Michael T. Flynn

Class of 2026

For more than two decades, Michael Flynn has brought energy, innovation, and a spirit of service to the confectionery industry, strengthening it through his leadership and the lasting relationships he has built.

Born April 15, 1974, in Providence, Rhode Island, to Thomas and Andrea, Michael grew up with five siblings. Among his fondest childhood memories are family trips to Prudence Island, where they spent their days digging for clams and diving for quahogs. Those adventures taught him patience, hard work, and the satisfaction of earning something for yourself. His parents reinforced those lessons with a philosophy that has guided him throughout his life: work hard for what you want, treat people with respect, and never expect life to be easy.

Michael graduated from high school in Providence in 1992. Although he initially considered a career in architecture, he discovered he was drawn to the energy of business and working with people. In 1996, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Marist College (now Marist University) in Poughkeepsie, New York.

After college, a few unexpected career turns led Michael to the packaging industry, where he has spent the past 25 years doing work he genuinely loves. He likes to joke, however, that his first industry job came much earlier — at age seven — when he helped his mother count and bag Swedish Fish to sell at swim meet concession stands.

Michael began his professional career in 1999 as Regional Sales Manager for Hoyt Publishing (now The In-Store Marketing Institute). In 2000, he entered the confectionery industry as Product Manager for Equality Specialties, a supplier of decorative packaging accessories and trimmings. Three years later, he joined Stribbons as Executive Vice President, helping build the company into a leading multinational packaging partner for candy manufacturers.

A committed industry leader, Michael helped establish the NCA Young Professionals Network and served as its Co-Chair, strengthening the pipeline of emerging leaders. He has contributed his expertise to the NCA Exhibitor Advisory Committee and Supplier Advisory Committee and chaired the NCSA Supplier Council. He has also advocated alongside the NCA in Washington, DC, on issues including sugar reform.

Michael says what makes the confectionery industry special is its rare spirit of collaboration. People genuinely want to see one another succeed because they understand that when the industry is stronger, everyone benefits.

Among his favorite industry memories is a Candy Hall of Fame weekend in Tampa, when a group rented a boat that nearly capsized after hitting a large wake. Everyone made it back safely, and the story — along with the good-natured teasing that followed — is a testament to the friendships he has built.

For professionals entering the confectionery industry, Michael’s advice is simple: “Stay curious. Build genuine relationships and never stop asking ‘why?’ The best opportunities in this industry don’t come from having all the answers — they come from asking better questions.”

Michael’s accomplishments extend beyond the confectionery industry. In 2008, he received the Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Under 40 Award, and he and all five of his siblings were inducted into the Bristol, Rhode Island, Athletic Hall of Fame for their achievements in swimming and service to the community.

Michael married Joann (Meyer) in 1999 after they met at a minor league baseball game in Fishkill, New York. They have two sons, Ryan, 23, and Gavin, 19, and Michael says his greatest joy is watching them pursue their passions on stage and in sports. The family enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and finding new adventures together.

For Michael, induction into the Candy Hall of Fame reflects the relationships he has built, the mentors who guided him, and the teams he has worked alongside. He hopes to be remembered as someone who cared as much about people as packaging and who made others feel valued.