Northern Tool & Equipment | 2800 Southcross Drive West, Burnsville, MN 55306 | Phone: 952-882-6912 | Fax: 952-808-6670 | donk@NorthernTool.com
Don Kotula is a self-made entrepreneur selling do-it-yourself merchandise,
and his Northern Tool & Equipment is one of Minnesota’s most compelling
retail successes. From a business started in a garage in 1989, the company has
grown to $800 million in annual sales and more 2,000 employees. It operates 65
stores—adding six to eight per year—plus robust catalog- and online-sales
operations.
Born: October 1, 1945 in Hibbing, Minnesota
Spouse: Judy, married 1991
Children: Ryan, Wade and Josie
Education: BA in Finance and Business, University of Minnesota, Duluth
Career History: CEO, Northern Tool & Equipment (formerly Northern Hydraulics), 1980-present; accountant, Montgomery Ward, 1972-1980; accountant, Northwest Airlines; sales, Ziegler.
Outside Activities: Member of the Dakota County Technical College and Marina Club boards as well as several other company boards. Hobbies include world travel, golf, tennis, boating and biking.
Awards: Minnesota Business Hall of Fame (2007), Home Improvement/Hardware Dealer of the Year (Home Channel News 2007)
