About Hilliard's Chocolate System
Dan Andersen, President
Dan entered the confectionery industry in 2007 after a career in restaurant management. He began from the bottom up by building chocolate tempering machines and enrobers for his Father-In-Law and former President, Jim Bourne. As Dan became more experienced, he assumed supervision over production and on-site installation of machinery in addition to purchasing raw materials and components. Ascending the ranks, Dan, along with his wife Jaime, bought Hilliard's in 2024.
Dan has served the Retail Confectioners International in many capacities, including the founding of the Next Generation Committee, serving as the committee's first Chairperson. The committee focuses on bringing together aspiring, young candymakers to establish networking, lifelong partnerships, & friendships. Dan has served on the RCI Board of Directors, Associate/Supplier Advisory Board as a member and also as Chairman. He also graduated from RCI Chocolate Boot Camp in 2014.
Dan has been an active member of the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Confectioners Association (PMCA), Retail Confectioners Association of Philadelphia (RCAP), the National Confectioners Association (NCA), and New England Retail Confectioners Association (NERCA), including serving on the Board of Directors.
SHERI ANDERSON
Sheri started her career at Hilliard's in 2004 as Office Manager where she is responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and employee benefits. She also assists customers with sales and service.
JENNIFER RIVARD
Jennifer joined Hilliard's in 2021 as the Purchase and Sales Manager after spending 30 years as a 911 Dispatcher with the Easton Police Department. She manages inventory along with assisting customers with sales, parts requests, and technical support. You will also see Jennifer at trade shows, in addition to performing service calls for customers.
Jennifer graduated Salutatorian in Advanced Manufacturing and Welding from Southeastern Regional Technical Institute where she now sits on the advisory board for the same program advocating for women in the trades. Jennifer also has her OSHA and Hot Works Certifications.
JOSHUA BASSETT
Joshua joined Hilliard's in 2021 as the Shop Foreman after spending 16 years aiding customers with technical support and repairs in the automotive industry. He manages day to day production schedule at Hilliard's and helps customers with technical support. Josh also performs service calls and installations for our customers.
Josh graduated Valedictorian in Advanced Manufacturing and Welding from Southeastern Regional Technical Institute where he now sits on the board for continuing education for the same program. Josh also has his OSHA and Hotworks certifications.
The Rich History of Hilliard's Chocolate Systems
ALAN HILLIARD, Founder
As a child, Mr. Hilliard was raised in the family business of confectionary manufacturing. By the age of 15, he was helping his father in their Quincy store known as Hilliard's Candy Store making everything from caramel to fudge to various other types of candy.
Upon Honorable discharge from the US Army, Alan and his wife Barbara moved to Easton in 1950 where they opened Hilliard Kitch-In-Vue Candy. Today that store is known as Hilliard's Chocolates. Twelve years later, in 1962, Mr. Hilliard opted to concentrate on the chocolate tempering machines that his father had invented, and Alan founded Hilliard's Chocolate System. In 1976 he hired Jim Bourne to work alongside him and he later sold the company to Jim in 1985. Alan Hilliard passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on June 11th, 2014.
JAMES BOURNE, Retired
Jim started in the confectionery industry in 1976, building chocolate tempering machines and enrobers in Alan Hilliard's basement, then owner of Hilliard's Chocolate System. As the business grew, Jim took over supervising the production and installation of the machines, and purchasing raw materials and components.
Working his way up through the company, Jim eventually bought Hilliard's in 1985, growing it into one of the major suppliers of chocolate equipment for the retail candy business.
Jim has served the Retail Confectioners International in many capacities, including instructing at every RCI Gus Pulakos Candy School since 1986 and every Chocolate Boot Camp since its inception in 2003. In 1989 Jim received the Henry J. Bornhofft Memorial Award as the outstanding supplier and the RCI President's Award in 2007. Bourne has served on the RCI Board of Directors, Associate/Supplier Advisory Board several times including twice as Chairman. In 2012 Jim was inducted into the National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) Candy Hall of Fame.
Jim retired at the end of March 2024. Jim plans to spend more time with his wife Sandy, his 4 children, his 6 Grandchildren and enjoying his hobbies, boating, fishing, hiking, skiing, traveling, reading and candy making.
For more information about Hilliard's Chocolate System products, call (508) 587-3666 or click here to send us an email. Thanks!