Early Life
Norman Harold Asbjornson was born in Winifred, Montana, on December 10, 1935. Growing up during the Great Depression, Asbjornson learned the value of hard work and perseverance from a young age. At the age of 10, he started his entrepreneurial journey by hauling water for chickens in exchange for a Model T. He graduated high school in 1953.
Rise to Success
After graduating from Montana State University in 1960 with a degree in mechanical engineering, Asbjornson began his career in the HVAC industry. He started as a salesman with American Standard. Over the next 12 years, he held six different jobs in five different cities, honing his management and sales skills. In 1988, after 28 years in the industry, Asbjornson founded AAON (a play on the fact that it would be listed first in the phone book). He led a management takeover of John Zink's HVAC division and took the company public in 1991. Under his leadership, AAON secured significant contracts with major retailers like Walmart, contributing to the company's growth and success. Asbjornson served as CEO until 2020, transitioning to Executive Chairman and retiring in 2022 but still remains on the board of directors.
Key Business Strategies
AAON's success can be attributed to several key strategies. The company focused on designing and manufacturing semi-custom equipment, which allowed them to cater to the specific needs of large clients. AAON was willing to retool its production line to make customized units for big customers, giving them a competitive edge. The company diversified its business by winning contracts with schools and other institutions. Furthermore, AAON's focus on high-efficiency HVAC systems tailored for sectors like education and healthcare has contributed to its innovation leadership.
Philanthropy
Asbjornson is known for his generous philanthropic contributions, particularly in Montana. In 2014, he pledged $50 million to Montana State University for its College of Engineering, the largest private gift in the state's history. He has also donated $10.4 million for the construction of the Montana Heritage Center. Additional funds were established for the Winifred Educational Fund for scholarships and the Central Montana Medical Center (CMMC) Cancer Center. His contributions support educational opportunities and historical preservation, leaving a lasting legacy in the state of Montana.