Jeff Rome

Class of 2024

A distinguished leader in the confectionery industry, with a career spanning nearly three decades, Jeffery Rome, was born on September 26, 1955, in Youngstown, OH.

Raised in a close-knit family, Jeff absorbed the values of hard work and integrity from his parents, Manuel and Alice, who ran a local feed store while raising Jeff and his three siblings.

Jeff graduated from The Rayen School in 1974 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1977 from the University of Michigan. He furthered his studies at Ohio University obtaining a Master of Business Administration in 1980.

Driven by a passion for business, Jeff began his 25-year tenure at Mars, Inc. in 1980, starting in the company’s Kal Kan pet food arm creating and managing a new division for the company’s pet food sales in the U.S.

He moved on to become Vice-President of Sales and Marketing in the company’s Uncle Ben’s unit, which included managing foodservice confections. He also spent time in Mars Electronics, where he developed strategies in transaction electronics.

Jeff next took on the role of General Manager of the candy division, responsible for marketing, R&D, and licensing. In 2002, he was tasked with building the company’s health and nutrition division and led the launch of CocoaVia.

In 2003, he became Sales Vice President serving as the “go to” person for developing a new sales structure for three new businesses that emerged for Mars in the U.S.

Recognizing his contributions, Mars honored Jeff with induction into its prestigious Tie & Scarf Club.

Jeff transitioned to entrepreneurship in 2006, founding Upshot, Inc., a natural beverage company. But by 2009 he was back in confectionery as President and CEO of Impact Confections, Inc.

His strategic initiatives at Impact, including consolidating operations, culling unprofitable businesses, and developing the Warheads brand, were key to the its transformation and eventual sale.

In 2019, Jeff founded Rome Consulting, where he continues to leverage his experience to help confectionery and health and wellness companies grow.

Jeff is highly regarded for his strategic thinking, commitment to doing the right thing, and ability to empower employees while delivering results. His industry involvement includes serving on the NCA Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2019.

His advocacy work includes hosting federal and state delegates at production facilities, including U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, and organizing Wisconsin-based ingredient and packaging suppliers to speak on behalf of sugar reform.

Married to Susan since 1986, Jeff is the father of three: Joseph, Julian, and Sophia. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, travel, and cheering on Michigan football.

Jeff proclaims that candy brings joy to millions of people every day, and being part of the industry brings joy to his soul.

Getting To Know Jeff

What advice would give someone entering the industry? Listen and learn forever.

How would others describe you? Straightforward, with no pretenses.