Dale Jensen is an innovative, forward thinker whose high-profile career spans 30 years, 8 vertical markets, 5 states, countless accolades and a three continent tour with rock and roll legend Alice Cooper. He is a creative problem solver who has leveraged his fascination for science and technology to pioneer efforts in multiple industries. Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, Jensen began his career as the youngest Vice President of The National Bank of Commerce at age 23. After only 3 years, he cofounded Information Technology, a computer software and solutions provider for banks and savings institutions. Revolutionizing the banking industry at a time when rarely anyone could afford a computer, Jensen’s software and systems are still utilized by 1 in 4 banks across the country. Simultaneously while growing Information Technology, Jensen began investing in companies and developing land throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s. During this time, he owned the largest contiguous farm in Minnesota with 26,000 acres. In addition, he is a founding investor in the “Sands Hills Golf Club,” near Mullen, Nebraska, voted “Best Modern Golf Course in the World,” (referring to any golf course built since 1960.) His other standout investments include Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge in Manitoba Canada, and Superior Shores Resort and Conference Center in Two Harbors, Minnesota. He was a former minority owner of the Phoenix Suns NBA basketball team and a former general partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks MLB baseball team. His colorful career includes holdings in technology, professional sports, entertainment, oil and gas, land development, ranch and farm properties and the hotel, restaurant industries. By 1996 Jensen sold Information Technology, retiring from his 20-year role as Executive Vice President to pursue other investment opportunities. Jensen built his solid business reputation on the principals of integrity and hard work. He is well known for his philanthropic nature, earning the Boomer Esiason MVP Award for “Raising Awareness and Money” for the organization, dedicated to fighting Cystic Fibrosis. In addition, he has endowed numerous teaching chairs at the University of Nebraska and funded the acquisition of a new public park and school buildings that bear his name. Throughout his years, Jensen has earned numerous awards and recognitions that include sitting on a variety of boards. They include: three-time elected Board Member of the Lincoln Airport Authority; twice appointed by the Governor of the State of Nebraska to be a member of the Judicial Qualifications Commission; elected to the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame; member of “Leadership Lincoln III”, a community based leadership training program; selected to conduct motivational speeches to University classes on entrepreneurship; selected for the Department of Defense’s Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC 65) in 2002; and was an Honorary Squadron Commander at Luke AFB. The latest accolade was his election to the University of Nebraska Computing Hall of Fame. Jensen resides in Paradise Valley, Arizona with his wife Vicki. |
