Elmer Andersen completed his education with a degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota. He began his career in sales and marketing, eventually becoming president of a major company by 1941. Andersen successfully expanded this enterprise into an international Fortune 500 firm before retiring in 1974. Concurrently, he engaged in the dairy business and media, acquiring newspapers and forming a publishing company. His leadership extended to public service, including roles in the Minnesota legislature and the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents.

Elmer Andersen's political identity is marked by a unique blend of business acumen and community-focused governance. He championed corporate responsibility and customer service, often placing these values above profit margins, which is atypical in the corporate world. Andersen's environmental advocacy, particularly his role in establishing Voyageurs National Park, reveals a deep commitment to preserving natural heritage, juxtaposed with his business career. His educational initiatives, from supporting special education programs to endowing a major library, highlight a strategic approach to long-term societal benefits.