Film Industry Network

‘The Candyman’ David Klein

How did you get involved in the film, and what did you find rewarding?

I believe that the documentary was a chance for me to review my thirty five years in the candy business and to see what my business friends thought about me….Almost as if you are hearing your own eulogy at your funeral. It is also something that is for the ages and my grandchildren and their children will be able to view this long after I am gone.
candyman
Would you have any advice for those wishing to pursue the ‘American dream’?

As a matter of fact I do. First of all just about everyone thought Jelly Belly was a stupid idea. If you believe in your idea believe in it with all your heart. Do not listen to negative thoughts. Stay focused and do not let anything get in your way. I had $800.00 to my name when I started Jelly Belly. Money makes it much easier but there are ways to get things done if you are creative.

One of my mistakes was that I did not investigate other candy makers when I started…I went with the first company I talked to. They told me that they could handle any order I sent them. This later proved to be false. I did not realize how small of a company they were when I first talked to them….

Another piece of advice is to realize that there is nothing better than free publicity. People believe what they read. The press needs things to write about. So it is a two-sided relationship that benefits both parties. When I started Jelly Belly I was doing twenty to thirty dollars a day in business. If it had not been for the publicity the product would have died..

Another piece of advice is to file both a state and federal trademark for your product.. After following the advice of a trademark attorney we only filled for a federal trademark. One of my distributors found out that we had not filled for a state trademark and did so for himself…I received a call from him one day and he told me that he was my “new” partner. Thank you – David Klein.