Robin Lyn Gutridge was born on October 24, 1971, in Chicago, to Daniel and Lucia. Her family found magic in the everyday — decorating for every occasion and making even small milestones special. Her mother, a passionate cook and dreamer, instilled in Robin an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures and her dad showed her that […]
Andy Young earned his reputation the old-fashioned way: through hard work, an empathetic demeanor, a passion for problem solving, and the ability to build effective, high-performing teams. Born November 21, 1964, in Brookline, MA, some of Andy’s fondest memories are of Saturday mornings spent with his father, Jerry, a 1987 Candy Hall of Fame inductee. […]
Dennis Williams’ journey in the candy industry began when he was 13 and launched a student-run candy shop. What started as a simple fundraiser grew into a career spanning nearly four decades. Born on August 31, 1964, in the Bronx, Dennis grew up one of seven children to Margaret and Laurence. From an early age, […]
A native of Bryan, OH, Lynn Wieland has spent most of his life contributing to the city that shaped him, and in the process dedicating nearly four decades to a career in the confectionery industry. Born January 9, 1965, Lynn’s upbringing shaped the values that guide him. Raised by Robert and Goldie Wieland, he remembers […]
A pioneer for women in the confectionery industry, Sherrill “Sherry” Taylor is defined by her unrelenting commitment to faith, family, and hard work. She joins her husband Robert “Bob” Taylor Sr. and son Robert Taylor, Jr., in the Candy Hall of Fame. One of four children, Sherry was born on March 18, 1934, in Moultrie, […]
When Eric Schmoyer’s dream of becoming a rock star didn’t materialize, he found his true calling in the confectionery industry. Born on October 14, 1963, in Reading, Pennsylvania, to Thomas and Elizabeth, Eric grew up with his sister Karen. His childhood memories include those that taught him responsibility and shaped his future success. Eric graduated […]
Tom Rosenberger grew up in a close-knit family that valued faith, dependability, and time spent together. Born on March 23, 1964, in Waynesboro, PA, the son of Harold and Dorothy, Tom was raised alongside siblings Mary, Jim, and John. The family’s foundation was built on Christian values, outdoor adventures, and a strong work ethic. Tom’s […]
Part of a family where candy is a way of life, Betsy Harris has built her own legacy as a confident and compassionate leader, inspiring future generations. Betsy was born in Boston on April 30, 1960, into a family deeply rooted in the confectionery industry. As the oldest of three children to Jerold “Jerry” and […]
For nearly four decades, Mike Farley has brought energy, integrity, and a sense of humor to the confectionery industry. Born on March 14, 1963, in San Francisco, Mike grew up with an older brother and sister, and strong values instilled by his parents. He says they brought a balance of structure, strictness, and fun, along […]
For Jim Dodge, the climb has never been about reaching the top — it’s about lifting others up along the way. Born on September 22, 1970, in Hornell, NY, Jim has built a 27-year career in the confectionery industry by living the values his mother instilled in him: work hard and do the right thing. […]