Early Life
Norman Harold Asbjornson was born in Winifred, Montana, on December 10, 1935. He was the first in his family to be born there. Growing up during the Great Depression, he learned the value of hard work early on. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged at a young age when he started various odd jobs to earn money.
Rise to Success
After graduating from Montana State College (now Montana State University) with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1960, Asbjornson embarked on a career in the HVAC industry. He began as a salesman for American Standard. He worked his way up, gaining experience in sales and management in various cities. In 1972, he became head of national and international sales for Singer. In 1988, after 27 years in the HVAC business, he founded AAON, Inc. He bought the heating and air-conditioning division of John Zink, forming AAON. Under his leadership, the company went public in 1991 and secured major contracts with companies like Walmart. Asbjornson served as CEO until 2020, then transitioned to executive chairman, retiring in 2022 but remaining on the board of directors.
Key Business Strategies
Asbjornson's business acumen was evident in his ability to identify opportunities and build strong relationships. He leveraged the existing client base from his previous company, especially Walmart, to drive AAON's early success. He focused on providing high-quality products and adapting to customer needs. He also diversified the company by securing contracts with schools and other large institutions.
Philanthropy
Asbjornson has a strong sense of giving back. In 2014, he pledged a $50 million donation to Montana State University's College of Engineering, which was the largest private gift in the history of the state. He has also contributed significantly to his hometown of Winifred, funding projects such as a new city hall, library, museum, and community center. In 2023, Asbjornson donated $10.4 million for the construction of the new Montana Heritage Center in Helena.
