T Denny Sanford

Minnesota native started working in father's garment shop at age 8. Sentenced to 90 days in jail for drunken brawl shortly after high school graduation; enrolled at U. of Minnesota after release. Started manufacturing and construction materials firm Contech in 1959; public 1972, netted $20 million when he sold out a decade later to Rexnord. Purchased First Premier Bank from friend in 1986; later founded credit card outfit Premier Bankcard, early proponent of subprime lending. Operations now controlled through holding company United National Corp. Pledged $400 million to South Dakota Sioux Valley Hospitals & Health last year. Sanford died at age 90 in July 2026.