Lee Hartman, director of sales for Printpack and a 33-year veteran of the confectionery industry, will retire on March 23.
The Bowling Green State University alumnus began his career with Daniels Packaging in December 1984, joining them as a sales representative. A quick learner, he became the company’s southeastern sales manager in 1987.
Two years later, when Printpack acquired Daniels Packaging, Hartman was promoted to sales manager for the confectionery division. In 1998, Harman added marketing duties, taking over as sales and marketing manager for the division. Four years ago, Hartman was promoted again, becoming director of sales for Printpack.
“Lee’s focus for a majority of his career has been in the candy and confectionery industry, where he has built and sustained great relationships for decades with most of the owners and leaders of these companies,” says David Love, v.p. - sales of Printpack.
Hartman’s love of the industry not only spurred his success, it also was reflected in his commitment to serve for the better good. In addition to being a National Confectioners Association member since 1984, Hartman has served on the Suppliers Advisory Board since 1997, taking on vice-chairman and chairman duties in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
Since 2004, Hartman has been a member of Candy Industry’s prestigious Kettle Committee, becoming its secretary in 2007, vice-chairman in 2008 and chairman in 2009.
His devotion to the industry was recognized in 2011 when he was inducted into the “Candy Hall of Fame.”
Jim Greenberg, co-president of Union Confectionery Machinery and a Candy Industry Kettle Committee member since 2000, noted that Hartman “…will be missed for [his] honor, integrity, sensibility, commitment, humor and kindness. As the consummate professional and industry advocate, it will be impossible to replace you on this committee, at Printpack or anywhere else you have served throughout the candy universe.”
Hartman looks to spend time with his wife, Susan, as well as his three children and five grandchildren. Besides celebrating his 40th wedding anniversary this year, Hartman’s retirement bucket list includes traveling, fly fishing and visiting friends in the confectionery industry.
