Michael Koch

Class of 2013

On March 26, 1957, in Detroit, Michael L. Koch was born to Margaret and Harold.

He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Harper Woods, in 1975.

In 1973, Mike responded to a newspaper advertisement for a part-time Post-Production Cleaner at Morley Candy Makers in East Detroit. After graduation, he returned to the company as an Intern Candymaker, and after completing the RCI’s Gus Pulakos International Candy School at Gannon University in 1980, he became Morley’s Head Candymaker. He held that position for the next 15 years.

Mike also has served Morley as its Maintenance Supervisor, Quality Control Director, Warehouse Manager, Director of R&D and Vice-President of Manufacturing. In 2008, he became part Owner of the company. Under his leadership, the company became ISO certified and SQF Level 2 certified — Mike holds a HACCP Manager certification from NSF International.

He was the company’s Employee of the Year in 1995, and in 2012, he was recognized by the RCI with its President’s Award.

Mike met Ann Marie Sadlowski, who worked at Morley’s, and they married in 1979. Together they raised Sara, Michael Jr. and Matthew.

He serves on the Boards of Directors of the RCI and the NCA, is a past president of the RCI, a member of the AACT and has been a frequent speaker at RCI and AACT conferences.

For more than 15 years, Mike has been a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, earning the Spark Plug Award from the Boy Scouts of America for his efforts. He also coaches Little League, chairs the Saint Clair Shores, MI, Goodfellows and the local American Cancer Society Relay for Life and is active in the advocacy program ACS Can. He has volunteered with the Lake Shore Public Schools for more than 25 years, serving on the superintendent’s advisory committee and as president of the athletic boosters.

“It’s important for people to get involved,”Mike says.”We strengthen the industry when we work together for its betterment.”