Richard J. "Dick" Heath, grandson of the Heath Candy Company patriarch, L.S. Heath, was born in 1931 in Robinson, Illinois, where his father and uncle developed the Heath English Toffee Bar. Dick was elected to the company Board of Directors at the age of 20, after his father's sudden death. Dick finished college at the University of Illinois and served in the U.S. Army before returning to the company where he served in a number of capacities and sold the initial licenses that franchised the Heath Ice Cream Bar. After leaving the company in 1969 during a family struggle for control of the company, Dick promoted Professional Golf Association (PGA) tournaments and has been involved in numerous business ventures.

Ray Elliott is a writer, editor, Tales Press publisher and former English and journalism teacher who grew up near Robinson, Illinois.