This holiday season, two strong brands will join forces thanks to two high-energy executives who met during their pursuit of the Notre Dame Executive MBA and shared an entrepreneurial spirit. For the first time, Johnsonville Sausage and Wisconsin Food Gift Company, LLC are teaming up to roll out their newest holiday gift promotion—high-end food gifts containing their signature products, cheese and sausage. The pairing of these complementary food items was cooked up by Notre Dame Executive MBA graduates Ken McMahon, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Wisconsin Food Gift Company, and Bill Morgan, President of Johnsonville Sausage.

The two met during the Notre Dame Executive program in Chicago, became friends, and graduated together in May 2007. For Ken, who already had more than a decade of experience in the food and beverage business as well as a successful track record leading sales groups, a Notre Dame MBA served as a career catalyst: he joined Wisconsin Food Gift Company, a $40 million company, as part of a private equity buyout.

As a result, Ken received a significant compensation increase and the ability to be involved in his greatest passion—product development. Ken and his new company negotiated an exclusive food gift license with Johnsonville. He also leveraged his sales skills to secure several top retailers, including Wal-Mart. Wisconsin Food Gift Company has achieved double digit sales growth in its first year following the acquisition.

"This chain of events is a testament to Notre Dame's program and network," says Ken, "where good friends and a trusted business relationship can make stories of inspiration and success come true."