Corporate counsel helps balance legal, technology fields at Midco

Sept. 17, 2024

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Ted McGee, corporate counsel at Midco.

Name: Ted McGee

Age: 30

Hometown: Bloomington, Minnesota

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

After graduating high school, I was eager to leave Minnesota and explore new horizons. Moving one state over, I chose to attend the University of South Dakota for undergraduate. I was then accepted and completed law school back in Minnesota at the University of Minnesota, but my wife and I wanted to be closer to the wonderful community of friends we had built at USD. Sioux Falls was an easy choice with its constant growth, influx of businesses, shops and events.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

The city is always buzzing with new opportunities, events and locations. Being part of a city on the rise is incredibly exciting, but it’s the community and the people that truly make Sioux Falls special. The term “Midwest nice” perfectly describes the friendliness of this community.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

The dynamic balance between the legal and technology fields has always fascinated me. Innovation often clashes with consumer protection and privacy, requiring constant vigilance to navigate the ever-changing landscape. Midco excels at striking this balance, offering cutting-edge technology while prioritizing customer privacy and satisfaction.

How did you get connected to your industry?

As mentioned, I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of technology and law. My first job out of law school was at a German-based tech company, where I worked in their software supply chain. This role provided me with the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the legal nuances in software as a service, or SaaS. When I joined Midco, this background proved invaluable in navigating the complexities of fiber networks, data centers and network management.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Innovative, supportive and collaborative.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I am an avid distance runner. Just last month, I completed my first ultra marathon in the stunning mountains outside of Colorado Springs. I have another race lined up in Utah this February through Arches National Park. Regardless of distance or fitness level, I find that trail running and hiking offer a fantastic way to connect with nature and the community of outdoor enthusiasts.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

Supporting local nonprofits. I participate in as many local runs for a cause as possible and make monetary donations. Midco also provides excellent opportunities to get involved in local nonprofits, including Feeding South Dakota, the Ronald McDonald House, United Way, among many others.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Coming from the suburbs of Minneapolis, I would love to see a Shake Shack come to Sioux Falls.

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

I would start a nonprofit focused on outdoor physical activity for all ages. It doesn’t have to be running; the goal is to encourage people to get outside, connect with nature and take a mental break from the digital world.