Mike Farley

Class of 2025

For nearly four decades, Mike Farley has brought energy, integrity, and a sense of humor to the confectionery industry.

Born on March 14, 1963, in San Francisco, Mike grew up with an older brother and sister, and strong values instilled by his parents. He says they brought a balance of structure, strictness, and fun, along with “enough rope for us to learn the lessons we needed.”

He attended California State University at Chico, graduating with a business degree in marketing, while developing leadership skills as president of Sigma Nu fraternity.

While in college, Mike met the love of his life, Liz. They married in 1988 and have three daughters: Hannah, Shannon, and Mia.

Mike’s initial career plans were far removed from the candy industry; he had his sights set on becoming a firefighter. He knew he didn’t want to work in an office and reasoned that firefighting would allow him enough time to explore his love for tennis — either teaching or playing.

After college Mike attended firefighting school and volunteered with the local department. He says this was one of the most rewarding, exciting challenges of his life.

In 1988, Mike took a role with The Hershey Co., which grew into a 21-year career with the company. He says the joy and nostalgia candy evoked in customers was contagious.

Mike’s 38-year career path included ascending through the ranks at Hershey with roles in sales training, HR, and national account leadership. He went on to hold various sales roles at Godiva Chocolatier, Acosta brokerage and Perfetti Van Melle USA Inc. before joining Goetze’s Candy Co., Inc. in 2019 as Vice President of Sales.

Having his managerial and mentoring skills recognized by senior leadership at Hershey, making the decision to decrease his travel during his daughters’ formative years, and creating an HR team at Hershey that worked specifically with the sales team have all played critical roles in Mike’s career advancement.

He says he’s been inspired by Mitchell Goetze, a 2023 Candy Hall of Fame inductee, to take on leadership roles that advance the confectionery industry.

Mike is active in NCA, serving on the Sweets & Snacks Expo Committee for seven years, the Broker Advisory Committee from 2011 to 2015, and as a Future Leadership Program Mentor. He has also served on the Western Candy Conference Committee.

His work has led to numerous honors including The Hershey Co.’s President’s Cup and Executive Award of Excellence. He was also presented with NCA’s 2025 Silver Candy Dish Award.

Mike’s impact stretches far beyond the industry. An avid tennis player, he won the North Carolina State Tennis Championships twice and served two years on the United States Tennis Association’s Committee on College Club Tennis. He is a fierce advocate for military families through the Blue Sky Foundation.

Mike says he would like to be remembered for bringing people together and helping others make connections within the industry.