Home: Des Moines, IA. Age: 74. Birthplace: Carroll, IA. Profession: Agriscience entrepreneur. Organization: Lauridsen Group. Significant other: Virginia Lauridsen. Alma mater: University of Wisconsin; University of Iowa.
Current project: Supporting arts and culture, education, homeless mothers and children, and community improvement. Recent recognition: Iowa Business Hall of Fame. Latest contribution to others: The Lauridsen Skatepark. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Creating products that have revolutionized animal health, using the components of blood. Hobbies: sailing, mountain climbing, skiing, travel, woodworking, collecting classic cars. Recent travel or adventure: Skiing the Haute Route with my kids.
What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Reliable. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Working with family members. What is your greatest joy? My grandchildren. What is your guilty pleasure? Feeding my dogs too many treats. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Artists. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? I like old cars that I can fix with my hands. How do you relieve stress? Spending time outdoors. What is your go-to workout? Walking and lifting weights.
What book have you repeatedly read? Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Art. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Be a doer. What is your go-to source of news and information? News Items by John Ellis. What company or organization do you most admire? Culver Academy.
What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life?
Attending boarding school.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Improving Iowa through philanthropy and giving back to educational institutions. What message do you want to send out into the world? The whale that spouts the highest gets the harpoon. What mega-trend most concerns you? Kids spending too much time on cell phones. Adults too!
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Harrison Ford. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My sister, Pinkee. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A truck driver. What advice would you give your younger self? Haters gonna hate. Success will always lead to some certain people trying to drag you down.
Personal mission: Improving the effectiveness of the food system. Favorite quote: “Never, never, never give up” (Winston Churchill).
