Dale Buys

Class of 2026

Sometimes careers come full circle in unexpected ways, and for Dale Buys, a career in confectionery seemed almost predestined. In 1931, his grandfather opened Buys Confectionery in Heber, UT, where the family lived above the shop. The Great Depression eventually forced the business to close, seemingly ending the family’s connection to candy. But decades later, Dale found his own calling in confectionery.

Over a 35-year career — including 16 years in the candy industry — his integrity, commitment to mentoring others, and passion for building strong supplier partnerships have earned him a reputation as one of the industry’s most respected leaders.

Born in October 1963 in Yakima, Washington, Dale is the son of Archie and Geniel. Some of his fondest childhood memories were made on a modest property along Washington’s Puget Sound. Although purchasing it was a significant investment for his family at the time, the property became a beloved second home and the setting for holidays, family reunions, and countless adventures.

After graduating from Sunset High School in Beaverton, OR, in 1981, Dale was still exploring his future, considering careers in business, pharmacy, and music. His one certainty was a plan to spend two years as a volunteer missionary. In 1988, he earned a bachelor’s degree in international marketing with a minor in music from Brigham Young University, followed by an MBA from the University of Oregon.

It was during orientation at the University of Oregon that Dale met fellow BYU graduate Kristine Anderson. He says fate brought them together, and the couple married in September 1989. Today, they are the proud parents of Katelyn and Jared and grandparents of four.

Dale developed his strong work ethic early, serving as a piano accompanist while still in high school. After college, he followed in his father’s footsteps and began his professional career with Thrifty-PayLess Drug Stores. During eight years with the retailer, he advanced through a series of roles, including Store Supervisor, Rebuyer, Rebuyer Trainer, and Merchandising Systems Manager, before joining The Walt Disney Company in 1998.

His first role at Disney was as a Merchant/Product Developer, followed by Sourcing Manager, overseeing categories including toys, dolls, plush, souvenirs, stationery, and weather-related products.

Dale’s introduction to the candy industry came unexpectedly in 2011, when Disney asked him to lead confectionery sourcing. What began as a new assignment would become one of the defining chapters of his career.

In 2021, Dale was promoted to his current role as Senior Manager of Global Merchandise Sourcing and Product Development for Disney Consumer Products. He leads cross-functional teams responsible for bringing candy, snacks, fresh-made products, trading pins, and other consumer products to market.

Among Dale’s greatest challenges was developing food safety standards for Disney and ensuring supplier compliance. The effort required years of collaboration, supplier education, and persistence, ultimately strengthening the supply chain while elevating the quality and uniqueness of Disney’s offerings.

Throughout his career, Dale has credited much of his success to the patience, guidance, and feedback of colleagues and mentors who invested in his growth. He has sought to pay that support forward by mentoring others. His advice to those entering the confectionery industry is simple: “Lead with kindness, even during difficult situations, and treat every interaction with respect.”

Outside of work, Dale pursues a wide range of interests. An accomplished musician, he enjoys playing piano, arranging choral music, and attending concerts and musicals. He also plays the organ, alto and baritone saxophones, guitar, flute, and harpsichord. Beyond music, Dale enjoys traveling, exploring museums and historic sites, gardening, knitting and crocheting.

His commitment to service extends to his church and community, earning him the Disney President’s Volunteer Service Award.

For Dale, success is measured by the people he has mentored, the relationships he has built, and the integrity he brings to his work. His induction into the Candy Hall of Fame honors a trusted leader, mentor, and collaborator whose influence will continue to shape the industry.