Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> October 5, 1998
GARY L. HESS is President and CEO of Vacu-dry since 1996. He also
serves as head of the Board of Directors as well as the Board's
Executive Committee. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Hess has held
many managerial positions at various corporations including Senior Vice
President, Dole Food Company (1993-1996); President/CEO and Founder of
Cadace Enterprises, Inc. (1993); President, CEO and Founder of The
Marketing Partnership (1992-1993); Senior Business Director (VP level),
E & J Gallo Winery (1987-1992); Group General Manager, Campbell Soup
Company (1981-1986); Product Manager, General Mills, Inc. (1976-1981);
and Consultant, Busch Center (1975-1976). Mr. Hess received his B.A.
degree in Industrial Engineering/Operations Research from Cornell
University and his M.B.A. in Marketing/Finance from the Wharton Graduate
School, University of Pennsylvania. He is married and has two children. Profile
TWST: Could you give us a background sketch information and a summary ofthe company that places us in context for what you see as Vacu-dry
Company today?
Mr. Hess: Vacu-dry Company was