Dennis Gilstad:
CLASS OF 1965
Benson High SchoolClass of 1965
Omaha, NE
Dennis's Story
Well I have had a great life. After graduating in 1965 I went to work for the Union Pacific RR in he headquarters in downtown Omaha. Started as an office boy in Car Accounting then moved to the computer department as a compurt operator, programmer, then shift operations management. Left in 1972 to move to Detroit, MI at the Grand Trunk Western RR and became the Data Center Manager 24/7 responsibilities. Was married to a Holy Name girl with two little kids. I left the railroad on 1980 to work with a computer leasing company in Bloomfield Hills, MI and stayed there three years, ran the leasing, manages the Detroit Express Soccer Team (we played in the Pontiac Silverdome (won the 1982 National Championship and ran the biggest ski/golf resort in Traverse City, MI (all at the same time). In 1983 I started my own company Financial Corporation of Michigan. We leased computer equipment to Fortune 500 companies. By now I had divorced and remarried, had 4 kids and adpoted an Omaha girl I knew. Bought my farm in 1987, raised horses and kids. I changed the direction of my company in 1983, changed the name to FCM Rail, Ltd. (look it up on Google) and became the la...Expand for more
rgest lessor of railway equipment that is track bound and repairs, lays new and removes railway track. We had equipment on every major railway, many shortlines and numerous railroad contractors. During the last few years I founded a new college of Railway Management at Michigan State University, funded it myself with a old friend in the RR indusry and its doing great today. I now am retired from my business, I sold it to Catipillar for a $100 mil and am enjoying retirement in Michigan at the farm (it has grown to 350 acres). A couple years ago a became a Florida resident bought a nice acrage in Punta Gorda and now have a 5 acre compound near Port Charlotte, FL where I stay 7 or 8 monthe a year. I acquired a wonderful golf Country Club nearby and have made scores of new friends. I remarried a beautiful new younger wife and am enjoying life every day to the fullest.
My life has amazed me and I am sure many others, but I have lived the American dream with God's help. Look me up on Google to find out more about some of my activities. And the latest news, on June 9, 2013, I was honored with a Doctorate from the largest private college in Michigan. Dr. Denny.
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Reunions
Photos
Register for Free to view all photos!