Family Owned Business Since 1960


Gil Shwom

Gil is the owner of the company and the Father figure to so many of us. Gil began his journey by helping his Grandfather Hyman in a small Chocolate factory located in the Brooklyn, NY. Later Gil’s Father Eddie would take over the small factory and with Gil’s help, they built the company and moved to an 80,000 square foot facility in Moosic, PA, which is a small town outside of Scranton. About 15 years ago, Gil sold the Chocolate Factory, but not the plant.

That is when he met the original owner of Jennies Macaroons, Arnold and partnered with him. Arnold retired several years ago and now Gil runs the operation with the help of his family, which includes his biological and work kids. Two of Gil’s key employees have been with him for 30+ years and considers them his sons. His plant manager has been with him for over 10 years and she is like a daughter to him. Gil’s passion for work has always been a top priority so he cares deeply for those who work at the plant and share his passion.


Lauren Ash

Lauren was born and raised in Long Island, NY and is our head of Sales and Marketing.

She works with our distributors, retailers, and salespeople and takes care of every aspect of our trade shows. Lauren is Gil’s youngest daughter and has worked with him for over 27 years. She is the mother of 2 boys, Ithan and Marc, and the wife of our COO, Howie.

Lauren loves to play tennis, practice yoga, and swim in her free time. Their two King Charles Cavaliers, Dani and Willow, are never far from her side, and they love working with their Mom! Lauren eats clean, believes that what goes into your body affects everything about you, and loves the products that we produce since our ingredient decks are so easy to understand, natural, and clean.


Howie Ash

Howie was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and began working for the family four years ago at our biggest trade show, Expo West in Anaheim, CA.

He liked it so much that he decided to get more involved and recently took on the challenge of becoming our new Chief Operating Officer. It is Gil’s dream for the company to continue on with the next generation, and he sees Howie as the leader who can do that once Gil decides to relax just a little bit.

Football Sundays have been a tradition in the home since the boys were babies.


Lainie Evancho

Lainie is Gil’s daughter and runs the inside operations at the factory alongside Gil.

Lainie is an excellent baker so her expertise comes in handy when new flavors are created.

She has a knack for putting flavors together and knowing when they do or do not work! Lainie loves to Garden, practice Yoga and play with her dog, Mac in her free time.


The Next Generation of Jennies People…
FAMILY ALWAYS!