Jerry Swain may have made his mark in business by creating tasty chocolate treats, but chocolate isn’t even his favorite food. “I have a real passion for ice cream, and I even collect ice cream memorabilia,” says Swain, 38. “More than anything else, I have a sweet tooth.”

That sweet tooth is the genesis of Jer’s Handmade Chocolates. Home from college in 1986, and facing a sweetless kitchen, he adapted his grandmother’s recipe for peanut butter balls. Encouraged by the enthusiastic reactions of family and friends, he entered his creation in the Riverside County Date Festival and won first place.

Chocolate-making remained a hobby while he pursued a career in business, first as a sales manager for IBM, and then overseeing two smaller San Diego firms. In 2001, he formed Swain Creations and branched out on his own as a speaker/consultant and to market his chocolates.

“People told me how great my product tasted and that I should market it,” he says. “I’ve always liked the challenge of growing something from scratch. And I like making a product that makes people happy. Chocolate can change a person’s day, which is why we include inspirational messages with every package.”

The Incredi-Ball took “Best First Time Piece” at the International Confectioner’s Conference in 2001 (Swain was also named Confectioner of the Year). Swain’s traditional Chocolate Balls raise funds for charities, including USO San Diego and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. He also is active with the San Diego Food Bank, San Diego Opera, United Way, Special Olympics and Junior Achievement.

“Volunteer work is part of our mission,” he says. “It’s working with people and seeing them enjoy the chocolate that makes this a wonderful business.”

— Patricia Morris Buckley