to check out," said Joel. "I have to ask them what the total is on the register or ringing up on the scale."
Joel's positive outlook has helped him not only succeed in life, but also in business.
"I can do anything but drive a car and fly an airplane, and if there's a will, there's a way," said Joel. "It's not what you can't do but what you can do."
Click here for Joel's online store and how to get to his store in Theresa.
