About US

W.S. Nielsen is a Specialty Contractor. What does this mean? It means we are in commercial construction as a contractor. We build, but with highly specialized products… we like to call them, ‘architecturally niche’.

These products are not traditional building materials such as drywall, ceiling tiles, concrete, electrical, windows, etc., but rather the ‘wow’ factor elements of a project; the elements which tend to be photographed because they are beautiful.

W.S. Nielsen has strategic partnerships with manufacturers across America who are the best in the business. Our job is to support you by providing world class products from a napkin sketch through Design, Engineering, Fabrication and Installation.

For 40+ years we have been the southeastern resource for the hard to find, hard to price elements of today’s commercial buildings. Construction is booming and we are busy working in every sector from A (airports) to Z (zoos).

Everyone in our office and construction department is committed to serve. We take care of and help our clients through construction challenges. In the industry, W.S. Nielsen is known as ‘the easy button’. We pride ourselves in being the no hassle, no drama, silent sub, making the process easy for our clients. In the south, we call it the ‘git er dun’ attitude!

My strong belief in relationships is apparent when you call our office. You will always be greeted by a team member answering the phone.”

Mike Nielsen President

"With 40+ years commitment to the Construction Industry, W.S. Nielsen is dedicated to providing our family of employees with a place they enjoy coming to work every day. Our Team leads from a foundation of Safety, Quality and Productivity, from the inside out based on relationships, reputation and integrity. We strive to bring the best to the industry."

Alicia Hughes Vice President of Operations

Our Story

In 1980, Walt Svend Nielsen, son of Danish parents, set up a small windows, blinds, awnings and skylights business in Roswell, Georgia called the W.S. Nielsen Company. The business rapidly grew through the 80’s as it expanded from residential into fast food restaurants.

In 1985, the W.S. Nielsen Company landed a rounded glass solarium ‘greenhouse’ dining area for a Wendy’s restaurant. That one job lead to 1,200 Wendy’s, then expanding to all fast food restaurant chains: Arby’s, McDonalds, Chick fil-A, Burger King and more.

The industry shifted from fast food to the construction of mega malls in the 90’s: Phipps Plaza, Carolina Place, Mall of Georgia, Lenox, Perimeter, Coral Ridge, West Oaks, Mall of Louisiana and more. They all had one thing in common, monumental custom glass skylights.

"W.S. Nielsen Company is a family-owned specialty contracting business with a 40+ year history of Safety, Quality and Productivity. We are proud of our excellent employees and loyal customers. We cherish these relationships like family!"

Mike NielsenPresident

In 2003, Walt’s son, Mike, became president and Walt stepped into enjoying retirement. Mike’s commitment was and is to continue the core business of skylights and to expand… offering more products in order to better serve the architects, owners and general contractors we serve.

Still run as a family business, W.S. Nielsen established Core Values: Safety, Quality, Productivity and began winning industry safety awards for very challenging installations, year after year.

Today, we have 11 Alpharetta based office staff and 16 field staff, each playing a critical role in a $13m+ business which continues to grow and offer new products every year. View our product portfolio.

In addition to elements on new construction, we have a dedicated renovation team which helps replace products which are at the end of their life cycle or become damaged from weather or other sources

In May 2018, W.S. Nielsen moved into a beautiful new building where we host Architectural AIA Training programs and other client, manufacturer and installation training events. Each year, our story evolves and becomes more exciting. One thing is certain, as long as there are cranes on our skylines, we will continue offering world class specialized construction products designed to save our clients time and money.

Support and Outreach

Yes, the purpose of a for profit business is to make money. However, at W.S. Nielsen, it’s not all about profit; it’s about a higher-level purpose of impacting, helping, influencing and educating those in our community and those who have sacrificed for all of us. Mike Nielsen looks for ways for our company to get involved. Whether it’s providing blankets to those in need, teaching students a construction skill, or flying Veterans to memorials. W.S. Nielsen does not just get behind, we Champion!

Our staff is encouraged to get involved, give of their time and make a difference. The logos below are the affiliations and organizations we find ways to impact. As a business, being profitable allows us to make a difference… ‘Pay it Forward!’

Got a cause we should consider? We are always looking for ways to enrich lives.

The timely paperwork, attention to detail, superb project management and the quality installation crew sets WS Nielsen apart from other subcontractors of any trade..... Neal Howard
The successful completion of this project could not have been possible if not for the cooperation, hard work and commitment of Subcontractors such as W.S. Nielsen Company, Inc.... Greg Bowen
The preparation up front and your well-trained installers provided for a quickly and properly installed skylight system.... Mark Christianson
W.S.Nielsen’s technical expertise was critical to realizing the design concept. They provided much needed innovative solutions to overcome challenges. Their collaboration with the design and construction exceeded expectations and brought the project into budget and delivered on time.... Meg Needle
I wanted to let you know it’s been some time since I’ve had a decent lunch and learn. You’re a great presenter and I can tell you do your job well. I’ll definitely keep W.S. Nielsen in mind for future projects..... Brian Lachat
It has been a pleasure to work with the W.S. Nielsen Company on the west re- glazing at CNN Center. The W.S. Nielsen Company has again found a way to complete a difficult project within budget and on time....... William Rice
All three skylight replacements at Coca-Cola’s headquarters went better than expected. It was definitely a pleasure working with your team. Thank you!.... Peter Dietz
The attention to detail and quality of the products provided by W.S. Nielsen Co. was excellent. From the bid process, submittals, approvals and installation the project was a success..... Drew Martin
The structural glass wall looks just great. Brian Newell of C.D. Moody Construction and I were very impressed with the W.S. Nielsen installation crew – they did such a great job..... Jackson McQuigg
From pre-construction through punch out, W.S. Nielsen consistently provides excellent service and quality installation..... Steven Rivers