Congrats to Doug Nielsen, co-founder and chairman of Hayneedle, for being named a University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) College of Business Administration Distinguished Alumnus.

Also recognized this year were Larry Bradley, partner, KPMG, LLP, and Dino Cagni, retired CEO, Hospital Corp. of America.

Here’s more on Doug, from UNO’s May 18 press release:

Co-founder and chairman, Hayneedle, Inc.

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Co-founder and CEO, Xuba, LLC

Doug Nielsen, an Omaha native, has been an Internet pioneer and entrepreneur for two decades. After graduating from UNO in 1990, he founded Market Innovators, Inc., creating a successful coupon book concept then expanding into other direct marketing and business information products. Sensing the potential of the fledgling Internet, he co-founded GiftPoint.com and steered its merger with GiftCertificates.com, creating the leading market place for gift certificates.

In 2002, he co-founded NetShops Inc., an innovative online retail business that now has more than 200 web stores. Nielsen served as president and CEO of NetShops from 2002 to 2007, when the company grew from less than $1 million in revenue to nearly $200 million. In 2006, Netshops was named the 13th fastest growing company in America by Inc. Magazine. In both 2005 and 2006, NetShops received the Best Places to Work Award by the Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

After recruiting the former CEO of Walmart.com to replace him as CEO, Nielsen serves as chairman of the board. Netshops, rebranded as Hayneedle, continues to grow rapidly. Nielsen is now focused on a new venture, Xuba, an innovative approach to online commerce and social engagement. Nielsen is actively involved in the Omaha startup community, as well as several non-profit organizations, and is currently chapter officer of the Young Presidents’ Organization. He lives in Omaha with his wife Susan and their four children.

Bradley, Cagni and Nielsen join the 76 alumni who have been recognized by the College of Business Administration.