Who is Doug Burgum?
Doug Burgum’s story is one of perseverance and success, rooted in small-town America.
Born in Arthur, North Dakota, on August 1, 1956, Burgum grew up in a tight-knit community with only 300 residents. From those humble beginnings, he has achieved what many would call the American Dream.
Today, Burgum is not only known as a tech entrepreneur and real estate investor, but also as a two-term governor of North Dakota, and most recently, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of the Interior.
Doug Burgum’s Career
Burgum’s career journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Starting out as a young farm boy, he worked hard in his early years, even shoveling rotten grain.
Despite the challenges, he kept pushing forward and eventually earned an MBA from Stanford University.
In 1983, he took a huge risk by founding Great Plains Software, borrowing money by mortgaging his family’s farm to fund the startup.
That decision paid off handsomely when Microsoft acquired the company for $1.1 billion in 2001.
After the sale of Great Plains, Burgum didn’t rest on his laurels.
He went on to launch Kilbourne Group, a company that played a key role in revitalizing downtown Fargo, North Dakota.
He also founded Arthur Ventures, a venture capital firm.
His political career took off in 2016 when he became governor of North Dakota, and now, he’s poised to expand his influence further as Secretary of the Interior under Trump.
Doug Burgum’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Doug Burgum’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.1 billion.
His fortune primarily stems from his early success in the tech industry with Great Plains Software, as well as his savvy investments in real estate through Kilbourne Group.
Burgum also gained substantial wealth from his shares in Microsoft, making him one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in North Dakota.
How Old Is Doug Burgum?
Doug Burgum was born on August 1, 1956, which makes him 68 years old in 2024.
As a Leo, his strong leadership qualities are often attributed to his zodiac sign—along with his capacity for big ideas and taking charge of any situation.
Doug Burgum’s Family: Wife and Children
Doug is married to Kathryn Helgaas Burgum, a well-known advocate for addiction recovery.
Together, they’ve been passionate supporters of various community initiatives, particularly in North Dakota.
Doug also has three grown children from a previous marriage, and while his business ventures and political career often make headlines, he values family and has instilled his work ethic in his children.
Doug Burgum’s Height and Weight
Standing at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) and weighing about 175 pounds (80 kg), Burgum maintains a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
His physical presence mirrors his grounded and practical approach to his endeavors—focused, ready to face challenges head-on, and always striving for excellence.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn