Mike Gordon has more than 30 years of experience with food clients and has been responsible for marketing planning, promotional programs and advertising campaigns for some of the largest brands and associations in the industry. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Finance, he went on to complete his MBA in Marketing. Mike has taught both advertising and promotion/marketing at the college level and been a guest speaker at several product conferences, sales meetings and American Management Association seminars.

Musings from Mike…

My two proudest moments: One was coming home from the hospital with a new born son, and the other was hanging our Gordon Hanrahan shingle on Michigan Avenue over 20 years ago.

I run my business by this rule: The marketing equivalent of the Golden Rule... "Do unto others..." - that works for both staff and client relationships and sets a standard for our deliverables as an agency. It's what I always wanted throughout my career.

Why I've been working with Mary Ellen for over 25 years: If you know Mary Ellen, you know why... she's the best and then there's her infectiously wonderful laugh.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me: Painting, cooking or eating – sometimes all of them at once.

Three words/phrases that best describe me are: A little nuts, compulsive, funny.

For more than 30 years, Mary Ellen Hanrahan has contributed  to the success of  food marketing programs for major international companies. From strategic
communications development to new product introductions, venture management and market research, she's a seasoned veteran highly respected in the food industry. In addition to a Bachelor's degree from Loyola University, Mary Ellen earned an MBA from DePaul University. She is active  in many food associations and serves on the Board of Directors of Lexington College. Mary Ellen is also on the Board of Directors of the American Liver Foundation.

Musings from Mary Ellen…

My proudest moment was: Our first big win that came soon after splitting off from advertising conglomerate Saatchi and Saatchi. With my name both on-the-line and on-the-door, that was the moment I knew we'd make it.

I run my business by this rule: Keep GH as a great place to work and grow, and set really high standards for what we provide clients.

Why I've been working with Mike for over 25 years: While we approach things differently, we share the same values for the business and in life – it's a great balance. He's the yin, I'm the yang. And, even after all these years, he's still got stories from his CIA days that crack me up.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me: Trying to play golf, playing with Mugs (my pug), throwing great parties, trying out the newest restaurants and basking in the Tucson sun (escaping Chicago winters when I can) – it's all good.

Three words/phrases that best describe me are: Serious about our business, seriously love to laugh and seriously driven to succeed. Of course, Mike might add: "seriously" nuts, but only because I crack him up!

The names on the door.

We don't think there's another agency with the depth and breadth of expertise in the food industry that you'll find at Gordon Hanrahan.