Many of you may know that I grew up on a farm, have farmed conventionally and have been an organic farmer for 11 years. It has taught me a great deal about patience, understanding processes, and quick, yet educated, decision-making for long-term results. These are the same qualities that I would bring to you as your senator. You should also know about my earlier work history.
The first phase of my professional experience began in 1969, spanning over two decades of background in the natural gas distribution industry. I started work for Northern Pipeline Construction Company (NPL) as a pilot and bookkeeper. In this position, I learned about accounting, invoicing, collecting, balancing accounts/checkbooks, and cash flow—lessons that have proved invaluable throughout my life.
While I was the safety director and equipment superintendent, I set up safety policies and procedures to meet insurance and OSHA requirements. I came to believe that safety is the highest priority and that safety is everyone’s responsibility. Additionally, I set up equipment maintenance programs, purchasing and disposal programs, and yearly equipment appraisals.
I sometimes worked in the field to gain greater understanding of the process and work involved. I believed that all managers should experience field work every so often to better understand the internal workings of the organization and to meet the people who make it all happen.
When I became Vice President of Administration, I was responsible for developing and implementing a cost accounting system, approving all contracts, and managing the accounting department. Along with this, came the task of cleaning up business practices that drove the company into Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1980, and the task of working out of bankruptcy. This is a ride you want to avoid, if possible! However, if you survive, you will never forget the lessons you learned. Within three years, the company was solvent again and paid off its debts. I am happy to say that every creditor who asked to be paid in full over time was paid in full and, all who asked for a discount to be paid immediately were paid immediately. This was one of the better outcomes of any Chapter 11 filings in the state.
As I continued with NPL, I handled all legal matters of insurance procurement, contract bidding, accounting, audits, financial matters and the local, state, and national union negotiations. Part of my job at that time was traveling throughout the U.S. to ensure safety and execution of the equipment programs at branch sites. Traveling also educated me in the various branch cultures and gave me a broad view of their perspectives and performance.
One of the accomplishments of which I am most proud occurred in the early ’80’s. I set up a profit sharing program for NPL in which the profit was divided in three ways: one-third went to all hourly union workers, one-third went to all salaried supervisors, and one-third went to administrators.
At the end of my 21-year career path in the pipeline industry, I had become a partner in a nationwide company of 600 yearly employees with a total annual income of 46 million dollars.
Phase two of my professional career began in 1989, with the purchase of American Aviation Company at Flying Cloud Field. I installed the first, and I believe to this day, the only self-service aviation gas dispenser on Flying Cloud Field. Even after installing the self-service fuel dispenser, the company was unable to compete with mass marketing of our products. During the time I operated this business, the number of similar businesses in the nation dropped from 5000 to 2000. I was in the aviation business for five years.
Having lost considerable money, I sold the business in 1996; however, I did learn a great deal about the aviation industry in Minnesota and about the Minnesota Airport Commission (MAC). When MAC wanted to raise the tenants’ rental, I was instrumental in setting up a meeting with the Governor. MAC stopped pursuing the increase in rental fees, and the meeting was canceled.
That brings me full circle to the beginning of my organic farming days. Now, 11 years later, I am still a believer in organic farming and am teaching the organic farming process to our two youngest children.
Send a message: My diverse, multi-level work experience and problem-solving aptitude adds strength to YOUR VOICE. Vote Norgaard for Senate!
www.vancenorgaard.com