Gary L. Kolinsky

Class of 2001

Gary was born November 13, 1938, in Cleveland, and graduated from Mayfield High School. He joined the Army National Guard in 1960 and three years later, married Marlene. They have three children – David, Julie and Darren – and six grandchildren.

Gary began his career in Cleveland and Los Angeles- area supermarkets. In 1958, he joined Pepperidge Farm and later Archway Cookies as a distributor. In 1965, he founded Holiday Candy Co. with his father, Mike, and served as vice-president. At the time of his induction he was company president.

With more than 36 years of experience in the candy business, Gary credits his father as having had the biggest influence on his career. I worked with my father until he passed away in 1982. Today, I still remember what he taught me and try to follow his standards, he says.

Gary credits hard work, good business strategies and solid relationships with customers for making him successful. Similarly, the advice he wishes to pass on to those who want to follow in his footsteps is: Always work hard and be a hands-on person in your business. Be involved all the time and treat employees and customers right.

Gary cites working with his sons, David and Darren, as the most memorable time in his career. It’s a third generation business. I hope one day it will be a fourth, he says.

In his spare time, Gary enjoys sports and spending time with his family and grandchildren.