Dennis van Essen
Founder & owner
Dennis is the founder of the High Five Company. During a tour in the United States, he tasted his first piece of Taza Stone Ground Chocolate and was sold immediately. That experience was the start of the High Five adventure. Dennis has a lot of experience in working with retail. In his scarce free time he likes to cross trough the United States together with travel buddy and partner Bertine.
Bertine Manten
Back office & Support
As a flight attendant with KLM airlines, Bertine sees the entire world. Because of that, she spots the latest chocolate trends in other countries. The long flights are also an excellent opportunity to get KLM’s colleagues hooked on specialty chocolate. Bertine takes care of the backoffice for The High Five Company.
Sharon Terenzi
Social Media Consultant
Sharon is the passionate blogger behind TheChocolateJournalist.com She writes about the latest news and trends in the craft chocolate industry and her Social Media accounts (25k followers on Instagram) are the place where chocoholics come to discuss all cacao-related matters. She writes freelance for publications like Lonely Planet and Read Cacao, and is also a Social Media consultant for international chocolate companies and festivals.
Elaine van Essen
Support
The High Five Company not only feels like a family business, it is one as well! Elaine is the daughter of Dennis and she likes to make sure everything runs smoothly in the company. That is why she helps in the administration and you will find her occasionally at chocolate fairs where she shares her knowledge about good chocolate. Especially about Taza – her favourite.
Marika van Santvoort
Marketing & Masterclasses
Wherever you find cocoa and chocolate, you will find Marika. She writes, presents, organizes Chocoa and advises companies on sustainability and cocoa quality on behalf of her consultancy agency Moving Cocoa. For The High Five Company she shares her passion for chocolate during Master classes and supports in the marketing of the company.