Doran Schwartz

Doran Schwartz credits his success to the people he works with every day and has worked with throughout his career. “Without them, you wouldn’t be talking to me today.”

Age: 39.9 years old

Position: Chief Accounting Officer, MDU Resources Group, Inc.

Family: Wife (Sarah), daughter Hannah (10), sons Josh (6) and Karsen (2) Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, golf especially as our kids are getting to an age where we can do these activities as a family.

Also, I used to have to stop halfway through the 40-yard dash for a breather, but I’ve recently completed the Fargo half-marathon and plan to do more races in the future. I think it’s important in addition to family and work to prioritize some time to stay in shape.

Community Involvement: I serve as a volunteer board member for several local not-for-profit organizations.

Career Path: First, I worked on my education, getting bachelor and advanced degrees in business, finance and accounting. My wife and I were willing to move around, which lead to opportunities out of college to begin work with a public accounting firm in Milwaukee.

I transferred with that firm to their Minneapolis office, where MDU Resources Group, Inc., became a client of mine. I remained in public accounting until pursuing an opportunity within the finance function of American Express in their Phoenix operation.

When an opportunity arose with MDU Resources, they contacted me shortly after I began with American Express and our family moved to Bismarck. We saw some weather extremes that year – winter in Minneapolis, summer in Phoenix and the following winter in North Dakota, but we managed.

Mentors: I believe that when someone gets recognition such as this, it’s more a reflection on the people that individual has had the chance to interact with over the years. Same with me, my experiences growing up with my parents shaped by convictions about what is right vs. wrong. I also look up to my wife.

She is business savvy, a great ear to bounce things off of, and a positive influence. Also, I have worked, and continue to work with some incredibly talented and hard working people on a daily basis. Without them, you wouldn’t be talking to me today.

Briefly, tell us about yourself: I am hard working and competitive. My personality is outgoing – I think it’s important to have fun at work.

What motivates you? Competition. Setting goals, working hard, and then seeing that hard work lead to the achievement of those goals. Another area that motivates me is working to play at least a small part in the ongoing professional and personal growth of the people I get to work with on a daily basis.

Anything you’re particularly proud of? Making things work at home and at work. I am a workaholic by nature, so I have to work at being good at both. I am also proud of working for a company that is a part of the Fortune 500 and I also have to acknowledge the team that I get to work with each day. They continue to amaze me with their positive attitudes, hard work and effort.

What advice would you offer other young professionals? Work hard and remember that it’s not only what you know, but also the relationships you’ve developed over time that will help you achieve your career and personal goals. Take calculated risks where you can to take advantage of new opportunities that come your way. Also, own your career path. And then realize that most times you can’t do it alone. Finally, never stop learning.

What are you thankful for? A great family and good health. Living in a community with a 10-minute commute compared to hour-long drives I experienced in bigger cities. Working for a great company with talented people to work with and learn from.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? At work, I’m a team player. I’m willing to try new things and take on new challenges where the company sees fit. Outside of work, I’ll probably still be waiting for the Vikings to win the Super Bowl. I may take some vacation to celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary and my kids will be done with, or nearly done with high school, and I hope my years as a dad and spouse between now and then will have been successful.