Generation of family ownership: Fifth.

About the company: Last year we made over 15 billion jelly beans. We have staff in the U.S., Thailand, China, Germany and Canada.

Number of employees: More than 700 worldwide.

First job at this company: The summer of seventh grade, I started working in the packaging department: sweeping the floor, scraping candy off it, making boxes and stamping the boxes. When I was really lucky, I was allowed to inspect the candy for imperfections.

Most memorable thing I learned from my father: Always ask questions. I practice that every day. It not only helps me better understand whatever I'm working on, it helps me understand my staff better. He also instilled in us the importance of being honest and accepting responsibility for anything that goes wrong and making it right.

Most memorable thing I learned from my mother: You'll go through various struggles in life that are preparing you for your future and a greater plan.

Best thing about this job: Candy is a fun industry; I'm always reminded of the joy it brings. I was a merchandiser for three years here, and I'd walk into a grocery store and receive a great reception. Other vendors didn't get the welcome I did.

Best advice I ever got: My father says, "Do what's best for the bean." When we do that, whether it's a doing a quality check or introducing a flavor, we're creating opportunities for ourselves and our employees.

Quote from our company's mission statement: We don't have a formal mission statement. The ideals we've held important over the years include quality in everything we do, not just in our ingredients or our manufacturing process. Quality builds trust and confidence in our company, which is invaluable to our partners and empowering to our employees.

On my wall: Family pictures and the Lord surround me. I have items that remind me of the bigger picture, including framed sayings and some Bible verses.

One of my greatest accomplishments: I've followed in my dad's footsteps in planning for the next generation to carry the business forward. For example, in the 1960s, he brought someone in from S.C.O.R.E. to help set up systems for things like costing. Recently I brought in a family adviser to help us be deliberate about equipping our next generation for success. We meet with him individually and as a group.

Best thing about working in a family business: I love having the family culture extend to our employees. A recent email from an employee stated, "We in the Jelly Belly family. . ." and I just love that.

Worst thing about working in a family business: I take the decisions I make seriously, and I know they have a large impact on so many people besides family, from suppliers to customers, partners, employees and vendors. Sometimes the hard decisions weigh heavily on me. I have to remember I'm planning for the future and have to keep the company strong.

Advice for other family business leaders: Plan for succession. It's not enough to let life happen; you have to be deliberate in planning.

Philanthropic causes our family supports: Among other charities, we support various children's charities through our annual charity golf tournament. We also have a line of Jelly Belly jelly beans in camouflage colors and donate money from those sales to organizations that support wounded veterans and their families.

On a day off I like to. . . Stay home with my family and hang out in the backyard, take photographs, barbecue and swim.

Books I think every family business leader should read: When Family Businesses Are Best, by Randel Carlock and John Ward.

I realized I had emerged from the previous generation's shadow when. . . I don't know that there was a moment; it's been a process. I've always been empowered, starting with my grandmother, who trained me in finance.

Future succession plans: We work on this every day in all departments, not just in our family. We're always thinking about how to encourage and empower our staff.

Words I live by: Make good choices.

— As told to Patricia Olsen

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