Tom Nielsen has been involved in Information Technology since 1991. He has started three successful companies in Nebraska. Most recently, he partnered with Nelnet to create one of the most expansive cloud computing companies in the regional area. His company, Cost Effective Technologies, created one of the first unified platforms to enable companies to have access to web-enabled tools and resources that traditionally, large companies had access to. The platform is called Floor99 and is by far one of the most advanced cloud computing portals available today.
After starting a couple traditional IT Service businesses, Tom realized that the future of IT does not involve companies buying equipment, servicing the equipment then upgrading it again. It is this cycle that Tom is out to destroy as he sees countless companies spending unneeded resources on maintaining this equipment. By partnering with Nelnet, he could leverage state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure to provide services to businesses that no other company could do. Floor99 has thousands of applications available with a single click.
Tell us a little about your family. – I am extremely fortunate to have a family that supports me in every aspect of my life. I have three beautiful daughters and a son on the way. My wife, Kara, is my rock as she keeps us all in line.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – That is a loaded question. I would say marrying my wife is probably one of the biggest turning points, but having four kids, three dogs and cat made for a few interesting turns as well.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I am not sure what this means at this stage in my life. I enjoy what I do so much that I am constantly working and improving our products.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I am a certified Disney nut. My family and I spend a lot of time there. We have been there about 10 times in the past 5 years.
What are you the most proud of? – I am most proud of my family and co-workers. I am so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received. – To just roll with it….
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish? – The only goal I really want to accomplish is to make certain my kids grow up happy, healthy and smart. If I can achieve that, then mission accomplished.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – I would like to slow down time.
Which talent would you most like to have? – I would like to be able to play a guitar. I started to play when I was younger, but would love to be good at it.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Well, honestly it was the owner’s manual to my Mustang.
What is your favorite movie? – I traditionally would always answer with the Vacation movies with Chevy Chase, but unfortunately Iron Man and Avengers took the top spot in recent years.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – I have a few: Pitch, Isle’s Pizza in Lincoln and The Cheesecake Factory.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – It is always such a hard question, but Walt Disney would be my first choice.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – tom@floor99.com or (402) 430-7893