A native of Barnes County, Mr. Gillund is a graduate of Valley City High School and a 1954 graduate of Valley City State College. Upon graduating from VCSC, Mr. Gillund obtained his MA Degree from North Dakota State University.

Mr. Gillund became associated with the Sherwin Williams Paint Company after his college education was completed and worked with the company until 1982 when he became President of Meyers Tire Supply Company of Akron. In his years with Sherwin Williams, Mr. Gillund worked his way up from bench chemist to President and General Manager of the Consumers Division. He was promoted to Vice President of Sherwin Williams in December 1979. Mr. Gillund has been recognized as General Manager of the Year while working with Sherwin Williams. In 1973, Mr. Gillund was the guest speaker at the dedication of the L.D. Rhoades Science Center at Valley City State College.