For generations now, the Gentine family from northeastern Wisconsin has been a constant presence as students at the University of Notre Dame. And many of them have returned home to work at the family business, Sargento Foods, Inc. of Plymouth, Wis., one of the nation’s top food retailers, specializing in the pride of Wisconsin — cheese.

As a third-generation family owner, Louie Gentine ’97 has worked at the cheese company in many capacities — from washing trucks in high school to working on the production lines, in accounts receivable and retail sales during college. Each of these roles, as well as his role today, are crucial to the vision at Sargento to be the most innovative, best-loved real food company.

Following family succession rules, Louie worked outside of the company as a commercial lender at American National Bank in Chicago for three years following his graduation from the University of Notre Dame with a BBA in Finance. He completed his MBA at Loyola University of Chicago and returned to Sargento in 2000.

Louie is an experienced executive with over 20 years of experience at his family’s nearly $1.8 billion company. He has held leadership roles in marketing, production, and procurement where he was able to learn and experience multiple functions at the company. He had the opportunity to lead the company’s largest business unit, the Consumer Products Division, where he directed the efforts of sales, marketing, and innovation. In this role he had numerous interactions with customers in the retail channel.

Prior to becoming CEO in 2013, Louie led all three Sargento business units which along with the retail divisions included its ingredients division and food service division. In this role the company entrusted Louie with the creation of a robust three-year strategic planning process, which has evolved but continues today. Building the Sargento brand and driving new product innovation have been key enablers to the success of Sargento and Louie plays a critical role in continuing to build and evolve that capability.

“The Sargento Family challenges convention every day, asking ourselves how can we make peoples’ lives even better? How can we deliver on what consumers crave when snacking or enjoying a meal? We also make sure that everything coming from Sargento is new and exciting and of the highest quality from a family people can trust.” added Louie. “Innovation isn’t a single product moment for us—it’s a relentless pursuit. We’re proud of our legacy and even more excited about what’s next.”

Sargento is celebrating 73 years of being a family-owned company, 13 of which Louie has led as CEO. Louie has guided the family business to substantial growth during his tenure, building off of the success of his father, Lou ’70, and grandfather Leonard. Louie’s leadership was recognized by Ernst & Young as a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year in 2024.

Earlier this year, Sargento was named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2026. Also this year, Sargento was honored with the Business Excellence Award from the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.

Louie’s broad base of experience and leadership has allowed him to earn the trust and respect of more than 2,500 employees, which he refers to as the Sargento Family. In addition to developing the broader Sargento Family, Louie has created an educational program for the family’s 4th generation family members.

Louie is married to Paula and they live in Plymouth, Wisconsin. They have four children and welcomed their first grandchild in 2024. In his free time, he enjoys doing outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, golfing, biking, running, downhill skiing, working on projects on his property, and of course, following Notre Dame football.

In addition to being involved in many community activities, Louie is chairman of the board of Road America — one of the premiere motorsport tracks in the world located in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. He also serves on the board of directors for the International Dairy Foods Association, the Consumer Brands Association, Lakeside Foods, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, and is the President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul store in Plymouth.

Louie has kept his grandfather’s commitment to community outreach alive through maintaining partnerships to provide hunger relief, affordable housing, and accessible education.