Leadership with Purpose: Jane Grote Abell’s Vision for Growth
Jane Grote Abell has transformed the journey of Donatos from a neighborhood pizza joint into a national franchise system by staying rooted in one powerful idea: business should serve people with love. From her early days behind the counter and in the living room next to the first Donatos storefront, she learned that hospitality, community and culture matter just as much as the crust. Franchising Magazine USA
As Chief Purpose Officer and Board Chair, she has built systems around a people-first culture, recruited leadership that reflects the brand’s values, and committed to expansion without sacrificing heart. Franchising Magazine USA
Growth Aligned with Values: The Engine of Long-Term Franchise Success
Under Jane’s leadership, Donatos has grown to 450+ locations, yet the core remains the same—lead with love, practice the Golden Rule, and do the right thing. The article calls this “Agápe Capitalism.” Franchising Magazine USA Beyond the numbers, she’s invested heavily in community initiatives: for example, co-founding the Reeb Avenue Center on Columbus’s South Side as a hub for workforce development and social-services support. Franchising Magazine USA
For franchise developers and prospective partners, the takeaway is clear: a brand that grows with purpose doesn’t just expand—it amplifies its mission. When support, culture, and community impact are baked into the franchise model, you’re not just opening units—you’re building legacy.