Getulio Ursulino Netto’s 45-year career in the confectionery industry began at Brazilian manufacturer Indústria de Chocolates Lacta in 1964. He worked his way up through the company to eventually become marketing director before joining Chocolates Fiorentina as a partner in 1997. The company is best known for its Dan Top brand of chocolate-covered marshmallows. Getulio […]
John A. Leipold Jr., says a strong work ethic, integrity and the ability to get things done are what made him successful, but he also says many people in the industry contributed to his career. He was born September 1, 1951, in Blossburg, PA, but moved to upstate New York at an early age. He […]
A hardworking self-starter, Dave Klabunde was born May 18, 1950, in San Francisco, where he attended Abraham Lincoln High School and the University of San Francisco. He married Sue in 1972, and together they have two children, Jennifer and Erik. He began his career at Maillard and Schmeidell Brokers in 1972 as a retail sales […]
George Kaye Katsoris was born into the candy business, growing up to turn the ice cream parlor his father opened in 1911 into a state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot facility that holds the current factory and offices of Supreme Chocolatier. He was born in Staten Island, NY, on April 28, 1921, to Emmanuel and Katherine Katsoris. By this […]
A 32-year candy veteran, Dave Fleischer was born December 22, 1953, in Bethlehem, PA, to Tom and Eleanor. After graduating from Penn State University with a B.S. in education, he began working at Alto Corporation, a bakery equipment manufacturer, as a draftsman and sales trainer. He married Linda on Valentine’s Day in 1976, and they […]
For Jack Bielat, business is about people and relationships. Others in the industry say Jack has always gone above and beyond the standard duties of his position. He is an ardent supporter of the confectionery industry, and is quick to give advice, guidance, thoughts and support. Jack was born in Yonkers, NY, on February 9, […]
Dan Phillips worked his way up the ranks of the George J. Howe Co., starting as administrative assistant to the president before becoming vice-president general manager and finally president and COO, his current position. His colleagues say he has a strong character, keeps his word and continually finds the best ways to merchandise confectionery for […]
Terence “Terry” Richardson entered the confectionery industry in 1954 at Clarnico’s, a U.K.-based chocolate manufacturer. He was born on July 5, 1933, and raised in Worthing, Sussex, England. He received a scholarship to Worthing High School, then served with the Royal Air Force as a leading aircraftsman. He attended London Borough Polytechnic and the South […]
For Larry Hassler, maintaining integrity and surrounding himself with the best people have been factors in his success. Larry was born May 21, 1946, in Reading, PA. After graduating from Reading Senior High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam until his honorable discharge in 1967. […]
Ross J. Born has been active in the confectionery industry since 1978, when he entered the family business at Just Born, Inc. Born in New Haven, CT, on April 10, 1953, Ross attended Tufts University, in Medford, MA, and upon earning his B.A., he went on to receive a J.D. from Hofstra University School of […]