04/08/2026
Business Visit Spotlight: Gilster-Mary Lee
Today was truly one of the highlight experiences of the year for our Jefferson County CEO program. Alongside Union County CEO and Franklin County EDGE, our students had the opportunity to visit Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation, touring their pasta plant in Steeleville, cereal plant in Chester, and their R&D lab.
We were honored to spend the day with Tom Welge, who provided an inside look at the company’s day to day operations, while also sharing the rich history and growth of the business. Today, GML produces over 5,000 products, and their story is a powerful example of innovation, adaptability, and long term vision.
One of the most impactful moments came as Tom shared the story of their partnership with Chick-fil-A. In 1967, when that partnership first began, Chick fil A had just one location. His message to our young entrepreneurs was simple but powerful, always answer the phone or respond to that email, you never know what opportunity could be on the other end. That single connection has grown into a partnership that now makes up over 15% of GML’s business today.
Students also heard about a unique collaboration with NASA engineers, where GML played a role in developing cereal during a time when NASA was seeking innovative ways to keep their engineers engaged. It was a great reminder of how creativity and collaboration can open unexpected doors.
One of the most engaging parts of the visit took place in the R&D lab, where students participated in a hands on taste test comparing national brands to private label products to see if they could tell the difference. They sampled a variety of items including barbecue and dill pickle flavored popcorn, protein iced coffee, and what was likely the crowd favorite, fudge brownie comparisons. It was a fun and insightful way to experience firsthand the quality and innovation behind GML’s products.
Visits like this provide an unmatched, behind the scenes look into real world business operations and give our students valuable insight they simply cannot replicate anywhere else. This has become an annual tradition for our program, and one we are incredibly grateful for.
A huge thank you to Tom Welge and the entire GML team for their hospitality, transparency, and continued support of our students. Experiences like this leave a lasting impact and help shape the future of our young entrepreneurs.
Union County CEO Program
Franklin County EDGE
