Friends and family called Forrest E. Mars, Jr. a visionary who held a strong set of business values that he carried with him in work and life, making him a positive force in the world. He will be remembered as a businessman and philanthropist. Forrest was born in Oak Park, IL, on August 16, 1931, […]
Execution is everything, according to Robert Taylor, Jr., CEO of brokerage Burdette Beckmann, Inc. (BBI). Robert is the son of Candy Hall of Famer Robert Taylor, Sr., and wants to be remembered for being his father’s son. Robert was born on April 6, 1961, in Savannah, GA, to Ella Sheryl (Sherry) and Robert Sr. He […]
Doug Simons had his start in the confectionery industry cleaning the freezer floors at Enstrom Toffee & Confectionery during college. Now, 40 years later, he is president of Enstrom, working alongside his wife Jamee and his sons Doug Jr. and Jim, the fourth generation of the family-owned company. Doug was born in London on April […]
“Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.” This quote has driven Mark Schlott’s 35-year candy career. He says three-quarters of the battle is showing up for work every day, being ready to conquer any issue and learning from the results. Mark was born on January 26, 1967, in Reading, […]
What started as a part-time job in college has culminated in a career in the confectionery industry surpassing four decades for Alan Scharhon. Alan was born in Seattle, WA, on March 21, 1956, to Azaria and Rachel. He grew up with his sister Esther and brother Morris and graduated from Franklin High School in 1974, […]
Kurt Rosenberg is remembered as a hard-working, enthusiastic and loving leader with a career spanning 70 years. Kurt was born on December 17, 1924, in Grossen Buseck, Germany, to Bella and Isaac. He had an older brother, Harry, who died as a teenager and an older sister Meta. His upbringing is described as classic European, […]
Thinking and working outside the box are earmarks of Barry Tyrone Phillips’ category management style throughout his 37-year retail career. Since 2014, Barry has been the Candy Category Manager at SpartanNash Co. He’s recognized throughout the industry for his positive attitude and his love of the confectionery category, along with his ability to foster strong […]
The people skills Deborah M. Grenon inherited from her mother and the camaraderie of the confectionery industry, along with a competitive personality that drives her to make the sale are why she has such a passion for the candy business. Deb was born on October 1, 1955, to John and Dorothy Medeiros in Jacksonville, NC, […]
Pamela K. Gesford was born into the confectionery industry on May 13, 1961, in Harrisburg, PA, to Thomas and Clara. Her father worked at The Hershey Co.’s factory in the Longitude 100 chocolate conching department and Pam recalls him coming home each evening smelling of chocolate. She would stand at the top of the steps […]
Michelle L. Frame is President and Founder of Victus Ars, Inc., but she prefers the title Candy Scientist. Victus Ars is a confectionery and food development lab with a mission focused on having fun in a happy environment while following scientific principles. Michelle was born in Michigan City, IN, on April 4, 1968. She grew […]