7QYP
Seven Questions with a Young Professional
Who: Troy Nissen
What: Structural Engineer, Principal at Thompson, Dreesen & Dorner, Inc (TD2)
1. Tell us about your job, what you do, and why you chose this career?
I am a partner at TD2, a local engineering and surveying firm where I have worked as a structural engineer since I graduated from Colorado State University. I design the structures that make buildings and facilities stand up and keep people safe. I was good at math and enjoy seeing things get built. Some notable structural projects our firm has completed around town include the Riverfront Towers, the Slowdown/Saddle Creek Records building, the new Pinnacle Bank Headquarters out west, renovation of the Livestock Exchange building, and several Goodwill donation and retail centers.
2. What is your favorite part of living in Omaha?
It’s a great place to raise my 6-year-old son, Thomas. I especially enjoy the many locally owned restaurants like our traditional Saturday afternoon lunches at Big Fred’s with family and friends. I’ve been doing this since I was in the 2nd grade.
3. What could Omaha do to be more attractive to young professionals?
Omaha already has a lot to offer. People need to get out of their comfort zones and go find what they want or try something new and different.
4. What are your hobbies outside of work?
Golf and keeping the yard mowed with perfectly straight lines … probably an engineer thing, so my wife tells me.
5. What is your favorite website (aside from your company’s site)?
Pandora, it’s a great way to keep finding new bands.
6. If you could have lunch with any one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would say the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright would be my professional answer, but if I am totally honest I am dying to know if Charlie Sheen is really as wacked out as the media portrays him to be!
7. What’s on your favorite T-shirt (or your second favorite, if your favorite is a company T)?
My orange Beavers Baseball T-shirt, it’s well worn-in from the 2006 CWS. Best $10 I ever spent while tailgating at Rosenblatt!