John Brooks, Jr.

Class of 2025

John Brooks, Jr., a third-generation leader in the confectionery industry, has spent nearly four decades honing his expertise, strategic vision, and leadership.

Born on December 2, 1970, in Pasadena, CA, John grew up the youngest of three children in a household shaped by discipline, curiosity, and a relentless work ethic.

His father, John Sr., a member of the Candy Hall of Fame Class of 2008, worked nights and weekends to build the company founded by his father. He taught John hands-on knowledge — from business principles to car mechanics, carpentry, hiking, and fishing. His mother, Tempe, a member of the Candy Hall of Fame Class of 2018, emphasized personal responsibility and discipline as essential traits for success in life. This dual foundation shaped John’s approach to leadership, learning, and life.

John attended Vanderbilt University, earning a B.A. in English Literature in 1993. After graduation, he lived in Washington, DC for two years before returning to California to earn an MBA from the University of Southern California with a focus in marketing and finance. Upon graduation, John joined Adams & Brooks full time.

But John’s tenure at the company dates back to his first summer job in 1985, followed by various part time jobs during high school and college. He says he fell in love with the physical nature of the work — making, building, fixing — and the rhythm of the production process.

Since 2021, John has served as President of Adams & Brooks, headquartered in San Bernardino, CA, where he has guided the company through many transformations. His is particularly proud of his role in turning an independent Mexican factory into a successful wholly owned subsidiary, navigating the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, and leading a major SAP implementation that helped modernize the company’s systems and operations.

John says attending the University of Wisconsin’s Candy School was a pivotal moment in his career. The knowledge he gained was the basis for his further advancement in the Adams & Brooks organization: moving from running kitchens to designing them and developing new products.

Giving back to the industry has seen John serve multiple terms on the NCA Board of Directors, along with roles as Treasurer, Audit Chair, and PAC Chair. He currently serves as Chair of the Investment Committee. John also organized the 2007 Western Candy Conference, has served on the PMCA Board, and currently sits on the NCSA Manufacturer Advisory Council. He also volunteers as a mentor in NCA’s Future Leadership Program. In 2024, his contributions were recognize with the NCSA Kettle Award.

John is the proud husband of Nicole, who serves as In-House Counsel at Adams & Brooks, and is a devoted father to daughters Olivia and Emilie.

Known for his empathy, tech fluency, and ability to calm tense situations with humor, John believes his greatest impact lies in helping others rise.

As he continues the legacy started by his grandfather Emmert, Candy Hall of Fame Class of 2022, John says he wants to be remembered for having the courage to speak truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.