Doug Burgum’s Journey: From Small Town North Dakota to Potential Trump VP
ARTHUR, N.D. ― In the early 1990s, Doug Burgum, then CEO of Great Plains Software, faced a room full of partners at the “Stampede to Fargo” conference. A flaw had been discovered in a new product, and Burgum took the microphone to apologize. To demonstrate his sincerity, he cracked a raw egg on his head, saying, “I have egg on my face. We have egg on our face. And we will make this right.” This act of humility and accountability left a lasting impression on attendees and illustrated Burgum’s earnest approach to business and politics.
Burgum’s journey from a small-town software executive to North Dakota’s Republican governor, and now a potential vice-presidential candidate for Donald Trump, is a testament to his unique blend of humility, accountability, and problem-solving skills. Tami Reller, who worked with Burgum at Great Plains, recalls his genuine nature, saying, “The more you know him, the more you appreciate what he brings − and what you see is what you get.”
However, some who have followed Burgum’s career find his current alignment with Trump surprising. Paul Lako, a resident of Burgum’s hometown of Arthur, North Dakota, noted, “He’s always thought for himself. Always. Didn’t matter what it was. If it was Doug, he did things his way. He was good at it. And it seems to me now, he’s kind of just changing his ways a little bit so he fits in.”
USA TODAY spoke to over two dozen North Dakotans, including Burgum’s business associates, state lawmakers, family members, friends, and both supporters and critics, to learn more about the man who has recently ascended Trump’s VP shortlist. Burgum declined to be interviewed for this story.
Burgum’s admirers describe him as a policy wonk obsessed with detail, who listens attentively, absorbs new information effortlessly, thinks outside the box, and can converse with both North Dakota farmers and Silicon Valley executives. Republican state lawmakers in North Dakota often receive late-night calls from Burgum about pressing statehouse issues. Drew Wrigley, North Dakota’s Republican attorney general, said, “You can’t spend 20 minutes around him and not immediately recognize that this is a problem-solving, solution-oriented, determined, bright, capable person.”
Despite his strengths, Burgum’s short-lived presidential campaign last year failed to generate significant buzz. He dropped out before voting began and struggled for airtime during televised debates. However, Burgum is now having his moment. At 67, he checks many boxes that Trump is looking for in a potential vice president. Trump appreciates Burgum’s public-speaking ability, his expertise in energy and fossil fuel issues, and his strong public presence.
Burgum’s journey to this point has been marked by significant achievements. After selling Great Plains to Microsoft in 2001 for $1.1 billion in stock, he became a Microsoft executive. His net worth is now valued at over $100 million, making him one of the richest governors in the country. Burgum’s work culture at Great Plains was characterized by approachability, high standards, and minimal employee turnover.
In North Dakota, Burgum campaigned for governor on ending the state’s “good old boys club” and won the Republican nomination by 20 percentage points. As governor, he pushed for tax cuts, overhauled the state’s pension plan, and launched initiatives to reduce government waste. He also supported the state’s oil and gas industry while signing a pledge to make North Dakota carbon-neutral by 2030.
Burgum’s potential selection as Trump’s vice president would mark a significant rise for a governor born and raised in tiny Arthur, North Dakota. The town, with a population of 325, is home to the Burgum family’s grain elevator business, which has been central to the town’s story and survival. Burgum’s entrepreneurial streak was evident from a young age, as he started his own makeshift newspaper and sold subscriptions around town.
After high school, Burgum attended North Dakota State University and later enrolled at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. In 1983, he mortgaged 160 acres of farmland to invest $250,000 in Great Plains, a move that eventually led to the company’s sale to Microsoft.
Burgum’s leadership style is characterized by a deep commitment to accountability and humility. He often engaged in long question-and-answer sessions with investors and saw the company’s Midwest roots as a strength. His approach to business and politics has earned him respect in both the software and energy industries.
However, Burgum has faced criticism from both the right and left. Some Republicans argue that he supports government subsidies and increased spending, while Democrats believe he has shifted to the right to align with Trump. Despite this, Burgum’s allies maintain that he has remained true to himself.
As Burgum’s name continues to circulate as a potential vice-presidential candidate, his journey from a small-town entrepreneur to a national political figure serves as a testament to his unique blend of humility, accountability, and problem-solving skills. Whether he becomes Trump’s running mate or not, Burgum’s impact on North Dakota and his potential role on the national stage are undeniable.
Source: USA TODAY
