ABERDEEN, S.D. – Businessman Toby Doeden, whose campaign for governor has hinged largely on the elimination of all property taxes, has links to real estate investment companies that would save more than half a million dollars annually under that plan, according to public records.

Though Doeden said his experience in business is his primary qualifier for governor, little was known about the extent of his ventures and wealth.

Searches of the Better Business Bureau, court records and the state of South Dakota’s consumer protection portal paint a generally positive picture: Doeden’s companies are in good standing and have not had any major outstanding legal or civil issues.

His current statement of financial interest submitted to the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office lists him as an owner, employee and shareholder, partner or shareholder of 24 companies.

Here’s a snapshot of Doeden’s business activities, based on public records:

• Doeden owns the Aberdeen Chrysler dealership in Aberdeen and Redfield Ford in Redfield. 
• At least 75 properties linked to his companies in Aberdeen and Groton have a current taxable portfolio value of more than $34 million and a property tax commitment this year of at least $558,129. Those properties include single-family homes, commercial buildings and multi-family buildings. Many of the mortgages for those properties were taken out on five-year terms. At least 20 of them have been fully satisfied, with several others partially paid. 
• Doeden was a partner in Plaza Rentals when the city of Aberdeen implemented a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for several apartment buildings that the company purchased and redeveloped. 
• His Tenth Street Properties is the deed holder to the building housing Street Corner Urban Market – another LLC tied to Doeden – in Aberdeen, as well as Legends Liquor and Casino. Others are Grand Casino, Royal Casino, and Mulligan’s Sports Bar and Casino, which is also located in the complex owned by Tenth Street Properties. 
• One of his businesses was involved in the zoning of a building for 150 bitcoin mining units near his Aberdeen dealership. That zoning permit, which was issued to son Jackson Doeden and company Plaza Rentals, was initially granted in February 2022 for 70 units and was upgraded to 150 units in June 2022, according to Aberdeen News and minutes from the Aberdeen Board of Zoning meetings. Aberdeen Community Development planner Eric Miller told News Watch that as far as he knew, the mining operation was still active. Bitcoin mining units are large, complex computers that generate units of cryptocurrency through computing efforts. 
• Doeden also runs a charitable organization called the 4J Foundation.

Doeden touts his business experience as his biggest qualification for governor, often calling himself the “outsider” and the “businessman.”

Because no candidate received 35% of the vote in the June 2 primary, Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden will meet July 28 in a runoff election.

Doeden has largely self-funded his campaign by loaning it another $2 million this year, in addition to the $2 million he put up in 2025.

Doeden’s fast rise to success seems to have started roughly six years ago.

The South Dakota Secretary of State’s office shows that he took over Plaza Rentals as its registered agent in 2020. That’s also when he took ownership of the Aberdeen Chrysler Center after serving as general manager for nine years and gradually purchasing stock.

All but two of the 27 companies Doeden is linked to were incorporated in or after 2020. Doeden credits his innovative thinking to his success during the pandemic, citing a risk-taking approach and careful planning.

Doeden’s acceptance of a Paycheck Protection Program loan during the pandemic has come under scrutiny during the campaign. Federal records show Doeden’s company received $1.1 million for Aberdeen Chrysler Center, and Doeden said during a debate that 150 jobs were saved at his company from the program.

“I am extremely proud of the work my team and I have been able to accomplish over the years at Doeden Investment Group. Being able to give back to the people and state that have given me so much has been the honor of a lifetime,” Doeden said in a statement to News Watch, declining to answer specific questions for this story.

America’s richest self-made woman lives in Wisconsin. She’s also, unsurprisingly, the richest person in the state.

So who is Diane Hendricks? Hendricks is the co-founder of Beloit-based ABC Supply Co., which sells roofing and building supplies. In June, she was named the richest self-made woman in the nation for the ninth year in a row by Forbes. She was also ranked the wealthiest Wisconsinite in 2025, with a 2026 net worth of $22.3 billion.

In 2022, Forbes dubbed Hendricks “the most successful female entrepreneur in American history.”

Raised on a dairy farm in Osseo, Wisconsin, the 79 year-old Hendricks had her first child at 17. She left school and worked as a Playboy Bunny before co-founding the ABC empire with her second husband in 1982. When he passed away in 2007, she took over the company.

Since then, Hendricks has more than tripled her net worth, acquired large competitors, and expanded into other sectors. According to Forbes, ABC Supply had 900 locations and $20.2 billion in revenue in 2025. She is also the chair and founder of Hendricks Commercial Properties, a real estate development company, and Hendricks Holding Company, Inc., a private investment firm.

A 2016 Journal Sentinel investigation found that Hendricks had paid zero state income tax for three years. Another investigation found that her 8,500 square foot mansion in the Town of Rock had been taxed as a 1,663 square foot ranch house for years.

The Detroit Pistons have put Isaiah Stewart on the trade block with multiple offers swirling around the ever-changing rumor mill.

Several teams would benefit from having Stewart, who averaged 10 points, five rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game last season, on a solid 55% from the floor. However, despite linking up well with Jalen Duren, Stewart earning a total of $30 million over the next two years simply doesn’t fit with their future outlook.

Stewart has been linked to the blockbuster three-team trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo; however, if we set that aside, who else could use his talents ahead of the upcoming season?

Stewart embracing the north?

A possible swap involving the Toronto Raptors could be on the cards. The Raptors have been desperate for frontcourt depth, and the Pistons could definitely use more playmaking and shooting options on their roster.

For Detroit, trading Stewart for youngsters Gradey Dick and Jamal Shead makes perfect sense, with the Pistons able to mould them into backups for Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson.

While Shead provided relief for Immanuel Quickley, Dick fell out of the rotation and will be eager for a second chance in the Motor City.

Bringing a much-needed wing player to Detroit, via Cleveland

The Cleveland Cavaliers could bring a talented wing player to Detroit in the shape of Max Strus, whose presence would really help the Pistons.

What they’re short on is two-way wings who can ease the pressure off their stars, and Strus can fit perfectly into that gaping hole.

Beyond his floor-spacing ability, he can also create offense by attacking closeouts, addressing another area where Detroit has struggled.

Look no further than their playoff meeting, which the Cavs won with Strus averaging around 10 points per game in the series, capped with a 20-point showing off the bench in Game 5 that helped swing momentum in the Cavaliers’ favor.

Stewart’s salary and defense helps Denver

One issue that plagued the Denver Nuggets this season was their rim protection, and defense in the paint.

With Stewart, who posted just under two blocks per game last season, his defensive style would really help the Nuggets, but he would be in a similar position to the one he is currently in Detroit: A backup to Nikola Jokic.

Why does this move make sense for both parties? Well, look no further than the money involved. If Denver shipped Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun, who are both on the trade block, it would save the Nuggets money and give Detroit two strong players with championship pedigree.

Stewart is under contract for $15 million in 2026-27, with a team option for the same amount in 2027-28, bringing his total value to $30 million. Johnson’s set to make $23 million, and Braun’s is on $21.5 million. This works better for Denver than it would for the Pistons, but having Johnson and Braun only boosts Detroit’s championship credentials.