About Me

I’m Eric Gjerdevig, a lifelong West Fargo resident, educator, entrepreneur, author, and currently, Mayor of the city I’ve always called home.

I’ve been fortunate to have a career that has taken me in a few different directions. I spent more than 20 years in the technology industry, including co-founding and leading a software consulting company. Today, I teach at North Dakota State University and lead the Center for Professional Selling and Sales Technology, where I get to work with students as they prepare to launch their careers.

In July 2026, I began another chapter when I was sworn in as Mayor of West Fargo.

While business, education, and local government might seem like very different worlds, I’ve found they have a lot in common. They’re all about people, relationships, problem solving, making good decisions, thinking beyond what’s right in front of you, and most importantly, listening.

That’s part of the reason I started this Substack.

Local government decisions have a real impact on our everyday lives, but the reasoning behind those decisions can sometimes get lost in meeting agendas, budgets, staff reports, and headlines. I want to use this space to provide a little more context and to engage with residents.

I’ll write about West Fargo’s growth, economic development, taxes and city finances, infrastructure, community engagement, and some of the opportunities and challenges ahead of us. I’ll explain what I’m thinking, why I take certain positions, and occasionally float an idea that might deserve a little more conversation.

I don’t expect everyone to agree with me. In fact, I hope this can be a place for thoughtful disagreement and good conversation.

On a personal level, I’m married, have two kids, and two grandkids. I enjoy traveling, hunting, and spending time outdoors.

West Fargo has been my home my entire life. I care deeply about where we’ve been, where we’re going, and making sure we continue to build a community that future generations are proud to call home.

Thanks for reading and joining the conversation.