Riding Forward

George Eidsness blends business savvy, agriculture, and Western spirit.

Long before George Eidsness, ’73, was honored as the 2026 Citizen of the West, he was a kid on a North Dakota farm learning lessons that would shape the business owner and community leader he would become. 

“I’m very humbled,” George said of the annual award that recognizes individuals who embody the spirit and ideals of the American West. “I would have never dreamt that I’d get that award and be on the same stage as former U.S. senators, governors, and other leaders.”

George’s education began on the family farm outside Brocket, North Dakota, where he learned to run and repair equipment and understand animals and agriculture. At UND, those practical skills met structure. “I learned how to think and figure things out. I learned how to run a financially sound business; I learned percentages, operational costs, and cost projections.”  

After graduating, George joined Fargo-based W.W. Wallwork. In 1990, he bought Transwest in Brighton, Colorado, then an operation with two buildings and fewer than 90 employees. Over the next three decades, Transwest expanded into a full-service vehicle retailer and fleet-services company with more than 25 locations and 1,400 employees. 

Barbara, his wife of 55 years, is an integral part of the business. “She says she’s been 100% supportive of all the things that I’ve done that have worked,” he said with a smile.

As Transwest grew, so did George and Barbara’s commitment to investing in others — particularly the next generation.

The couple established the George and Barbara Eidsness Scholarship Endowment at UND’s Nistler College of Business & Public Administration. “It’s because of my love for North Dakota and UND,” George said. “It’s also about giving back to the school that helped me.”

George appreciates hearing from students who receive the scholarship. “I enjoy getting their letters. They’re striving to enter the business world and make achievements of their own.”

As part of George’s recognition as the Citizen of the West, the National Western Scholarship Trust awarded two $5,000 scholarships to University of North Dakota students in his honor.