Hayneedle's Doug Nielsen Named Finalist For Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award 2013 In The Upper Midwest Region
OMAHA, Neb., April 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hayneedle, one of the largest online home furnishings retailers in America, today announced that Doug Nielsen, the company's co-founder and CEO, has been named a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® Award 2013. The awards program recognizes high-growth entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on June 13, 2013, at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center. The Upper Midwest region includes companies based in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Mr. Nielsen has overseen the growth of Hayneedle to more than $350 million in annual sales with approximately 650 employees, the majority of whom are based at the company's headquarters and customer care center in Omaha.
"Doug's passion, transparency and honesty, in addition to his tremendous vision and business acumen, translate across all aspects of the Hayneedle business," said Jeff Gordman, president and CEO, Gordmans, a member of Hayneedle's board of directors and a recipient of the 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. "His influence is seen in the employee culture, customer service, and the company's relationships with its many business partners. His determination to succeed and entrepreneurial spirit is matched by his commitment to Omaha and the State of Nebraska. I'm thrilled he's been named a finalist for the Upper Midwest region and hope he goes on to receive national recognition."
Mr. Nielsen has over 20 years experience as an entrepreneur and Internet pioneer. Prior to co-founding the company now known as Hayneedle in 2002, Nielsen co-founded and served as CEO of GiftPoint.com, which merged with GiftCertificates.com. Following the merger, he was President and served on the Board of Directors of GiftCertificates.com. Earlier, Mr. Nielsen founded two direct marketing companies following obtaining his bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Now in its 27th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Program has expanded globally to recognize entrepreneurs in over 140 cities and in more than 50 countries throughout the world. Regional award winners go on to compete at the national level. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall Award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, Calif., on Nov. 16, 2013. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.
About Hayneedle:
With over one million products representing over 3,000 brands for the home, Hayneedle is on a mission to fill every home with joy...one perfect find at a time. Hayneedle is one of largest online retailers of indoor and outdoor furnishings and decor in America. Hayneedle's flagship store is hayneedle.com, a central destination where one can find everything home...from patio furniture to platform beds, coffee tables to cuckoo clocks. The company also manages a collection of online specialty stores, offering deep selections within specific categories for home, work, and play. Hayneedle has been recognized by Internet Retailer and Inc. Magazine as one of the top online retailers and fastest growing companies in America. Learn more at www.hayneedleinc.com and shop at www.hayneedle.com.
About Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year®:
Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award recognizes the significant contributions of entrepreneurs who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement.
SOURCE Hayneedle
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article