Lance Nelson started his career with H&R Block at their headquarters as a project manager of information technology projects. During his five year tenure at Block, he obtained his Master of Business Administration, was promoted to a Director’s position in the business division and moonlighted as a tax professional to understand the business better. When the opportunity to buy the eight Lincoln franchises became available, he and his business partner, Jim Rose, jumped at the chance and became the owners in September of 2010. Since then, they have recently broadened their services to include bookkeeping, payroll and management consulting.
Tell us a little about your family.
My wife, Cheryl, grew up in Abie, Nebraska and is a big Cornhusker fan. Our two daughters, Emily (11), and Madeline (9), are active in academics, sports, music, and they love to travel. Unfortunately, my Scottish terrier recently passed away, but we still have a cat that loves to hunt squirrels, and my wife has a dog named, “Zoey”.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
The biggest turning point in my life was obtaining a liberal arts degree with majors in Computer Science, Business Administration, and Psychology – that education broadened my horizons beyond that of the small town I grew up in North Dakota.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I usually work a fair number of hours, so my favorite thing to do when I have time off is to spend time with my family.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
While learning to be a pilot, I was accelerating down the runway for takeoff and a tire blew out on my trainer plane. Then, the FAA shut down the downtown Kansas City airport to search for remnants of the tire on the runway. I swear it was not my fault!
What are you the most proud of?
I am most proud of my two daughters and thankful for how much they have taught me about being a father and a better person.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Education and travel are the two most important investments you can make in yourself and your children.
Which talent would you most like to have?
In my personal life, I sadly have no musical ability, so the talent I would most like to have is the ability to play the piano; well anything musical…
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I had more patience. The kids claim they aren’t trying to teach me daily lessons, but I am skeptical.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
I recently finished, Heroes of History, by Will Durant.
What is your favorite movie?
While technically not a movie, I would say the HBO series, The Band of Brothers, was my favorite “movie” because it helped me to viscerally understand the sacrifices that the “Greatest Generation” made for us.
What is your favorite TV show?
Perhaps it is because deep down I am a nerd, and I am embarrassed to admit it, but my wife and I enjoy the TV show, The Big Bang Theory.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Admittedly, it is because I just read about his accomplishments, but I would like to have dinner with one of those that sparked the “Age of Reason,” Sir Francis Bacon.
What is the best way to contact you?
Call 402-441-3636 or visit H&R Block online at http://www.hrblock.com