John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr. Inducted into the Smart Business Dealmakers Hall of Fame

The induction ceremony was celebrated as part of the 2022 Smart Business Dealmakers Conference

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — NELSON Worldwide, award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm announces today the induction of John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr., Chairman & CEO, into the prestigious Smart Business Dealmakers Hall of Fame. Under Ozzie’s innovative leadership approach, the firm has executed more than 45 mergers and acquisitions, taking NELSON from the rank of #37 in the industry to multiple “Top 10” rankings with more than 500% growth. Ozzie’s relentless dedication to NELSON Worldwide’s purpose of boldly transforming all dimensions of the human experience while understanding their brand and business objectives has earned him a spot in the Smart Business Dealmakers Hall of Fame. 

“I am both humbled and honored to be inducted alongside such an exceptional group of industry colleagues,” says Ozzie. “Transparency, accountability, and consistency in my approach have allowed me to take NELSON Worldwide to new heights, and I am fortunate to work alongside teammates who share the same passion, common values, and drive for the firm’s continued success.”

Ozzie became CEO of NELSON Worldwide in 2003. Since then, the firm has expanded its reach from one office to an impressive national network with more than 20 locations, ten fully integrated service lines, and more than 700 teammates. Ozzie’s innovative approach to the design business has put him in high demand as a speaker for organizations including Design Colloquium, InterPlan, University of St. Thomas, CoreNet, the AEC convention, NeoCon, and the annual conference for the Internal Society of Facilities Executives. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Committee of 70 and the Mpls Downtown Council and is the Chair of healthcare startup Kinetic Care Group.

The hall of fame induction ceremony was part of The Smart Business Dealmakers Conference in Minneapolis, MN, held on November 16th. The conference connects local CEOs to investors, lenders, and M&A advisors and hosts a wide range of informative sessions spearheaded by experienced panelists on topics such as raising capital, selling companies, and other industry best practices. This year, Ozzie served as a panelist on the “De-Risking Transactions” panel. The panel focused on identifying, understanding, and mitigating risks—no matter the economic climate. 

About NELSON Worldwide

NELSON Worldwide is an award-winning firm, boldly transforming all dimensions of the human experience through architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy. With more than 700 teammates across 20 offices, the firm’s collective network provides strategic and creative solutions that positively impact where people work, serve, play, and thrive. The team combines industry knowledge, service expertise, and geographic reach to deliver projects across the country and around the world. Client partnerships across the NELSON network include Hilton, Macy’s, Comcast, Simon Property Group, Prologis, Yum! Brands, Boston Consulting Group, T-Mobile, Emory Healthcare, SAP Fieldglass, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Kroger, Hyatt, Bayer, Target, and many more. 

Visit www.nelsonworldwide.com to learn more.