About Us

Otto Nelson Moving and Storage has been part of the Kenosha-area business community for more than 90 years.  Throughout the many changes and advances the moving industry has gone through during those years, we have consistently maintained the high level of customer service and attention to detail that has allowed us to serve the moving needs of multiple generations of our customers.  Though our business name may have changed over the years, founder Otto Nelson's philosophy of service, work ethic and integrity has been maintained throughout. 

Otto Nelson Moving and Storage is now co-owned by Tom Nelson, grandson of Otto Nelson; George Follensbee, who joined Otto Nelson in 1981; and Jeff Zastoupil, who has worked at the company for more than a dozen years.

A Proud History of Premier Service

Tom Nelson, who celebrated 50 years with the company in 2006, recently reflected on the Otto Nelson tradition of service to its customers and the community.

"I started my career with Otto Nelson at the age of 17, right out of high school.  On my 21st birthday, I left on my first interstate road trip, from Kenosha to Little Rock, Arkansas.  For the next 14 years I was an over-the-road driver, transporting household goods to 48 states and Canada, before moving on to the roles of operations manager, vice president, and my final role as president in 1988, when my brother left the business."

Tom has seen many changes take place, both in the industry and at Otto Nelson, ranging from the improved trucks and equipment used for transport to the advent of cell phones and computer technology.  He identifies one change in particular as being integral to Otto Nelson's continued success.

"In 1982 we left the carrier we had been associated with and became an agent of United Van Lines.  I believe it was the best move we could have made.  Though they are a large national company, they have family values, and the fit has been great from then until the present day."  Otto Nelson Moving and Storage has received numerous awards, including multiple designations as Agent of the Month by United Van Lines for its quality of service, safety record and revenue production.  The company has also been the recipient of a Department of Defense award for quality of service in the relocation of military personnel. 

Otto Nelson Moving and Storage has received numerous awards, including multiple designations as Agent of the Month by United Van Lines for its quality of service, safety record and revenue production.  The company has also been the recipient of a Department of Defense award for quality of service in the relocation of military personnel.

Mary Beth Nelson, Tom's daughter, has worked at Otto Nelson since she was in high school and moved into a full-time position after graduating college.  She also recognizes the changes that have taken place during her years with the company.

"The economy has had a major impact on the moving industry, especially after September 11th and again now, with the decline in the housing market.  Many of the independently owned movers have been absorbed by larger companies, because of the changes in the economy.  That makes our history in the community even more important.  Many of our customers know us by word of mouth and from seeing our trucks throughout the area.  I believe that people really trust a company that has been able to continue operating for decades, through all kinds of challenges, and Otto Nelson Moving and Storage has earned its good reputation."

When Tom Nelson was asked if he had some favorite customer service stories, it took him a few moments to respond.

"With over 50 years in this business, it would take me forever to tell you about our customers and the great service experiences we've had.  If I had to pick one, though, it would be the time back in the late 1950s that my dad and I had to make an emergency run to Racine to pick up an incubator for a dying child in Kenosha.  We had to travel the route at a high rate of speed, with a police escort through town.  The end result was that the child lived, and we felt great to have played a part in saving a life."

Tom had one final reflection about his career and experiences with Otto Nelson.

"Every move has been important to us.  When you are loading someone's household goods and possessions for a long journey across the country, you realize that they are entrusting you with everything they own, sometimes for a week or more.  When you get a big hug at the end or tears start to flow because they're so happy to be in their new home, you feel great because you know you did the best job you could for the customer.  That's what makes our business rewarding - and keeps us on our toes!"