Paul Pearsall

Class of 1999

A veteran of the candy business for more than 30 years at the time of his induction, Paul was born November 28, 1945, in East Orange, NJ, to Robert and Catherine Pearsall. He graduated from Livingston High School. In October 1962, he married Debra, and they raised four children; Paul Jr. Richard, Michael and Christopher.

Paul started his career in 1965 with the Charms Candy Co. in the plant before being promoted to division sales manager. In 1974, Paul and his brother Bob moved over to M.W. Houck, the oldest food and confectionery brokerage in the country. Paul became president and principal owner in 1987. He served as president/CEO of the firm at the time of his induction.

Achieving induction was a memorable event, following in the footsteps of his father, Robert J. Pearsall, Sr. who co-founded the Candy Hall of Fame.

At his induction, Paul offered this industry advice: Brokers are a value-added service. They are the most effective and the low-cost producer to bring product to market.

Paul retired in 2002 to his residence in Manasquan and spent most of his remaining years at the beach, on the golf course or with family. He died on January 8, 2020, at the age of 74.