Star City Six: Brandy Nielson

The Nebraska Restaurant Association works to represent, educate, and promote the hospitality industry in the state of Nebraska. Brandy Nielson is the Membership Director for the Nebraska Restaurant Association (www.nebraska-dining.org).

How did you get started in the business? – I have always loved the hospitality industry and always worked part-time jobs in various restaurants. I was lucky enough to find this job, which allows me to use my marketing degree AND work with the amazing people in the restaurant industry. It’s the best of both worlds by far!

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – My favorite part of my job is planning our big event every year called “Taste of Nebraska.” This is where we present Restaurant of the Year and Allied Member of the Year along with hosting a huge silent auction that raises money for the NRA. I take ownership of that event, along with a small committee, and love to see it grow every year. It gives me a great sense of pride when the event is successful and people have fun!

Tell us a little about your family. – I am completely outnumbered in my house with 2 rowdy boys at home. Hayden is 8 years old and a 2nd grader at Maxey Elementary, and Nolan is 5 years old and a preschooler at Lincoln Christian. I have been married for 9 years to my amazing husband Bryce who takes care of all of us.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Our unexpected move in 2008 from Des Moines to Lincoln. My husband was offered a promotion to manage White Electric Supply and we couldn’t turn it down. It was the middle of winter, I was 7 months pregnant and had to quit my job and move to a city where we knew no one. It was scary and a bit lonely at first, but thankfully we met some amazing neighbors who became lifelong friends. I learned very quickly that it is important to trust the plan that God has for all of us. We love Lincoln and I can’t imagine raising our boys anywhere else!

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I am a very active person; I enjoy doing anything to break a sweat! I love playing sports with my boys, running, biking, swimming, or going to the gym. We also love to have friends over on the weekends for dinner and a few drinks.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – When I was 16 I was chosen to play soccer for a United States select team in Wales. I got to travel to so many different countries at such a young age playing a sport that I loved.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – My husband and I are strong supporters of the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation and “Josh the Otter.” Our best friends lost their baby boy, Parker, to a drowning accident in 2011. We have committed ourselves to year-round swimming lessons for our boys for the past 4 years. We also donate Josh the Otter books to preschool children around Lincoln every year in Parker’s memory.

What is your favorite local restaurant? – I like to support all of the local Nebraska Restaurant Association members! Look for the NRA membership sticker in the window!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Email me at bnielson@nebraska-dining.org or find Nebraska Restaurant Association online at www.nebraska-dining.org or on Facebook.