Tony Gazzola

Class of 2007

On September 21, 1950, Tony was born in Attleboro, MA. Attending Bishop Feehan H.S., he graduated from Providence College with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He married Kathy at St. Peter’s Church in August 1974 in Rhode Island, and together they raised sons Anthony and Danny.

He has 30 years of experience in the industry and started his career at Nabisco Brands in 1976 as a sales and key account representative. He later worked at Van Melle and Just Born, Inc., before joining Goetze’s Candy Co. in 1996, where he currently serves as regional sales manager.

During his career, Tony has been honored by many organizations. He was the Boston Candy Club’s Candy Ambassador in 1985 and served the club as president in 1995. In 1978 he was placed on the National Association of Tobacco Distributors’ Honor Roll as top wholesale salesman.

He was also recognized as regional sales manager of the year three times by Van Melle, and in 1990 was honored as a Candy Wholesaler Shaker and Mover.

Reflecting on his career, Tony says he would not do anything differently, adding: I feel fortunate to work for a wonderful family business with great employees.

Further, he professes that one’s reputation and integrity are fundamental tools for success in sales. He offers this piece of advice to those who come after him: Your reputation and integrity are key sales tools you will need throughout your career. He adds: It is important to treat people as you want to be treated.

He credits his parents as being the biggest influences on his career. Though they passed away when he was only 20 years old, he says that the love, understanding, patience and strong work ethics they modeled provided a strong foundation for accomplishing his goals in life.

Away from the office, Tony enjoys all types of sports.