Taz Murray

Class of 2026

For more than three decades, Taz Murray has built businesses, brands and relationships across the confectionery industry, guided by three priorities that have shaped both his life and career: God, country and family. Those values, instilled by his parents and strengthened through education, service and experience, have shaped a leader known for being approachable, supportive, and driven.

Born November 14, 1960, in Torrance, California, Taz grew up with four siblings. His father, Robert, was a decorated Air Force pilot who flew 100 combat missions in Korea before building a successful golf course supply business. His mother, Beverlee, was known for her toughness and heart. Together, they taught their children the importance of hard work, service, discipline and putting family first.

Taz graduated from Bountiful High School in Utah in 1979 with ambitious goals: play college football, become an Air Force F-16 pilot, start a family and own a business. He attended Utah State University on a football scholarship before interrupting his studies for a two-year LDS mission to the Philippines. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a minor in English and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1991.

Taz entered the confectionery industry in 1993 when, at age 32, he purchased Maxfield Candy Company. Although he knew little about the candy business when he arrived, he quickly discovered a passion for manufacturing and for transforming ingredients into products that could bring a bright spot to someone’s day.

Over the next two decades, Taz built a portfolio of confectionery businesses, serving as owner, president and, in many cases, board member of companies including Kencraft Candy, Dynamic Chocolates, Alpine Confections, Bogdon Candy and Tru Fru. As Co-President of Alpine Confections, he helped grow the company into the 10th-largest confectionery manufacturer in North America through strategic acquisitions that included Fannie May and Harry London.

A defining chapter of Taz’s career began in 2017 when he co-founded Tru Fru, pioneering the hyper-chilled, chocolate-covered fruit category. Building Tru Fru is among the accomplishments he values most, not only for its success but for its broader impact. The company employs more than 100 people in Salt Lake City and has invested more than $200 million in a plant there, creating opportunity while supporting charities and sports organizations.

Throughout his career, Taz has believed in surrounding himself with talented people and listening to their expertise.

One of his most memorable business lessons came from an early marketing misstep. Taz designed what he thought was the perfect Valentine’s Day gift: a red heart-shaped candy box topped with a blue bow. He produced 30,000 of them . . . and sold none. The experience reinforced a lesson that has guided him ever since: understand your strengths and weaknesses, surround yourself with people whose abilities complement your own, and listen to them.

That philosophy has shaped his commitment to developing others. Taz has held leadership roles with the National Confectioners Association, mentored entrepreneurs, served on community and educational boards, and guest lectured at Harvard, BYU, and Oxford.

Even as his businesses grew, family remained a priority. Taz met his wife, Tamera, while recovering from a football injury at BYU, when the team nurse introduced them. They married in 1986 in the Salt Lake Temple and have five children and six grandchildren. Since retiring from Tru Fru in January 2024, Taz has enjoyed more time traveling with Tamera and spending time with family.

Away from business, Taz enjoys hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, and skiing. His adventures have included fishing in Alaska and a photo safari in Africa. He also owns and operates a conservation wildlife property in Utah and remains active in church, education, entrepreneurship, and charitable giving.

For all his business accomplishments, Taz’s philosophy ultimately comes back to people. He hopes to be remembered as reasonable, approachable, and willing to think outside the box — someone who built brands, created opportunities, and developed people. Most importantly, he believes people matter more than tasks.