Business Spotlight: Ozark Old Tyme Candy

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Pamela Ledbetter and Van Chism have put a lot of "sweat equity" into Ozark Olde Tyme Candy. |ret||ret||tab|

During the summer, the temperature in the company's kitchen often soars to more than 100 degrees. However, the end result makes it all worthwhile.|ret||ret||tab|

"I think we make some of the best, old-fashioned, handmade candy there is," said Ledbetter.|ret||ret||tab|

Ozark Olde Tyme Candy is actually a continuation of a candy company that has been in business since 1934, says Ledbetter. Over the years, the company has had several different names, changed ownership eight times and done business at two locations 212 W. Walnut St. and 1812 W. College St. in Springfield.|ret||ret||tab|

Although many things have changed, the company's candy-making process has remained the same since 1934.|ret||ret||tab|

"We're still using two pieces of original equipment," said Ledbetter. "All of our equipment is old. I think one piece of equipment we have is more than 100 years old. You can't find parts for these machines anymore. Whenever something breaks, we have to get a new part machined."|ret||ret||tab|

Ledbetter began working at the company in 1973. |ret||ret||tab|

In 1994, she teamed up with Van Chism, an independent candy distributor, and formed Ozark Olde Tyme Candy. |ret||ret||tab|

Shortly thereafter, the two struck a deal with the owners to lease the business' facilities, equipment and use the company's distribution label Ozark Mountain Candy, said Chism. In 2002, they purchased the business.|ret||ret||tab|

Unlike some candy manufacturers, Ozark Olde Tyme Candy doesn't operate a retail facility. |ret||ret||tab|

Instead, the company sells its candy to wholesalers or distributors who are located throughout the United States.|ret||ret||tab|

"A lot of our customers are located within a 200-mile radius of Springfield," said Chism. "We also ship to 32 states."|ret||ret||tab|

Candy connoisseurs can find the company's products at local businesses such as Lambert's Caf in Ozark and Heritage Cafeteria in Springfield. Most of the candy, however, is sold to restaurants and gift shops frequented by tourists. |ret||ret||tab|

"Our candy is uniquely suited for small retailers who want to stock a good, high-quality candy," said Chism. "A lot of gift shops in Branson and Eureka Springs (Ark.) sell the candy we make."|ret||ret||tab|

Ozark Olde Tyme Candy does indeed impart some local flavor. The company manufactures a wide variety of hard drop candies, which come in flavors such as gooseberry, huckleberry and sassafras. |ret||ret||tab|

Ozark Olde Tyme Candy also makes handmade brittles, including peanut brittle, cashew brittle and black walnut brittle, as well as peanut butter fudge, black walnut fudge and Ozark Mountain Hillbilly Bean Soup Mix.|ret||ret||tab|

In recent years, the company has begun selling pralines and divinity, which are more labor-intensive to make. |ret||ret||tab|

In fact, Ledbetter estimated she hand-dipped more than 35,000 pieces of divinity last year.|ret||ret||tab|

"It's a lot of work, but they sure do taste good," she said. "They're also one of our high-profit-margin candies."|ret||ret||tab|

Some of the candies manufactured by the company are sold under the Ozark Mountain Candy label, but about 60 percent is packaged under a private label, Chism said. |ret||ret||tab|

However, Chism was quick to point out that all of the company's customers are treated the same.|ret||ret||tab|

"Our goal is to make high-quality candy and provide great service to both our large and small customers," he said. "Small customers are our bread-and-butter. Selling to big customers is just a bonus."|ret||ret||tab|

Like many small-business owners, Chism and Ledbetter face a number of challenges. Business is cyclical throughout the year, which can make for an erratic work schedule. In the summer, the heat in the cooking facility can be overwhelming, and machining parts for the old equipment can be costly. |ret||ret||tab|

Finding high-quality ingredients, particularly sugar, also can be difficult, according to Ledbetter. |ret||ret||tab|

The company also doesn't have any employees. However, Chism and Ledbetter said they have been known to enlist the support of family members when business gets a little hectic.|ret||ret||tab|

"One of our long-term goals is to hire a couple of employees who will be able to run the place, and we'll just manage it," said Ledbetter. "The problem is, we're very selective about who we'd hire."|ret||ret||tab|

In the meantime, the two said they plan to continue promoting Ozark Olde Tyme Candy and work on attracting new distributors and wholesale customers.|ret||ret||tab|

"We have tremendous customer loyalty," said Ledbetter. "Our customer base is probably our greatest asset, and we plan to build on that."|ret||ret||tab|

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