Mike Lench

Class of 1974

Myron “Mike” Sheldon Lench built a distinguished career in trade publishing, helping inform and connect members of the candy and snack food industries through his work as an editor and publisher.

Born June 1, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, Lench graduated from the University of Vermont in 1956 and served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958. He began his professional career as a reporter and freelance writer before joining Magazines For Industry (MFI) in New York City.

At MFI, Lench worked on two trade publications serving the candy and snack food industries, Candy Marketer and Candy Industry, ultimately rising to Editor-in-Chief and Publisher. Through his reporting, editorial leadership and industry involvement, he became a respected voice within the confectionery community and developed lasting relationships with colleagues throughout the business.

Following his career at MFI, Lench demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by founding Tradelink Publishing in 1984. The company’s flagship publications, Stone World and Tile World, became leading trade magazines serving the building stone and tile industries. He led the company for 10 years before selling the business and retiring.

Lench’s contributions to confectionery trade publishing and his service to the industry earned him induction into the Candy Hall of Fame, recognizing a career distinguished by journalism, leadership, and a commitment to the industries he served.

Mike passed away on August 15, 2026 at the age of 93.