Douglas Taylor Sr.

Class of 1995

DT is a native of Parkersburg, West Virginia and alumnus of West Virginia University.

He started his career at Procter & Gamble, spending 10 years in sales, marketing and sales management positions. He then spent more than two years as vice-president of sales for a major food brokerage in Pittsburgh, Pa. In 1975, DT accepted the position of national sales manager for Katharine Beecher Candies, a Division of Pennsylvania Dutch, marking the beginning of his career in candy. While at Katharine Beecher, DT developed a network of fancy food and wholesale brokers.

He later joined York Candy Kitchens as director of sales & marketing and became vice- president of sales & marketing. In 1980, he joined Spangler Candy Co. as assistant vice-president, sales and was senior vice-president, sales & marketing, when he was inducted.

In 1983, DT received the Silver Candy Dish Award and in 1986 the Gold Candy Dish Award, both from the National Candy Broker’s Association. In 1988, he received the Pioneer Award from the National Food Broker’s Association, Confectionery & Snack Foods Committee and Principal Advisory Group. In 1989, he was awarded the National Candy Wholesaler Association’s Dean’s Award.

In 1994 he received a Publisher’s Award from Professional Candy Buyer for meritorious service to the industry.

DT and his wife Linda raised two children.

Doug passed away December 15, 2011.