Self-Made CEO

Gerry Shreiber knows that you win the game by keeping a close eye on the details, working hard, and dreaming big. Although his name may be synonymous with SuperPretzel, Gerry’s accomplishments transcend the world of snack foods. His many passions—animal welfare, higher education, and the State of Israel—have transformed into gifts that have bettered the lives of both people and animals.

While most little boys would have been happy sitting on a pony, Gerry wanted to experience the real deal! He was instilled with a deep appreciation of a horse’s strength and its “humanity.” After moving to Atlantic City, Gerry cleaned horse stalls to earn riding time. Those magic moments spent with such beautiful creatures helped him appreciate the old adage: “What’s outside of a horse is good for what’s inside of a man.”

Even before riding horses, Gerry had a habit of “collecting” the animals he encountered in the neighborhood. The only opportunities he had for owning a dog—his pet of choice—were the ones he found in the street. He often coaxed them along in the direction of home. Not particularly fond of taking in four-legged boarders, his mother expressed her displeasure, asking him why he had brought the stray home. Gerry always responded, “I couldn’t help it. He just followed me home!” For Gerry, it was an instinct: “Every stray I met became a friend. I don’t know why. I just had it in me.” Even today, he continues to acquire animalst from shelters and animal protection organizations. A small sign in his J & J office says it all: “Rescue is my favorite breed.”