Paul Vesterstein is a genuine American success story. A native of Estonia, he came to America in 1949 with little more than hope, his innate talents and abilities, and a strong work ethic. He came from a displaced persons camp in Europe after WWII under the sponsorship of the Duluth YMCA. Mr Vesterstein worked as a counter clerk at the YMCA, as a swimming instructor and as a counselor at the YMCA Camp Miller. In 1950 he had found the means to attend UMD, graduating in 1953 with a degree in physical education and minors in health and mathematics. His friends at UMD nicknamed him “The Count”. While at UMD he was a member on a ski team. After graduating he continued to work for the YMCA in a variety of instructional and leadership roles. Over time, Mr Vesterstein parlayed his success, interest and international contacts in skiing into a fledgling business of importing ski equipment from Germany. Determining that there was a strong market in this region for importing ski equipment he and a group of friends founded the Continental Ski Shop. From there his business acumen led him into other retail, travel, and real estate ventures in the U.S. and abroad.
Paul Vesterstein is a man who has always given back to those who have impacted his life. He organized student trips to his native Estonia. He has supported business ventures in his native Estonia. He hosted the President of Estonia in Minnesota during the President’s state visit to the U.S. He has always been supportive of UMD. He has served on the Board of Directors of the UMD Alumni Association and served one term as a president of the association. He has twice received the Distinguished Alumni Award. He was UMD’s 1993 commencement speaker.
