Clive Hilgert

Class of 2008

Born March 20, 1916, in Kennesaw, NE, Clive graduated from Lincoln High School before attending the University of Nebraska.

He is the father of three children, Bernard, Jo and Don.

Starting his career more than 74 years ago as a soda jerk at Russell Stover Candies in 1934, he made such an impression on Mrs. Stover during a visit, that she insisted he travel to Kansas City to meet Russell Stover personally. He moved to Kansas City and quickly became Mr. Stover’s right hand man. The Stover’s took him into their home to assure his mother he would be well taken care of.

He moved up the ladder at Stover, eventually becoming executive vice-president and an owning partner by the time it was purchased in 1961. After retiring for all of two hours in 1968, he accepted an offer to become president at Loft Candies in New York. In 1971, he moved on to become president of Blum’s of San Francisco. Clive moved Blum’s to Lincoln, NE, and eventually sold the company to House of Bauer in 1980.

He spent 1980 to 1983 as a consultant for House of Bauer and Price Candy Co. before founding Carousel Confectionery Equipment Co. and Sugar Plum Candies and Confectionery School. He sold CCE to Savage Bros. and currently serves as president and owner of Sugar Plum Candies in Lincoln, NE.

Among his many career successes, Clive recalls introducing a continuous production line, which made and packed 12,500 lbs. of chocolate products every eight hours. He is also proud of his time spent as the president of Retail Confectioners International in 1965.

Clive says his success comes from identifying problems and developing solutions. He adds that a good idea has no value unless you do something about it.

He is a life member and former president of the Sertoma Club of Kansas City, and was recognized as Sertoman of the Year in 2005.