Dennis Anderson, who founded Wayzata-based Andcor Companies 38 years ago, was a connector. His goal was to help Minnesota companies -- especially startups -- find the right people in order to grow.
After battling a heart condition and later a rare condition known as amyloidosis, Anderson died of complications of the disease, which attacks tissues and organs, on May 27. Anderson, who recently moved from Orono to Minneapolis, was 64.
People close to Anderson described him as being a competitive entrepreneur with a big personality. He was also extremely competitive in everything he did.
Even in his final months, Anderson was so convinced that he was going to beat amyloidosis that he recently purchased a treadmill and furniture for his new downtown Minneapolis home. A party for his 65th birthday was scheduled for this weekend.
"He was very engaging and so enthusiastic," said Kieran Folliard, the Twin Cities restaurateur who worked for Andcor before starting his own business. "His glass wasn't half full, it was overflowing."
Much of Anderson's focus was building and growing Minnesota companies. Anderson worked with such varied companies as Rollerblade, Breathe Right, Select Comfort and Simon Delivers.
As Andcor grew, it often took equity in companies rather than cash and became a partner rather than simply a service provider.
Over the years, many Andcor employees began their own companies.
