After retiring from a demanding Wall Street career in 2009, John Tompkins (JT) spent three years reconnecting with family, friends and himself. “I really didn’t do much for the first few years,” he recalls. “I just needed to get well and enjoy life.” But one morning, inspiration struck: he would start a candy company.
What began as a casual venture—reaching out to 20 friends to share the news—quickly snowballed. “I thought it would be a few hours here and there,” JT says. “Then momentum kicked in. Packaging, sales, corporate orders—it all happened on the fly.” As the business grew, his wife suggested channeling their good fortune into charitable giving. From that moment, philanthropy became central: all profits go to charity after covering equipment and overhead.
JT’s Confections now supports a wide range of causes. Locally, they partner with Homeless Solutions in Morristown, programs for special-needs students at Randolph High School, and local VFWs, providing chocolate gift boxes and financial donations. Most of JT’s attention goes to the Summit Speech School in New Providence, which benefits directly from his ongoing commitment. Nationally, JT Confections contributes to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and military appreciation initiatives, sending boxes of chocolate with thank-you cards to active and retired service members. “We write checks from our own account and involve students and volunteers in the process,” JT notes.
Corporate partners also participate: A percentage of proceeds from clients’ chocolate purchases goes to their chosen charity, amplifying the impact. The approach is simple yet meaningful: no politics, no religion—just giving back.
The holiday season heightens the appeal. JT explains, “People love gifting our chocolates because they’re fresh, high-quality, beautifully packaged and also give back. A card in the box tells them their purchase helped a charity, and that resonates.”
Looking forward, JT’s Confections continues to evolve. New equipment enhances production, while experimental treats—like mint marshmallows, coffee caramels and homemade s’mores—are on the horizon. “We’re always learning and growing. Quality stays consistent, but creativity keeps us excited,” JT shares.
For JT, the combination of sweet indulgence and purposeful giving has created a business that delights palates while enriching lives—one chocolate at a time.
JT’s Confections at a Glance
- Founded by: John Tompkins (JT), retired Wall Street executive
- Location: 1206 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph, NJ
- Phone: 908-377-9199
- Mission Statement: Helping those who help others
- Community Focus: Homeless Solutions, Randolph High School, VFWs, Summit Speech School, St. Jude’s and others
- Unique Approach: 10 percent of gross sales on corporate Holiday orders are directly donated to charity. All other profits on annual sales are donated to charity.