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The sweetest business in Idaho

David Wagers, president of the Idaho Candy Co., was destined to be Boise´s candyman. His favorite movie is “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and his dog´s name is Wonka, but in an ironic twist, his wife´s a dentist.

Gerry Melendez / Idaho Statesman

http://www.idahostatesman.com/Business/story.asp?ID=61753

How far outside Idaho are your candies routinely sold and distributed?

We sell Idaho Spud Bars, Idaho Spud Bites, Cherry Cocktails, and Old Faithfuls to distributors in 10 states. Owyhee Butter Toffee is distributed just in Idaho. We ship candy ordered on our Web site, http://www.idahospud.com, all across the country and the world.

What part of the business do you enjoy the most?

I never do the same thing every day. I work on customer relations, sales, accounting, package development, product development, fix machines, negotiate with vendors and empty the garbage. I have done every job at Idaho Candy Company from cleaning the bathrooms to signing the checks to being head candy taster. Working with my dad and discussing the business with my brothers on a weekly basis has kept us up with each other and made us a close family. The best part of my job outside the office is that friends and kids call me “Candyman,” and almost always smile when they say it.

How many times have you watched “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”? Does it resonate with you?

I own the movie, and my kids watch it regularly. My dog´s name is Wonka, and I have had a great friend for over 20 years who is only four feet tall. I feel like I have found the golden ticket. I guess it is a little scary how my life intertwines with that movie.

Outside of your own candies, what´s your favorite can´t-live-without snack?

My mom´s sugar bomb muffins.

Making candy all day must have its downside. What´s the hard part about your job?

How can there be a downside to making candy and making people smile? You notice how everyone smiles while eating candy.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

My wife, Jill, is a dentist — the perfect partner for a sweet guy like me.

At Halloween, kids get their choice between an Idaho Spud Bar and a toothbrush, and the Idaho Spud Bars always win!

— Julie Howard

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