MINNEAPOLIS and OMAHA, Neb., June 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Doug Nielsen, co-founder and chief executive officer of Omaha, Neb.-based Hayneedle, last night was named Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) in Ernst & Young’s Upper Midwest Region program at a gala held at the Marriott Minneapolis City Center.

Nielsen and other regional award winners will now enter competition in several national categories, as well as for the National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall Award, which will be announced at a gala in Palm Springs, Calif., on Nov. 16, 2013. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum(R) , the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 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. The Upper Midwest Region includes companies based in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska North Dakota and South Dakota.

“Over ten years ago, some friends and I decided to create an online store that was the best place to buy a hammock. It’s amazing to think that what started out as one online store has grown to become one of the largest Internet-only companies in the nation,” said Nielsen. “I am grateful to accept this award on behalf of the more than 600 people of Hayneedle, whose mission is to fill homes with joy, one perfect find at a time.”

Nielsen has more than 20 years’ experience as an entrepreneur and e-commerce 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 in 2000. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

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 atwww.hayneedleinc.com and shop at www.hayneedle.com.

About Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year(R):
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, Inc.
http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130614-907296.html