As a co-founder of Guidant Financial Group, Inc., Nilssen has helped tens of thousands of investors across the country learn more about self-directed retirement plans.His experience and leadership drive Guidant to achieve the overall mission and vision of the company.
Bio
David Nilssen is co-founder and CEO of Guidant Financial Group, Inc. Guidant helps aspiring entrepreneurs to invest their retirement funds into a business or franchise without taking a taxable distribution or incurring penalties. A strong believer in broad diversification and hands-on investing, Nilssen is regularly invited to speak at top venues throughout the country as a leading expert in alternative small business financing. He pioneered the concept of “one-stop shopping” in franchise financing. Along with his 100+ employees, Nilssen has helped nearly 5,000 individuals purchase a business and/or invest in alternative assets.Under his leadership, Guidant was named the 6th fastest growing company in WA and is known as the largest provider in the franchise financing industry. Its success has earned the company top national and regional recognition, including: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon Small Business; Bellevue Chamber of Commerce Eastside Small Business of the Year; Washington CEO Magazine Best Companies to Work For; and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Northwest Regional Small Business of the Year. In 2007, the Small Business Administration (SBA) named Nilssen the national Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and the Puget Sound Business Journal named him one of the top 40 entrepreneurs under 40 years of age. In 2008, Ernst and Young named him a finalist for their coveted Entrepreneur of the Year award. An avid investor himself, Nilssen has purchased millions of dollars in real estate and helped to initiate many businesses within the service industry, including a real estate agency/property management firm and real estate development company. Nilssen, and his company, have been highlighted in such media sources such as CNBC, Fortune Magazine, Los Angeles Times and Wall Street Journal.
