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Atkinson--an all American candymaker: being a non-chocolate candymaker in the United States takes a bit of grit. To combat fierce offshore competition that capitalizes on cheap labor and sugar, Atkinson Candy Co. relies on its nostalgic brands, quality processing and unequaled service to keep its winning record intact.

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At a glance

Headquarters: Lufkin, Texas

Sales: $30-$50 million (Candy Industry estimate, combined sales of Atkinson Candy Co. and Judson-Atkinson)

Employees: 190 (including temporary workers)

Products: Peanut better, peppermint, caramel and coconut confections, peanut brittle, assorted sours.

Brands: Chick-O-Stick, Long Boy, Mint Twists, Peanut Butter Bars, Pic-O-Sitio

Management team: Basil Atkinson, chairman; Eric Atkinson, president; Amy Voltz, executive vice president; Doyle Huntsman, v.p.--sales; Deborah Huffman, controller; Michael Morgan, purchasing manager; Mark Love, plant manager.

"Being perfect is not about that scoreboard out there. It's not about winning. It's about you and your relationship with yourself, your family and your friends. Being perfect is about being able to look your friends in the eye and know that you didn't let them down because you told them the truth. And that truth is you did everything you could. There wasn't one more thing you could've done. Can you live in that moment as best you can, with clear eyes, and love in your heart, with joy in your heart? If you can do that gentlemen--you're perfect!

Billy Bob Thornton as Coach Gary Gaines in the movie Friday Night Lights, 2004

Eric Atkinson, president of Atkinson Candy Co., would be the first to tell you that his life has been far from perfect. But just as Coach Gary Gaines advised his Permian Panthers high school football players, Atkinson does look everyone right in the eye. And one would be hard-pressed to find anyone who's doing more than him to help grow Lufkin, Texas-based Atkinson Candy Co.

That's somewhat ironic since a younger Atkinson didn't necessarily jump at the chance of joining the family business once he graduated from the University of Texas in 1978 with a degree in economics.

"I was enamored with computers and began working for a computer company as a systems consultant." Back in 1978, the computer industry wasn't as ubiquitous nor competitively priced as it is today. Hence, success often proved haphazard. After a few years of participating in a still evolving, at times chaotic industry, Atkinson opted to take the advice of a good Turkish friend of his: "Go into the family business; it's the goose with a golden egg."

But anyone who's had any encounters...

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