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Our Team, Our Family
The 1st fantastic thing about the Speach Family Candy Shoppe is that it's a family-run business that has been handed down through the generations.
The 2nd wonderful thing is that it's a family-run business...and we haven't killed each other yet.
We'd like to introduce you to our family, friends, and staff that help in the operations here at Speach Family Candy Shoppe.
Michael E. Speach, Jr.
4th Generation President & Head Chocolatier
Michael (also known as The Candyman) has been at the helm since 2007. By changing the concept of the business and incorporating many new processes and ideas, Michael has been the driving force that keeps the company alive. He's also seen around the building wearing a name-tag that says "Ringmaster of the Shit Show." It is a family business, after all.
Strengths: Determination, positivity & creativeness
Flaws: Focus...turn on the TV, and he's not working anymore.
Guilty Pleasure: Anything from Nightmare Before Christmas or vinyl records.
Connie Speach
General Manager
Connie (also known as The Sister or Princess) has been working with us since she was a little girl and her mother ran the business. As the manager, Connie oversees much of the day to day operations. When she's not working, Connie is very active in the lives of her two sons.
Strengths: Speed
Flaws: Let me ask her. (Short pause) She doesn't think she has any.
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite TV Show: Blacklist
Lucy G.
Marketing Director
Lucy (aka our Sassy Lady) works with us on all of our marketing and accounting for the business. She's also our "naughty girl." Typically pouring a cocktail while she works.
Strengths: The ability to say NO!
Flaws: She's a perfectionist and can be snarky. She might be a serial killer?
Joe B.
Partner
After working a full-time job being one of Central New York's leading hairstylists and extension technician, Joe can be found here working late nights to help prep for any of the major holidays or orders that come up. With his iPad in-hand and typically watching repeats of The Simpsons, Family Guy, Ghost Whisperer, Reba, or any of the Star Wars films, Joe can package the products in hours instead of days.
Strengths: Fast, Clean
Flaws: Says, "You don't need me" all the time.
Susan S.
The Mom
Sue is the Mother of the owner and was the 3rd generation owner of the candy shoppe. With Sue's help and many of her creative recipes, Speach Family Candy Shoppe is what it is today. Now that she's retired from her full-time job, she's frequently watching her 5 grandchildren, 3 grand-puppies, and grand-guinea pig or making diamond art.
Strengths: She's a Mom.
Flaws: She's a Mom.
Favorite Color: Green
Cathy M.
The Aunt/Store Associate
Cathy is a staple when it comes to the Holidays. She always makes sure to bring in her homemade cookies to share with the staff. A common occurrence is re-training Cathy on the register every Holiday. PS - It's the same register we've had since 2013.
Strengths: Cordial and easy-going. Cathy knows everyone! Give a great 10 cent tour.
Flaws: Her response when she screws up is "I'm just the free help."
Dale W.Head of Janitorial
Dale, another family friend, comes and plays Hazel a few times a week. She keeps our work areas clean and prepared for us to be making all our sweets. This single lady is ready to paaartay! She enjoys long walks on the beach, riding her jet ski and country music. Don't get us started!
Strengths: Detail-oriented
Flaws: She uses bleach like we use water.
Favorite Drink: Anything with Captain in it.
Sandy G.
Nut Crusher & Truffle Production
Why use a food processor when we've got Sandy. This lady seriously just crushes our nuts. Anytime we're making Brickle or chocolate clusters she's ready to whack. When she's not helping out at the shoppe, she's a mega animal activist and wine connoisseur.
Strengths: Protective and passionate.
Flaws: Sending us sad pictures of cats and dogs... Can't you just hear Sarah McLachlan in the background?
Stephanie K.
Production Associate
Stephanie comes to us from mutual friends and should be family for just dealing with us. Stephanie is one of the fastest producers of our signature product, the Chocolate Covered Potato Chips. She is also an award winning Hair Stylist in her "real life."
Strengths: Fast, Clean, Organized
Flaws: Has to commute so sometimes doesn't like the weather.
Sarah S.On-Call Associate
Sarah is our resident new Mommy. Her drive to keep us all in line, or maybe stir the pot, is one of the greatest assets in the candy shoppe. When she can, she's always able to help, even sending her husband in her place to do random deliveries or packaging. "Thanks Charlie!" She is also the co-founder of Fern Valley Forest School.
Strengths: Always eager to help.Likes: Anything vintage.
Flaws: Consumed all the limited edition Lemon Jellies before customers could buy any.
Mark C.
Delivery Driver
Mark comes to us from the South, southern part of NY that is. This veteran was looking for a part-time gig and he definitely does not mind traveling. When he's not working for us on the weekends or working his full-time job, Mark enjoys chasing his dogs through the woods and cooking.
Strengths: Eager, disciplined.
Flaws: Hates Bluetooth
Dawn Z.
Associate
Dawn is another family transplant. Retired from a local bank after 40 years, Dawn has decided to volunteer her next 40 years here at the candy shoppe. If Dawn isn't here or at home with her "loving husband" (she did the quotes not us), you can find her at the closest casino trying to win us a jackpot!
Strengths: Sense of humor and gets right to the point.
Flaws: Don't ask her about her finger!
Jamie E. & DR. Matthew D.
Free Help/Brothers
There's something special to be said about having family around when you need them most. There's something truly special about the ones that aren't blood, but feel like they are. These two characters can often been seen around the candy shoppe at random times; whenever driving through town for meetings or delivering organic produce to the Regional Market. The support that these men give to our leader might go unseen, but never unappreciated!
Matthew's joy: Analyzing the crazy dynamic that is a Family Business (the Organization Psychologist kicks in.)
Jamie's strength: Willing to do anything from pulling weeds to delivering boxes across town.
Laura S.
The "REAL" Boss/WT Bestie
Sometimes we need that little extra push, and thankfully this woman is available. Whether it's making deliveries on some of the Holidays or just being emotional support when the shit really hits the fan, Laura is truly amazing. She can often be found getting into trouble with Michael at various events and other local businesses. Of course when you see the two the them together Michael takes on the role of "Assistant" to Laura's "Boss". When not working with us, Laura has several business endeavors and sits on several non-profit boards. Her resume is genuinely too long for the space we are provided.
Strengths: Wisdom, knowledge, go-get-em attitude.
Flaws: You should see what she looks like at breakfast!
Favorite Music Genre: Disco
Joe G.
Handyman
As with many businesses, everything doesn't run smoothly all by itself. Our friend Joe helps with many construction needs and keep things moving along. That creaky step or that flickering light can be handled with a quick phone call. Always ready and able to tackle any of life's challenges, regardless of how high the ladder is.
Strengths: Great contractor, problem-fixer.
Flaws: Expensive taste in bourbon. - Not a cheap date!
Jamie O.
Event Specialist & Brand Ambassador
This lady is Just Jamie and she truly has our back. Initially, as a customer, Jamie has been doing business with us for years. As one of Michael's friends, she has always promoted us and our products in many of her events and community activities. This creative woman can be found all over Central New York as well as on-line. When not working with her other clients or us, Jamie can be found shopping, drinking, or taking care of her adorable son. Strengths: Motivated, well connected, fearless
Flaws: I can't think of one... (i might get BLOCKED)
Alexis E.
Part-time Associate
Alexis (aka Sexy Lexi) is also a cousin to the family. She's divine energy for the candy shoppe. Always smiling and making people feel welcome. When not spending time with Michael, Lexi enjoys spending time with her son.Strengths: ReliableFlaws: Selfie Queen and habitual
Samantha H.
Store Associate
Sam is another one of those "people who could be family, but only by marriage so they're not as bad as the rest of us." Samantha's customer service experience is leaps and bounds above, probably from her amazing programming... thanks for the software Disney. Strengths: Driven to get projects done.Flaws: Her ability to say "I'm sorry" even when it wasn't her fault.
Favorite Sitcom Reruns: The Office
Maureen H.
Friend/Emotional Support
We all have that person that relieves stress, calms the voices in our heads, and frankly is always willing to talk shit about anything and everything. That would be our "Moe"! Whether we need cases of Honeydew cut, or a way overdue massage, this lady is right here for all of us.
Strengths: Has connections and an insight that we cannot fully comprehend.
Flaws: You can mention it once... but you won't be around to mention it again.
An inner truth: She's fabulous!
Debbie M. & Cheri G.
Crazy Cousins
Okay... these two! God help us. All we can say is when they're here at the candy shoppe we get less work done, but we have a hell of a time doing it. Debbie and Cheri are normally seen late nights or around the major holidays; picking out strawberries and explaining what they look like, serenading the other people that walk in, filling their cups with tequila and of course laying out the family gossip for that week.
Strength: Here at the drop of a hat.Flaws: Consuming all the Patron... I better buy stock.
Liz, Ginia & Mix
Friends/Production Assistants
Let's start with a Candyman, a Trooper, a Engineer, and a Cyclist/Wrangler/Model walk into a bar... the rest can't be told in mixed company. These three ladies are some of the best friends a guy could have. They have known the owner since high school and maintain a solid friendship and an on-going text thread that spans years. Literally! These ladies can be found here working late nights around the Holidays with Michael. Typically with a bottle of wine and Facetime.
Strengths: Hysterical laughter
Flaws: Distance, Mix lives in Colorado and can't play all the time.
Mantra: Lightning Taco Forever!
Friends and Family continued...
One of the best parts of our generational business is that we have made many friends, and extended family, along the way.
