How has he transformed the scene?
Larry Jodsaas dedicated his professional career to advancing the computer technology industry in Minnesota, through his able helmsmanship of major high-tech corporations, service to professional and civic organizations, and his support of education.
It is not surprising that he came to specialize in the manufacture of semi-conductors since, by all accounts, Jodsaas is adept at handling resistance. Born in a small North Dakota town to a family of seven children and limited means, Jodsaas left high school at age 15 to take a job at a gas station. He entered the Navy at 19, where he earned his GED. Returning home, Jodsaas took coursework at the North Dakota State School of Science, then moved on to the University of North Dakota where he earned B.S. in electrical engineering in 1962.
"Larry Jodsaas' generosity is an investment that will change lives."
Kate Rubin, President, Minnesota High Tech Association
Soon after, Jodsaas accepted a position with the fledgling Control Data Corporation (CDC) where he would spend the next quarter-century serving in various roles, rising to the rank of Senior Vice-President. In 1990 Jodsaas and partner Gregory Peterson acquired the corporation’s micro-circuit division—known as VTC—for the purchase price of $1. Together, they set about building the company to achieve a peak of 177 million in revenue and 65% of the worldwide market share of the pre-amplifier micro-chip industry. Upon the sale of VTC, Jodsaas went on to launch and lead Bloomington-based PolarFab in 2000, the only privately held semi-conductor foundry in the U.S.
"As generous as he is tough-minded in business: an incredible advocate for education."
Collectively, Jodsaas’ successes in the semi-conductor market have supported many of the most significant innovations in computer technology that have occurred in the last 40 years: faster processing capability, greater storage capacity in ever-smaller spaces, quieter and more efficient operation.
The generosity of Larry Jodsaas is legendary, and has served to foster the entrepreneurial spirit and a better trained high-tech workforce for the future. In his home state at the University of North Dakota, he funded the Jodsaas Center for Engineering Leadership and Entrepreneurship within the School of Engineering and Mines. In Minnesota, he provided major funding support for construction of the Jodsaas Sciences Building at Normandale Community College, citing his desire to give other students the educational opportunities that had proven so valuable in his own life.
Jodsaas has also given generously of his time for the advancement of the state’s high-tech industry, including serving as Chairman of the Board of the Minnesota High Tech Association. During his tenure as MHTA Chair (2000-2001) Jodsaas was an outspoken advocate for dedication of a portion of the state’s budget surplus to a “sunny day fund” for investment in Minnesota’s technology future. Jodsaas called for the state to partner with the high tech industry to chart a course of action, including steps such as strengthening the University of Minnesota’s research capability, developing a high-tech “incubator” for technology transfer, ensuring high-speed Internet access throughout Minnesota, and expanding Information Technology (IT) offerings at all higher education institutions.
Larry Jodsaas retired from PolarFab in 2005. He serves on numerous professional and nonprofit boards, including the Normandale Community College Foundation, the American Electronics Association, and the University of St. Thomas Foundation Board, among others. In retirement, while remaining active in the Minnesota business community, he also looks forward to exploring coastlines with his boat, aptly named “The Maverick.”
