Phyllis Goddard Jillson

Class of 2000

Born in July of 1939, Phyllis grew up in Boston, MA, and graduated from St. Patrick’s High School. She earned her A. S. degree from the Worcester School of Business Science in Worcester, MA, and from 1963 through 1974 worked in the restaurant business.

Known to many in the industry as Phyllis Goddard, Phyllis’ candy career began in 1974 when she joined the Frank D’Orlando Co. as a salesperson. Her commitment, tenacity and perseverance did not go unnoticed. As her career progressed, Phyllis assumed roles of increasing responsibility and was appointed Executive Vice-President of the company in 1995, a position she held at the time of her induction.

In 1984 she married Merton Jillson, a 43-year industry veteran in his own right. Phyllis has a son, Walter, step-daughter Christine Kruk and a granddaughter, Steffie.

Phyllis’ honors throughout her 26-year career in the industry include numerous Broker of The Year citations from companies including Spangler Candy Co. Sunline Brands, Angela Marie and Rowntree Demets, among others. Second only to her induction into the Candy Hall of Fame, she says the best award came from Spangler’s Doug Taylor when he gave the firm the Most Tenacious Broker award, singling out Phyllis and a co-worker as pit bulls. In 2000, she was inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame.

Phyllis says the biggest factors in her success have been hard work and dedication, but that much of the credit is due her family, friends and business colleagues who supported and motivated her throughout her life. Her advice to those who follow her in the industry are to make honesty, trustworthiness and integrity the most important goals in business.