Tom Beerntsen is the third generation of his family to own and operate Beerntsen Confectionary, Inc. in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Founded in 1932 by Tom's grandfather, this specialty chocolate and hard candy business is dedicated to preserving old family traditions and candy-making methods. Hard candies are still made in copper kettles with wooden paddles, while chocolates are dipped by hand. The Beerntsen family maintains that these generations-old techniques along with the finest ingredients ensure the unsurpassed quality and flavor of their sweet treats. True to their traditional manufacturing practices, the company store in Manitowoc still has an old-fashioned ice cream parlor atmosphere. Beerntsen Confectionary, Inc. makes over 125 different types of candies and chocolates each year, some sold nationwide - including custom corporate gift items, molded novelty and seasonal items, custom wedding products, and a complete line of assorted chocolates - chocolate turtles, chocolate peanut butter cows and chocolate assortments.