The Center for Free Enterprise in the College of Business proudly welcomes Donatos Pizza Executive Chair and Chief Purpose Officer Jane Grote Abell as part of the spring 2025 Menard Family Lecture Series. Join us to hear Jane's inspiring story of a classic American family business, including her warm and insightful account of a lifelong education in leadership, authenticity and running a values-based company. Jane will share key learnings from her four decades of experience growing a small pizza shop on the Southside of Columbus into a business that eventually sold to the biggest restaurant company in the world-McDonald's. You will hear inside stories from under the golden arches, a behind the scenes look at Jane's experience on CBS's hit series Undercover Boss, and take away Jane's signature "4C's of Success" - Character, Courage, Conviction and Compassion.

Jane Grote Abell is the second-generation founding family member of Donatos Pizza and over the last four decades has held a variety of positions with the brand - from pizza maker to President and COO. She was a major catalyst in the purchase of Donatos back from McDonald's in 2003. Jane is also a strong community leader, has served on seven non-profit boards and in 2014, she co-founded the Reeb Center, a community center providing important education and social services in the Columbus area. 

This special event is free and open to all and is Cardinal Flight approved for College of Business students. Registration is not required. Refreshments will be served.

*University of Louisville College of Business programs are open to all eligible faculty, staff, and students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age.