Education
- Mounds View High School 1963
- University of Minnesota 1963-1968 Speech & Humanities
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism: University of Minnesota
- Various Postgraduate Seminars: University of Wisconsin-Marketing, New Product Development, A.M.A. Seminars, etc.
Business-Current
- 1972-Present: Chairman/CEO – Risdall Marketing Group – 14 integrated divisions working together to help clients connect the dots in an ever-expanding universe of websites, blogs, social networks and more. RMG harnesses social and traditional media, strategic thinking and award-winning creativity to help hundreds of clients worldwide and throughout the USA stay relevant, make meaningful connections and build profitable relationships. Ad Age ranks us 72nd among 27,000 U.S. advertising agencies and the 23rd largest independent agency in the U.S.
- Business Journal ranks the agency 7th in Minnesota among more than 700 ad agencies. Billings exceed $238 million.
- 1995-Present: Risdall Advertising Agency Interactive – ranked as the leading web design and development firm in Minnesota with billings in excess of $26 million. Also ranked by AdWeek as the 41st largest interactive agency in the nation - the only Minnesota firm in the top 50.
- Business Journal ranks Risdall McKinney Public Relations as the 4th largest public relations agency in the metro area with billings of $4.4 million.
- 1982-Present: Chairman of the Board/CEO/Director - Magnum Research, Inc. - as president, restructured sporting goods importer - put together financing packages of $9,800,000 and $3,000,000 - invented and markets the Desert Eagle Pistol, along with 12 other product lines.
- 1976-Present: Director of Strategic Planning, Smith System Manufacturing Co. - manufacturer of educational and office furniture.
- 1990-1998: Director and Past Chairman of the Board, CEO of Clinch-On Products - manufacturer of building materials.
- 1998-Present: Chairman - Risdall Advertising Agency Business Incubator - largest business incubator in Minnesota.
Business-Past
- 1964-1967, 1970-1971: Copywriter, Account Executive - Harold C. Walker Advertising - consumer and industrial accounts - from Blue Cross to Despatch Industries.
- 1967-1969: Account Supervisor - Autographics Corporation - various packaged goods accounts - Pillsbury Co., Sara Lee Foods, Kraft Foods, General Foods, Jeno's, etc.
- 1969-1970: Copywriter, Account Executive - Blanchard & Associates - various industrial, consumer accounts - Benson Optical, Augsburg Publishing Co., etc.
Community Involvement
- New Brighton Chamber of Commerce Citizen Of The Year award, 1991
- New Brighton Chamber of Commerce, Past President, Director, Chairperson of Charitable Giving Committee, Founder
- New Brighton Rotary Club, Founder, Past President, Governor's Area
- Representative, District Officer, Newsletter Editor
- Roseville Rotary Club, Former Member
- City of New Brighton Cable Communications Citizens Advisory Commission, Chairperson
- North Suburban Cable Communications Commission, Founder, Past Director
- City of New Brighton Economic Development Commission, Past Vice Chairperson, Past Director
- City of New Brighton Ad Hoc Marketing Committee, Chairperson
- City of New Brighton Centennial Commission, Director Stockyard Days, Inc., Founder
- Antique Car Run - New London to New Brighton, Founder
- Suburban Area Chamber of Commerce, Past Director
- Mounds View School District # 621 Community Relations Council, Chairperson
- North Suburban Gavel Association, 1987 Leadership Recognition Award
- Magnum Research Trophy Club, Honorary Member
- Magnum University, Chancellor
Personal
Married, four children: Ted, Tim, Jennifer, Lily
Passion
A connoisseur of desserts.