Famous Figures- Bill Malley

Join Paige Muttillo as she shares more about the legacy of Bill Malley. Learn about the legendary Clevelander whose legacy will be remembered through generations due to Malleys Chocolate. 

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Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:03

Thank you, welcome back to CC Airwaves. My name is Paige Matillo and I'll be sharing another famous interment with you. If you're from the Cleveland area, you're probably familiar with the charming white and pink packaging of Malley's chocolates. But there's more to this local favorite than just its delicious treats. You're probably familiar with the charming white and pink packaging of Malley's chocolates, but there's more to this local favorite than just its delicious treats.

Speaker 1: 0:54

Today we're diving into the sweet history of Malley's, a true family legacy that started during the hardships of the Great Depression. It all began in 1935. While the country grappled with economic downturn, albert Mike Malley was busy pursuing his dream. With just $500, mike opened his first chocolate shop in Lakewood, ohio. The shop was modest, with Mike, his wife Jo and their children living right in the back rooms. But Mike's dedication slowly turned his dream into a reality. Fast forward to 1949, mike was ready to open a second location. By then Mally's chocolates had become a community staple. The opening night was so packed that the police had to manage the crowds. Mike's passion for chocolate was clearly contagious.

Speaker 1: 1:38

Enter Bill Mally, mike's son, who took a keen interest in the family business. Bill was full of ideas and played a pivotal role in Malley's expansion. Under his leadership, which began officially in 1967, malley's not only increased sales but also outgrew its production facility, needing a larger factory. Bill's wife, adele, also left a mark on Malley's. Known for her impeccable attention to detail and design, adele revolutionized product presentation and store layout. Her influence was so profound that in 1983, she founded the Malley School of Merchandising to aid other businesses in achieving similar success.

Speaker 1: 2:19

The couple's efforts did not go unnoticed. Both were inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame in 2014, a testament to their impact on the confectionery industry. They were recognized as master chocolatiers by Retail Confectionaries International, highlighting their lifelong dedication to excellence in chocolate making. Today, all six of their children continue the family tradition. Working at Malley's and ensuring the legacy of quality and community involvement lives on. Sadly, bill Malley passed away in October 2016. He rests at St Joseph's Cemetery in Avon, where his grave is fittingly marked by a symbol of his life's work the iconic Malley's Bunny. This unique monument stands as a tribute to his legacy of creating joy and community through the art of chocolate making. Bill's story reminds us that passion and perseverance can create a lasting impact reaching far beyond the combines of one's lifetime. It's a narrative of family community and the sweet taste of success. Thank you for joining me today. Today, and have a good one.