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Salt and Light
Keith Butler: Do Well by Doing Good
Keith Butler, a seasoned attorney with over 20 years of experience, turned a personal challenge into a transformative mission by founding Valliant House, a residential treatment facility for women dealing with substance abuse. After encountering significant wait times for treatment while advocating for a relative, Butler harnessed his entrepreneurial spirit to create an in-patient program that has since supported over 1,700 women. His journey reflects a shift from initial business motivators to a deep commitment to service and community impact.
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Launch of a New Institute
The Mendoza College of Business new institute, the Notre Dame Institute for Global Investing, will greatly advance investment-management research and educational outreach on a worldwide scale.
Salt and Light
Lauren Vidal: In the Thick
Lauren Vidal's journey as a congressional intern took an unexpected turn when the federal government shut down, thrusting her into a pivotal role within Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart's office. Vidal, a management consulting senior at Notre Dame, has been actively engaged in community service, including creating a youth leadership program for the Center for the Homeless and leading initiatives to enhance student safety and mental health on campus. As the first-generation Cuban-American student body president, her efforts reflect a strong commitment to making a meaningful impact at Notre Dame while honoring her family's legacy of resilience.
Profiles
Lindsay Field: Field of Dreams
Lindsay Field (MBA '07) turned a chance encounter with a Denver saddle manufacturer into a thriving business, field & field, dedicated to equestrian-inspired fashion made from scrap leather. After discovering a wealth of usable leather waste, she launched her company in 2012, offering stylish handbags and accessories that transition seamlessly from barn to city. With a focus on collaboration with her MBA classmates, Field emphasizes the importance of leveraging her network to drive her entrepreneurial success, which has now expanded to include new large tote bags.
Salt and Light
Neil Jones: A Case for the Social Good
Neil Jones, a Notre Dame sophomore, is balancing final exams with launching his first business, Engraved Traditions, which offers custom wooden cell phone cases featuring the Notre Dame fight song. Inspired by his younger brother Dan, who has Down Syndrome, Jones aims to create a company that not only sells products but also provides job opportunities for individuals with special needs. With recent support from the Gigot Center for Entrepreneurship and a new law allowing tax-free savings accounts for people with disabilities, Jones is set on making a significant impact both in business and in his brother's future.
Salt and Light
Salt & Light
The latest edition of Salt & Light in Mendoza Business shifts the focus to students, showcasing their inspiring journeys and contributions to the community. Their stories reveal resilience in the face of adversity and a commitment to helping others, painting a hopeful picture of the future. By illustrating how they embody the call to be ‘salt and light,' these young individuals remind us of the profound impact they can have on the world around them.
Faculty News
Shopper Secrets
Fifteen years after launching its Plus loyalty program, Kroger has seen significant customer engagement, with around 90 percent of its shoppers using the card for discounts tailored to their preferences. While this approach has proven beneficial for Kroger and its customers, research indicates that many retailers, particularly smaller ones, are not leveraging customer analytics to the same extent, potentially missing out on valuable insights. A study led by Frank Germann reveals that investing in customer analytics drives performance improvements across various industries, with retail standing to gain the most, yet many retailers remain hesitant to adopt these strategies.
Profiles
Super Fan
Cory Albertson balances his life as a full-time MBA student and a successful player in the fantasy sports industry. Now in Chile for a unique academic immersion, he finds himself at an American restaurant, focused on a crucial game while testing his proprietary statistical prediction algorithm designed to navigate the $3.6 billion fantasy sports market. With nearly 42 million Americans engaged in daily fantasy sports, Albertson stands out by using his analytical skills to make data-driven decisions, proving that fantasy isn't just about fun—it's big business.
College News
The Cheerleader
Tom Harvey's leadership has transformed Mendoza's Master of Nonprofit Administration program, which had been struggling for years. Under his guidance since 2005, the program not only rebranded itself to better attract students but also saw enrollment grow from just 12 to 35 students. Former Dean Carolyn Woo lauds Harvey for his thoughtful problem-solving and straightforward nature, which have helped secure the program's renewed identity and direction within the nonprofit sector.
The Magnificent Oracle of Omaha
An inspiring trip to Omaha brought together 60 undergraduate women from various schools, all members of Smart Woman Securities, for an exclusive opportunity to learn from industry leaders. Highlights included visits to multiple companies and a memorable dinner with Warren Buffett, who engaged with each student, shared insights from his career, and emphasized the importance of character in business. The experience not only showcased Buffett's humility and dedication but also reinforced the value of community and mentorship in the professional world.