Ruth Crisp

Class of 2000

Born in Winchester, VA, in 1944, Ruth is a graduate of Orange City High School and the Florida School of Art where she earned her degree in interior design. A 30-year industry veteran, Ruth’s candy career started in1970 when she joined J. Reid Green Assoc.

After nine years of increasing responsibility for retail, wholesale and key accounts, Ruth joined Richard Born Co. where she managed the business and worked in commissioned sales. In 1984 she struck out on her own, founding Ruth Crisp Associates, the company she owned and managed at the time of her induction.

The mother of two grown children, Teresa and Paul, Ruth is married to Michael Marre.

Ruth has been honored many times by the industry she loves, and has worked hard to give back to the industry even more than she has received during her 30-year career. Named an NCWA Candy Ambassador in 1985, Ruth is also the recipient of the Lou Specter Award for 1990, the 1992 Clarence McMillian Award, the McClean Broker of the Year award in 1993 and has held every office in both the NCBA and Atlanta Candy Club & Southern Salesman Club. Ruth was inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame in 2000.

Ruth credits having a positive attitude, belief in herself and asking advice from those whose opinion she values as the major contributors to her success. She cites J. Reid Green and the respect he commanded in the marketplace as the biggest influence in her career. In particular, she advises those who follow to take care of their customer’s needs and to promptly return phone calls. Her only regret, she says, was not starting her own business sooner.