Howard Friedman’s late-night study sessions and social gatherings at Dickinson College often had a familiar attendee: Utz Brands chips, cheese balls and pretzels.
The encounters proved to be more than just an opportunity to grab a snack. Unbeknownst to Friedman at the time, it was a chance to familiarize himself with a storied food company headquartered just 31 miles down the road that he would one day oversee as CEO.
So when Friedman got a call in 2022 asking if he was interested in running the 105-year-old Utz, it didn’t take long for those fond memories to come rushing back…