From Delivery Driver to Assistant Distribution Manager: One Employee’s Story

Here at Asher’s, we love for you to meet the staff! Brian Derstine started working at Asher’s Chocolates Co. in April 1995. Asher’s hired as a delivery driver and then promoted to assistant distribution manager after 6 months. As assistant distribution manager, Brian, helps direct and schedule shipment activities to consumers, helps coordinate shipments of outbound product, maintains a safe working environment for employees and most importantly, he makes sure your chocolate arrives to you in perfect condition.

Keep reading for more information on Brian and his favorite aspects about Asher’s.

Q: When did you start working at Asher’s? What was your first position there?

A: I started working at Asher’s April 24, 1995 as a deliver driver. After 6 months, I moved into the role of assistant distribution manager.

Q: What is your favorite aspect about working at Asher’s?

A: It’s fun. The Asher family is great. They treat you the way you would want to be treated. I enjoy coming to work every day and love what I do.

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of being a member of the Asher’s team.

A: Meeting deadlines makes me feel extremely accomplished, and getting positive feedback from our customers always feels good. It’s great to be noticed to for your hard work.

Q: What is the most exciting part about working at Asher’s?

A: Of course taste testing new products tops the list; but what has been really exciting to watch, is how much Asher’s has grown since I started in 1995. We have gone from a small warehouse and a small shipping area to having multiple production sites. We’ve grown leaps and bounds in regards to what parts of the country we are able to ship to.

Q: Which aspects of working at Asher’s do you boast about the most?

A: First is the family. They are great to their employees; they take great care of our families and us. We have a great environment to work in. The production and warehouse facilities are climate controlled and incredibly clean. The team I’m surrounded by in the warehouse is pretty amazing as well; I’m very grateful to be able to work with them.

Q: Do you have a favorite Asher’s product?

A: I really enjoy all of the products we make but my absolute favorite is the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels.

Q: Which holiday is your favorite at Asher’s?

A: I guess it would have to be Christmas. We’re extremely busy and there is a lot of juggling of orders; it definitely makes my job a little more challenging but the reward always feels great in the end.

Q: If there was one thing people should know about Asher’s, it would be______________?

A: Our warehouse staff ships around 8 million pounds of chocolate a year and ¾ of a million of fudge a year. When we moved out of the Germantown/Philadelphia PA area 15 years ago we moved into a 125,000 SF building. The growth has been amazing to watch and I am lucky to be a part of it.