Nick Olson is Crafting Success at Viking Millwork 

In the heart of Audubon, Minnesota, craftsmanship meets vision. For Nick Olson, owner of Viking Millwork, buying a small woodworking business wasn’t just about making a living—it was about building something lasting, rooted in passion, perseverance, and community. 

A Leap of Faith 

Six years ago, Nick wasn’t planning to buy a business. While flipping through the local paper, he spotted a tiny ad for a facility, equipment, and inventory in the wood processing industry. 

“I called the number more out of curiosity than anything,” said Nick. “Once I met the owner and saw the potential, everything started falling into place.” 

Within two weeks, they struck a deal. The purchase began as a contract-for-deed, but Nick completed it in just two years—an early move that worked out in his favor. 

Reinventing the Business 

The company was originally called Country Wood Products. At first, Nick kept the name to maintain continuity with existing customers, but once Viking Millwork built its own reputation, he knew it was time for a change. 

In 2024, the business officially became Viking Millwork, a name that reflects its focus on custom, high-quality millwork. 

Building a Reputation for Craftsmanship 

Today, Viking Millwork is thriving. Nick and his team specialize in custom millwork solutions, focusing on quality, precision, and customer relationships. 

“We’re not trying to be a Fortune 500 company,” said Nick. “We just want to be the best at what we do. We’ve become the go-to for a lot of custom projects in the region, and we’re proud of that.” 

Through updated processes, better equipment, and expanded capabilities, Viking Millwork has built a reputation for delivering innovative, high-quality solutions while staying true to its small-town roots. 

Looking Ahead 

Nick has deep ties to the region and plans to keep his business—and his life—here. 

“This is a great place to live and work,” said Nick. “Our lives are here. We travel when we can, but we always come home. There’s something special about being able to build a business in the same place where you build your life.” 

Viking Millwork isn’t chasing rapid expansion. Nick’s focus is simple: grow sustainably, improve continuously, and keep earning the trust of his customers. 

One key step in Nick’s journey to growing his business was acquiring a loan through West Central Initiative. “Working with West Central Initiative was fantastic, and the whole process was seamless,” said Nick. “Even after the initial setup, if I ever had questions, they were quick to respond. It was smooth from start to finish.”

With grit, vision, and a relentless commitment to quality, Nick Olson has turned an unexpected opportunity into a thriving business. Viking Millwork proves that sometimes, the smallest ad in the newspaper can lead to something extraordinary.