It’s not uncommon to stumble into a career, but for Mike Nielsen, things were different. He grew up in flooring, chose flooring and became the next generation of his family business.
It’s not because he had to, but because it’s what he wanted.
After graduating in 2007, Mike knew what he wanted to do. The decision to take over Nielsen Brothers Flooring wasn’t a plan B or a safe fallback, but the only plan. He meant it when he said “It’s just all I wanted to do.” His brothers went different directions with one becoming a therapist and the other an artist, but Mike saw taking on the family business as more than just a job.
More Than Just Working Here
Mike had always loved working at Nielsen Brothers, but he wanted something deeper. He loved how it was a family business and how it gave him more of a connection to working there.
It all started from a young age. Rather than baseball practice or video games, he spent his childhood running across big rolls of carpet in the warehouse, hanging out in his dad’s office and watching the business grow. Along the way, he picked up his philosophy of seeing flooring as something families trust him with, not just transactions.
Growing up in the business is much different from learning a new job as an adult. The late nights, problem-solving and customer relationships go back for decades. When your dad and grandfather build something that lasts, beyond being floors, it’s about trust, reputation and community connection.
While Mike inherited a business, he also adopted over 60 years of relationships when he took over. His goal was to honor the legacy of his family before him, while bringing his personal touch to the business.
Knowing When You’re Ready to Lead
Owning a family business is different from working in it. Being a good leader requires a vision, confidence and a willingness to make changes.
As Mike got older and took full ownership of the business, he knew he was ready to make changes. This is something that can only happen when someone’s ready to step up as a leader.
Some of the biggest changes Mike made are:
- Modernizing operations for the digital age
- Updating invoicing, purchase orders and warehousing systems
- Embracing online marketing and lead generation
- Learning new flooring technologies like luxury vinyl and engineered products
- Maintaining the heart of the business while evolving for the future
Leadership goes beyond maintaining what’s already there. It’s about using it as a way to evolve, which is how Mike saw things. He struck a balance by honoring the classic craftsmanship Nielsen Brothers was known for (wool carpets, solid hardwood installations), while embracing new technologies and systems that customers are looking for in 2026.
Why That Choice Matters to You
Working with Nielsen Brothers Flooring, you’re choosing someone who wants to be here, not someone going through the motions.
What does this mean? Mike will personally come to your home to measure your space because he cares about the family name, the 80-year legacy and getting things right for customers who trust him with their floors.
Want to work with someone whose whole life prepared him for his job? Visit our flooring showroom in Lynnwood, WA or contact us to book an in-home consultation!
