Larry Olson, president and CEO of Nexus Global Business Solutions Inc., has always had an obsession with creating and owning various types of businesses. As a business owner and entrepreneur, the wheels never stop turning for Olson. BIC Magazine recently visited with Olson to find out more about Nexus Global’s beginnings and how he has learned from his mistakes and capitalized on his
successes.
Q: What led you to start Nexus Global?
A: Shortly after entering the consulting profession in 2004, I aspired to be an owner or partner in a consulting firm. The opportunity presented itself in late 2010, which led to the formation of Nexus Global Business Solutions Inc. I never thought it would grow to the size it is today, but when there is fire in the belly, you must respond. The reward has been exponential growth year after year. Now it becomes a personal challenge to continue to shape and transform a small company into a lower mid-cap company and beyond through my vision and passion.
Q: What is the biggest news in your company right now?
A: Currently, we have significant yearly growth in sales and personnel with the forecast continuing to look strong for the coming year. With such potential on the horizon, our biggest news is the expansion to a new facility. We’re excited about the future and look forward to our new 28,000-square-foot office building in 2016.
Q: What has been the most pivotal moment of your career?
A: Being involved in many types of business ventures has allowed me to learn from my mistakes and capitalize on my successes. However, early in my career when jobs were not easy to come by, I was offered to work with an electrician in an apprentice program. To this day, I continue to look back at that opportunity as a pivotal point of where I am now. It was a break at age 21 that I couldn’t appreciate at the time but set the scene for my current success.
From there it was about perseverance and determination. After fulfilling my apprenticeship obligation, I acquired the status of master electrician and started up my own electrical contracting company. After years of success, I was approached to manage the maintenance program at one of my client sites, a large marine propulsion company. I led the maintenance department for North America and the Lean Six Sigma program, while also implementing total productive maintenance.
In retrospect, I had a second pivotal moment when I was recruited by a consulting company. It was a perfect transition, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. Little did I know that my personality and ethical values made me a natural fit, enabling me to become president and CEO of a successful, fast-growing consultancy, Nexus Global.
Q: Are you looking to grow in new markets or expand in current ones?
A: Expansion in current markets is always our single largest opportunity. We will continue to develop our current markets with value-driven solutions that offer a significant return to our clients.
However, every year we continue to expand into new regions. In 2015, our focus will be within the Asian/Australian markets. We’ve appointed a director, Andrew Gager, who is actively pursuing expansion into this region.
Q: What is your best management tactic?
A: Allow your personnel to do the thinking and support their creativity. Interject guidance and suggestions to further foster your employees’ thoughts into entrepreneurial ideas. Manage, but never micromanage! Surround yourself with good people and always look to mentor your successor.
For more information, visit www.nexusglobal.com or call (855) 488-0068.
