Michael J. Vann

Class of 2011

Michael J. Vann was born May 27, 1947, in Abington, PA, to William and Margaret and has two brothers, Fred and Joe.

He attended Miami Palmetto Senior High, in Miami, before graduating from the University of Florida in 1969 with a B.S. in public relations and a minor in marketing.

From 1969 to 1972, Mike served in the U.S. Army Reserves, and completed his MBA in business at the University of Connecticut, graduating in 1975.

More than 30 years of his career have been spent in the candy business, beginning in 1978, when he became director of sales for Schrafft Candy Co. During his three years with the company, he directed eight sales managers and 58 brokers, and helped the company increase sales from $40 million to $58 million.

In 1983, Mike was appointed vice-president of sales and marketing for Brock Candy Co. While with the company, he wrote a five-year marketing plan that became the benchmark for Brock’s growth in all channels. In the six years he spent with the company, sales grew from $30 million to $50 million.

From 1990 to 1991, he worked as the national accounts manager for Whitman’s Chocolates, then a division of Pet Inc., of St. Louis. During his time with the company, Mike doubled sales in his assigned accounts. In his final year with the company sales reached $120 million.

In 1991, he joined Storck USA, L.P. as the national accounts manager, a position he still holds. During his 20-year tenure with the company, Mike has managed all of Storck’s top accounts in all major channels.

John married Ricki in 1991, and together they have three children: Matthew, Drew and Whitney.

Ten years ago, Mike developed a military market plan and today the company has multiple brands in military outlets both in the U.S. and overseas.

In 2010, Mike was named the Storck MVP for helping make the year one of the most profitable in the company’s history.

Mike has been involved in the confectionery industry outside his work, chairing the National Confectioners Association’s public relations committee from 1985 to 1986.

A member of Dunwoody United Methodist Church, Mike was a part of the church’s first mission trip to Africa, and serves as chairman of the Africa Support Team.