The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has named the recipients of the 2025 Golden and Silver Candy Dish Awards.
Lyndi Verstrate, business manager at Shankman & Associates, will receive the Golden Candy Dish Award, while the Silver Candy Dish Award will go to Mike Farley, VP of sales at Goetze’s Candy Co. The awards will be presented March 2-4 during the State of the Industry Conference at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort in Aventura, Florida.
The Candy Dish Awards are presented annually by NCA’s broker community, recognizing one broker and one manufacturer who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in confectionery sales, marketing and management. Recipients are selected based on leadership qualities, ability to build relationships and cultivate new business opportunities.
“The Candy Dish Awards are a reflection of the incredible talent and dedication within the confectionery industry,” said John Downs, NCA president and CEO. “Lyndi and Mike represent the best of our community, demonstrating leadership and collaboration between manufacturers and broker sales agents to inspire progress and innovation.”
Lyndi Verstrate
With a career spanning more than 32 years in the convenience store industry, Verstrate’s ability to cultivate strong relationships and drive category growth has made her a standout broker in the confectionery industry.
After beginning her career with Speedway, Verstrate progressed to leadership roles with Exit 76 Corporation/J&H Family Stores and Schmuckal Oil. She has spent eight years in sales and leadership at Shankman & Associates.
“I am truly honored – and honestly a bit stunned – to be recognized with the Golden Candy Dish Award,” Verstrate said. “With so many talented salespeople in the broker community, this recognition means so much to me.”
Mike Farley
Since joining Goetze’s Candy Co. in 2019, Farley has led national sales operations and managed a dozen separate broker partners, driving revenue growth and creating strategic partnerships.
After starting his career with the broker sales agency François Schwartz in 1986, he spent 22 years at Hershey Foods, with subsequent roles at Godiva Chocolatier, Acosta Sales & Marketing and Perfetti Van Melle.
Farley has contributed to NCA initiatives such as the Sweets & Snacks Expo and industry mentorship programs.
“I’m honored to receive this award from our broker community,” Farley said. “This recognition reflects the strong relationships and teamwork that have shaped my journey in the confectionery industry. I sincerely thank NCA and our broker network for their unwavering support and shared passion.”
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