Ruggles, along with father Herb and mother Anne, helped develop the original Ruggles ice cream brand in the 1980s. Smith Dairy purchased the brand in 1988 and expanded it to its current lineup of five categories and 39 flavors.

Ruggles, who previously served as president of Adjusta-Post Lighting Co., lives in Medina, Ohio, with his wife, Janet.

Family-owned since 1909 and based in Orrville, Ohio, with production facilities in Ohio and Indiana, Smith Dairy Products Co. (www.smithdairy.com) manufactures a full line of dairy, beverage, ice cream and foodservice products, including Ruggles Premium Ice Cream and Smith’s milk in the distinctive Yellow Super Jug.