Pearson Candy Co. employs approximately 150, making Keller the leader of Minnesota's largest candy company. After Greenwich, Connecticut-based private equity firm. Brynwood Partners acquired Pearson's in 2011, Keller took the reins with a new product strategy in mind--to introduce seasonal candy offerings. With Minnesota candy production plants generating approximately $138 million in sales annually (according to the National Confectioners Association), Pearson's has remained a forerunner by maintaining tradition whiles growing organically and through acquisitions.