“Grate” Innovations and Transitions: Sargento Style

Join us for a captivating Forum featuring Joshua Gentine, third-generation shareholder and Family Board Member of Sargento Foods Inc. Discover how this iconic multi-generational cheese manufacturing business has continued to thrive through intentional governance, strong cultural values, and long-term commitment to preparing future leaders.

Learn how the Gentine Family is developing and growing their 5 MOUNTAIN® Governance

The Evolution of Sargento as a Family-Owned Enterprise

• Hear the founding story and how the philosophy of Leonard Gentine – “hire good people and treat them like family” – continues to influence the values and principles of today’s leadership.

Innovation as a Sargento Tradition

• Dedicated to innovation, what Sargento does is for the love of real, natural cheese and adding value for the Sargento Family.
• Innovation successes include introducing vacuum-sealed sliced and pre-shredded cheese and being the first to offer perishable foods in a resealable package.

Designing Ownership Structures for Longevity

• Learn how Sargento Foods has intentionally structured its ownership for long-term success, with shareholder agreements, governance bodies, and trusts.

Preparing the Next Generation of Family Leaders

• Learn how the Sargento Family Participation Plan requires outside work experience, and annual shareholder meetings collectively build readiness for future leadership roles.

About Joshua Gentine

Joshua Gentine is a third-generation shareholder and has been a Board Member of Sargento Food Inc. since 2018. His diverse background – from working at Deloitte Consulting to founding his own advisory firm has given him a deep understanding of multigenerational enterprise dynamics and the unique needs of family-owned companies. He brings this perspective to his family’s business, contributing strategic insight and governance expertise. Josh’s work emphasizes stewardship, clear governance, and preparing rising generations for responsible ownership.

About Sargento Foods Inc.

Sargento Foods Inc. was founded in 1953 by Leonard Gentine & Joseph Sartori in Plymouth, Wisconsin. In 1965, Gentine purchased Sartori’s shares, allowing Sargento to be owned solely by the Gentine family. Known for pioneering the first pre-packaged sliced and shredded natural cheese in America, they continue to manufacture and market delicious natural cheese products. Today, the company continues its legacy through a commitment to quality, culture, and long-term stewardship across generations.