Sweet profile.

Although it took Brendan Kelley a few years into his carrer before he actually started working in the the confectionery industry--Kelley joined the Ben Myerson Candy Co. as its central region manager in 1993--it's been one sweet ride since then.

As Kelley says, "Most mornings I awake

"In all my years in other parts of the food industry [Kelley had worked for Campbell Soup and Pepsi Cola] I never felt the warmth among both those that work with you and against you that we take for granted in this industry. As hard as I try, I can't identify any conscious decisions I made to end up working in the candy industry; it was simply a great deal of luck."

It was more than luck, however, that propelled Kelley in his career at Ben Myerson's. Three years after joining the company, he was promoted to director of sales--western United States. In 2000, Kelley became senior vice president of sales and marketing. Seems like the folks at Ben Myerson also enjoyed Kelley working there.

The Los Angeles-based company, founded in 1912, produces chocolates products as well as fruit pectin jellies under the Christopher's Candy name. It also produces under license Sunkist Fruit Gems.

Kelley and his wife, Annie, reside in Gilbert, Ariz., and have a son, Danny, who's 10. In addition to traveling and getting in a weekly round of golf (or two), Kelley enjoys restoring his two old BMW's and computer gaming with friends from around the world.

What did you think you would be when you grew up? When I get there I'll let you know.

Name one or some of your favorite movies. Saving Private Ryan and The Thomas Crown Affair.

Describe your perfect dream vacation. To take my son to the great European cities such as Paris, Madrid, Rome and London.

What book are you currently reading? Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherford.

Who would you most want to be stranded on a deserted island with? I need to know if I'm coming back from the island before I answer this one.

What's your pet peeve? Selfishness.

I'd give anything to meet: Franklin Roosevelt in a historical sense or Colin Powell as a contemporary choice.

The best piece of advice that I've gotten: Sometimes your best sales are to your own company.

What excites you most about your job? I love the people I work with. They are like my second family! Attending an NCA Show is like going to an annual family reunion!