It's Time to Spill The Beans: A Book About Greed

by David Klein, Stephanie Thirtyacre

Overview

David Klein, the original inventor of Jelly Belly® jelly beans, shares the deeply personal and eye-opening story of his life-from humble beginnings and sweet success to betrayal and heartbreak. It's Time to Spill the Beans is more than a tale about candy; it's a revealing memoir about the man behind the beans and the high price he paid for trusting the wrong people. With raw honesty and sharp insight, Klein explores the impact of greed in business. This powerful account offers inspiration, hard-earned wisdom, and a cautionary tale for dreamers, inventors, and entrepreneurs everywhere.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781736236390
Publisher:	Tricky Treasures
Publication date:	07/09/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	122
File size:	924 KB

About the Author

David Klein (b. 1946) grew up in Southern California, where his innate curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit first began to take shape. As the original creator of Jelly Belly® jelly beans, Klein transformed a simple treat into a beloved household name-and in doing so, he set the stage for a life defined by creativity and determination.In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Klein and his partner, Stephanie, launched The Gold Ticket, a nationwide treasure hunt that captured imaginations across the country. The initiative exemplified their playful ingenuity and brought joy to participants at a time when the world sorely needed it.A lifelong innovator, Klein shows no signs of slowing down. He's constantly dreaming up new projects and making meaningful connections through online speaking engagements, where he shares his inspiring message with audiences around the world. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, imagination, and the courage to take risks.
Stephanie Thirtyacre grew up in the Chicago area with a passion for business and a heart for helping others. A dedicated entrepreneur and creative thinker, she has always sought out ways to bring joy, purpose, and positivity to the world around her.In 2020, Stephanie partnered with David Klein, the inventor of Jelly Belly® jelly beans, to launch The Gold Ticket-a nationwide treasure hunt that captured imaginations during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project blended her love of fun and adventure with her desire to uplift people during challenging times.Now living in Florida with David, Stephanie is the proud mother of two children and continues to pursue new ventures that reflect her values. Whether she's developing fresh ideas or encouraging others in their paths, she leads with heart, business savvy, and a true passion for making a difference.

Table of Contents

Everything I Learned in Life, I Learned Working in a Liquor Store ............................. 9

It's Time to Make the Pizza .......................................................................................... 13

Trying to Do Your Best ................................................................................................. 17

Sweet and Innocent ....................................................................................................... 21

Big Dave's Popcorn ....................................................................................................... 23

The Start of an Empire ................................................................................................. 25

Break a Leg .................................................................................................................... 27

I'm in the Army Now ................................................................................................... 29

Rebecca, Oh Rebecca .................................................................................................... 35

The Light bulb Moment .............................................................................................. 39

Be Careful Out There ................................................................................................... 43

A Sweet Beginning on Ventura Boulevard ................................................................... 47

Sticky Fingers ................................................................................................................ 49

Cal Strikes Gold and Ben's Logic ................................................................................. 53

Life with Cal and Helene .............................................................................................. 57

Nudie Was One of a Kind ............................................................................................. 61

Money for a Life ............................................................................................................ 65

Favorite Customer Stories ............................................................................................. 67

We're Coming to Town and Not Leaving ................................................................... 81

Licorice .......................................................................................................................... 85

Bernie Squeals ............................................................................................................... 87

Brown-Eyed Girl ........................................................................................................... 91

X Marks the Spot .......................................................................................................... 95

Candy Thinking and a Good Friend .......................................................................... 101

The Gold Ticket .......................................................................................................... 107

Lawsuits ....................................................................................................................... 115