EXPERIENCE
10 YEAR WALL, SD CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
During my tenure on the Wall City Council from 1999 to 2009, I spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing our community’s infrastructure and addressing pressing issues. Serving on various equalization boards, I gained invaluable insight into the complexities of property tax equalizations, witnessing firsthand the challenges and frustrations stemming from the existing property tax structure. One significant accomplishment was overseeing the completion of our new sewer lagoons, a critical project to accommodate Wall’s growing population and prevent environmental hazards caused by outdated sewage containment systems. These lagoons, situated on city-purchased land, required meticulous planning and approximately 10 miles of trenching to connect them to the existing infrastructure. Additionally, I was involved with securing a new well for the City of Wall, essential for augmenting our aging wells and mitigating capacity issues. Moreover, I actively advocated for the preservation of essential services, ensuring that our local clinic remained operational during periods of financial strain. On this journey to serve as Pennington County Commissioner, I am committed to applying the same foresight, dedication, and passion for positive change that characterized my tenure on the Wall City Council. Together, we can build a brighter future for all residents of Pennington County.
30-YEAR BUSINESS OWNER
As a seasoned business owner with three decades of experience, I proudly lead Ken’s Refrigeration and Heating, a cornerstone of Wall, South Dakota’s business community since its establishment in 1969 by my dad Kenneth Hansen. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the various challenges and rewards inherent in the operation of a small business, instilling in me a deep understanding of its intricacies. Following my graduation from Wall High School in 1990, I pursued further education with a specific focus on assuming responsibility for our family enterprise. In the spring of 1994, I earned my degree in HVAC-R from Mitchell Vo-Tech, equipped with the knowledge and skills essential for success in the industry. Taking over Ken’s Refrigeration and Heating over three decades ago, I initiated a period of expansion and innovation, transitioning the business from a one-man operation to a thriving entity with a dedicated team of four full-time employees, supplemented by part-time staff as required.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS VENTURES
My wife, Natalie, and I own and operate storage units and rental properties. This experience has taught us about the housing market needs in the county and the regulations that can promote growth or be barriers to development. In 2023, Natalie and I purchased Ann’s Motel and Cabins in Wall, South Dakota. We refurbished the property and renamed it Hansen Inn and Cabins, and now operate it as a year-round business. This experience in the hospitality industry has given us even greater insights into tourism’s important role in Pennington County and has prepared me to support this important revenue source on the Pennington County Commission.
