NCA confirms major Gold and Silver Candy Dish award winners

Lyndi Verstrate, business manager at Shankman & Associates, is set to receive the Golden Candy dish award from the NCA. Pic: NCA
Lyndi Verstrate, business manager at Shankman & Associates, is set to be honoured with the coveted National Confectioners Association’s Golden Candy Dish Award, alongside Mike Farley, vice president of sales at Goetze’s Candy Company, with a silver accolade.
As is tradition, the 2025 awards celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional ability to strengthen the connection between manufacturers, brokers, and retail customers.
The honours are presented annually by NCA’s broker community, with recipients selected based on outstanding leadership qualities, their 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,” John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “Lyndi and Mike represent the best of our community, demonstrating leadership and collaboration between manufacturers and broker sales agents to inspire progress and innovation.”
For her part, Lyndi Verstrate’s career spans 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 excelling in sales and leadership at Shankman & Associates.
“I am truly honoured – and honestly a bit stunned – to be recognised with the Golden Candy Dish Award,” Verstrate said. “With so many talented salespeople in the broker community, this recognition means so much to me.”
Significantly, from earlier career, she quickly progressed into leadership roles. She’s managed multiple categories through the years in various roles as store, district, category, and marketing manager. Since joining Shankman & Associates, Verstrate has been a driving force behind sales growth and relationship-building across multiple categories.
Silver honours
Meanwhile, Mike Farley (below) joined Goetze’s Candy Company in 2019, Farley has led national sales operations and managed a dozen separate broker partners, driving revenue growth and creating strategic partnerships.
After launching 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. An active member of NCA, Farley has contributed to initiatives like the Sweets & Snacks Expo and industry mentorship programmes.
“I’m honoured 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. Every day in this industry, working with our incredible broker partners is ‘Always A Treat!’”
His career in the confectionery industry began over 38 years ago, starting outstocking shelves at a local grocery store and interning with Procter & Gamble during college. Today, Farley leads sales functions at Goetze’s Candy Company, drives innovation, and mentors the next generation of industry leaders.