Ronald Stordahl
American businessman
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ronald Arthur Stordahl (born November 9, 1943) is the founder of electronic component distributor Digi-Key Electronics, located in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.[1] He previously served as chief executive officer but is now member of the board.[2][better source needed]
Ronald Arthur Stordahl | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 9, 1943 |
| Alma mater | University of Minnesota |
| Known for | Digi-Key |
| Call sign | AE5E |
Early life
Ronald was born in Roseau, Minnesota to Arthur Vernon (1909–2011) and Ina (Olson) Stordahl (1922–2020) in 1943.[3] His paternal grandfather, Louis, was an immigrant from Flesberg, Buskerud, Norway.[citation needed]
Career
Stordahl's interest in ham radio provided the springboard for what became Digi-Key Electronics.[4] While in college he assembled and began selling an electronic keyer kit, called the Digi-Keyer, for sending radiotelegraph code for ham radio operators.[5][6]
After obtaining his PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota,[5] Stordahl returned to his hometown of Thief River Falls. The keyer kit was discontinued and he began selling electronic components in 1972.[citation needed]
Digi-Key Electronics has become one of the fastest growing electronic component distributors in the world. The privately held company has annual sales of over $3 billion and employs over 5,000 people.[citation needed]
Stordahl holds the amateur radio callsign AE5E.[7]
