After 20 years in the confectionery industry, Clark Taylor, CandyRific’s senior vice president of sales and marketing, is retiring at the end of the year.

Clark joined CandyRific in 2011 as the western division sales manager. He was promoted to vice president of sales in 2015 and to his current position in 2019. Prior to working with CandyRific, Taylor served with PEZ Candy Inc. for more than eight years, and got his start with Del Monte Foods USA, where he served for 13 years.

“Like most everyone when they make the decision to retire, it has been difficult, as I have enjoyed all of my years in the industry and will miss the relationships and learning something new every day,” Taylor said.

The interaction with others is what Taylor has enjoyed the most over the years, but one thing he won’t miss is so much time on his computer. 

“Over the past couple of years, I’ve had more meetings on the computer and less time face-to-face with our customers and colleagues,” Taylor said. “I’ve made life-long relationships in this industry and will miss the interaction with these friends. I have the utmost respect for my peers.”

Rob Auerbach, president and owner of CandyRific, will miss daily interaction with Taylor, whether on the phone or in-person, as will others with the company.

“Clark’s innovative vision and leadership of CandyRific’s sales and marketing team will be missed,” said BJ Ruckriegel, CFO and COO of CandyRific. “We wish him the best in his retirement.”

Growing up in a military family, Taylor is accustomed to change, having moved 30 times. This move will be different, from work to retirement, and he and his wife, Diane, are looking forward to spending more time together and with their children and grandchildren, when he’s not busy restoring classic cars and motorcycles.