Al filled candy machines for a decade, operating the business out of a former dairy milkhouse on the rural Searles family farm until the barn burned down. Al built a business shop in the farm and operated the business from it until he sold the farm and bought a shop on South Valley Street from his brother Kenny a few years later.

Wooden honor boxes were used to collect money for food and candy sold at ball parks within about 20 miles of New Ulm. The business also sold fast food, cigarettes and chew at bars, AMPI, Vogel Fieldhouse and New Ulm Civic Center, Running’s, Beacon, MRCI, Microtel, and fast food to Cathedral and MVL High Schools.

In addition, The Candyman sells wholesale candy for re-sale to local high schools.

About 20 years ago Al, facing cancer surgery, asked his son Jeremy, a Minnesota State University, Mankato student, to help him with the business.

Jeremy Drexler stands in The Candyman shop on Valley St. S. in New Ulm with some of the company’s vending machines, pop, and M & Ms props.

“My dad built the business up to about 120 vending sites before I stepped in to help, taking a break from Minnesota State University Mankato studies,” Jeremy said.

“I bought the business from him in 2006 and operated it for a few years before I sold it to my brother Daniel in 2011,” said Jeremy. Dan ran the business for five years before Jeremy bought the business back from him.

Jeremy revamped the business a bit, using vending machines in ball parks and selling concessions to schools.

Al continued to help Jeremy with the business, filling machines in recent years but as the business grew and Al needed to slow down a bit, Jeremy sold it to Brandon Mehlhop Jan. 1, 2022.

“Dad was always around helping us with the business. He still works it,” said Jeremy.

These days, Jeremy is a financial advisor with Edward Jones, manages the Searles Bullheads over 35 baseball team and coaches the Mankato West boys varsity basketball team.

Jeremy and his wife Joy and their four children, Alison, Avery, Brooklyn and Emerson live in upper North Mankato.

A feed procurement specialist at Schwartz Farms Inc., Mehlhop said he began working part-time for Jeremy Drexler four years ago, delivering candy and snacks to New Ulm area ballparks.

“I really enjoyed the work. Not long ago, I asked Jeremy if he wanted to sell the business to me. Six months later, they called me and said he’d sell it to me and that’s what happened,” Mehlhop said.

His future business plans include expanding the business. Right now, he said he’s “still getting his feet on the ground” with it.

Years ago, wooden honor boxes were used to collect candy sales at area ball parks.

Hockey fans may recognize Mehlhop.

He played with the New Ulm Steel for a year not long ago. Mehlhop said he continues to be an avid hockey fan.