Starting off doing odd jobs around family-owned Atkinson Candy Co.’s facility, Eric currently serves as president of the company founded by his grandfather, B.E. Atkinson Sr., in 1932 in Lufkin, TX. Eric was born in Dallas on June 28, 1954, to Frances and Dr. Basil E. Atkinson Jr., who is a 2011 Candy Hall of […]
Beginning her 36-year career as an intern with Richardson Brands Co., Kathy currently serves as vice-president of Premier Specialty, LLC. Born April 13, 1958, to Kate and Howard Cooper in Philadelphia, she grew up with siblings Howard, Karen and Michael and graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School, in Springfield, PA, in 1976. Kathy went on […]
Roni says his upbringing in Israel and his determination to find success in the U.S. were the driving forces of his industry accomplishments, including getting the broker network to view Jetro Cash & Carry/Restaurant Depot as a national account that competes within different classes of trade. Born August 25, 1962, in Hadera, Israel, to Gabi […]
Acclaimed for his honesty, business acumen and listening ability by his colleagues, Nick says he entered the industry because “you have the ability to make people feel good when you sell candy.” He remains in the business because, as he explains: “There’s always something new on the horizon: new items, new programs, new deals. I […]
Born June 21, 1950, in Pittsburgh, PA, Carol is the youngest child of Angela and Amerigo. She has an older brother, Jim. Carol began her high school years at South Fayette Junior and Senior High School in Morgan, PA, before the family moved to Tucson, AZ, in 1965. Once relocated, she attended Rincon High School, […]
Jim was born April 8, 1964, to Renee and Arthur, who is a 2005 Candy Hall of Fame Inductee. He was joined by brother John three years later. After graduating from The Taft School, in Watertown, CT, in 1982, he went on to attend Connecticut College, in New London, CT, where he majored in Government […]
Since he was 15, Rick has been involved in the industry, first as a buyer for his mother’s gift and candy store in Dayton, OH, then as a distributor and retail entrepreneur, and finally as CEO and president of Galerie. “I love making people happy,” he explains. “Also, my father was a dentist, and I […]
Born in Reading, PA, to Barbara and Russell, on March 23, 1962, Bryan grew up with older sister Kim and younger brother Jeff and graduated from Muhlenberg High School in Laureldale, PA, in 1980. He attended Albright College through 1983 and Virginia Commonwealth University in 1984, and that same year Bryan joined brokerage Sheppard & […]
Charlie entered the industry in an unconventional way — while researching and writing his thesis, which covered marketing and sales of chocolate. He is still a student of chocolate 62 years later as president and owner of Charlie’s Chocolate Factory, Ltd., a manufacturer, retailer and supplier he founded in 1971. “Often I get the comment, ‘Are […]
A Sweets & Snacks Expo, State of the Industry Conference or U.S.A. Pavilion at ISM without Libby is unimaginable. In fact, she cites being part of the team that launched the All Candy Expo in 1997 as the most memorable event in her career, adding: “Every Expo chairman and committee member has taught me so […]