Leslie B. Shankman

Class of 1998

Born September 11, 1922, in Chicago, Les attended the University of Southern California on a basketball scholarship, later receiving his MBA from the University of Chicago.

In 1945, he began his lifelong career with Leaf, Inc. as a plant manager. He married Sugar in 1946 and they had two sons, Andrew and James.

Les’ biggest career influences were Sol Leaf and working for W. R. Grace, which taught him many business practices he applied when he became president of Leaf, Inc. after buying the company from W.R. Grace.

His greatest industry achievement was probably his leadership during the Halloween candy tampering scare and orchestrating a successful industry response which saved the season.

Among his industry awards, he was appointed an American Wholesale Marketers Association Candy Dean. He was also honored nationally for his work with emotionally disturbed children. Les died in 1991.