Billionaire Glen Taylor grew emotional at the Mankato Kiwanis Club weekly meeting Monday while talking about his experiences serving in politics.

Taylor, who served in the Minnesota Senate from 1981 to 1990, touched on a variety of topics, including his egg business, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Taylor Corporation and his recent purchase of the Star Tribune.

The Mankato resident and Comfrey native said serving in politics changed his life, noting how his experiences knocking on doors gave him a new perspective.

“It brought me into every part of society,” he said. “Politics just opened up a road that made sure I try and be generous with people that aren’t as fortunate.”

Ask about his opinion of Gov. Mark Dayton, Taylor said he always respects leaders, though he doesn’t always agree with them.

“I don’t always agree with how people — their solutions to problems,” he said. “But I respect them that they’re serving.”

Taylor wore a big smile as he talked about his egg business, Iowa-based Rembrandt Enterprises. He said that’s currently his most profitable and most fun business.

Rembrandt makes millions annually extracting protein out of eggs, Taylor said, noting that the company has expanded into the cage-free egg business.

“We have more ideas in this business than I have possibly money to support,” he said, noting how it’s a great environment in which to work.

Taylor said he bought the Minneapolis-based newspaper the Star Tribune for the long term, though he recognized the realities of the newspaper business. “It’s a very tough business,” he said, “but it’s one that I think has served our state very well.”

He said the Star Tribune is putting a lot of time and money into its digital operations, adding that it’s consistent with what his other businesses, including Taylor Corporation, also are doing. He said the corporation continues to grow, though not necessarily in traditional ways.

The corporation has about 400 people writing software outside the U.S., he said. Recently it purchased MentorMate, an international mobile-solutions firm with more than 210 employees.

Taylor also touched on the future of his business ventures. He said he spends a lot of his time interviewing people who could be potential leaders in the company. He also working to mentor promising college students and keep them in the corporation.

Taylor said he plans on eventually selling the Timberwolves and is mentoring his niece, Deb Taylor, to take over Taylor Corp, the printing company he founded. He stressed that the corporation will not be sold off and will remain part of Mankato.