Arne Salvatore Sandberg Sr.

Class of 2023

With aspirations of becoming a motivational speaker, Arne Sandberg has spent his time in the confectionery business working to help others and impact the industry overall.

Arne was born on November 7, 1967, in Milwaukee, WI, to Mary Ann and Alfred and grew up with two sisters. He remarks that his mom was the strongest and most loving person he has ever known, with a work ethic that was second to none. He adds that his dad taught him sales and to never judge something by the way it looks.

He graduated from Pius XI High School in 1985 with dreams of turning his love of cooking into owning his own restaurant. Choosing to begin his career immediately upon graduation, Arne remarks that his education came from “life and the school of hard knocks.”

Arne and Jill were married in 2012 and together they have two children, Arne Jr. and Samantha and a grandchild, Charles.

His first job in the confectionery industry was as a salesperson cultivating new business at CL&D Digital, a printing company. He decided to focus on the confectionery industry and began attending what is now the Sweets & Snacks Expo in 2000.

He recalls being inspired by the constant changes in candy packaging, specifically its evolving seasonal themes.

Arne remarks that the candy business is fast-moving and projects always change. He adds that the main reason he has stayed in the industry for the past 23 years is because of the people. He points out that he has been fortunate to become friends with many people in the industry, which is its own reward.

After leaving CL&D in 2004, Arne went on to become the owner of Healthy Lifestyles, LLC and Comps For You, LLC, continuing to focus on working with candy companies on packaging mock ups and presentation pieces. In 2008, he took on the role of vice-president of new business sales at PPC Prototype/PPC Flex, where he stayed until earlier this year when he founded Mockups 4 You, LLC, with his wife.

Dedicating his time to the industry, Arne served on NCA Supplier Committee from 2001 until 2022. He was also a member of the NCSA Supplier Council from 2017 until 2022. He attends NCA’s Washington Forum every year, lobbying for issues that impact the confectionery industry, and is also a supporter of the CandyPAC.

Arne believes it is important to be involved in the industry beyond just doing your job because the friendships, connections and relationships are unlike anything else. He adds that he wouldn’t be where he is today if it wasn’t for all the people who gave him the chance to help with their needs and goals.

He credits his success to the team that surrounds him and the love of his wife, along with a can-do attitude, especially when working on tight deadlines.

In the next five to 10 years, Arne hopes to continue making a lasting impact on the younger generation. He also dreams of getting back to motivational speaking in schools, something he has been passionate about his entire life.

Outside of the industry, Arne spends his time volunteering with many organizations including the Marco Island Sunrise Rotary Club, Marco Island Kiwanis and the Marco Men’s Club. In his free time, he can be found boating, biking, scuba diving, reading and competing in triathlon.