A Profile of Steven Nordstrom

Nordstrom department store chain was originally opened by John Nordstrom as a shoe store in 1901 and remains under his family’s oversight today, becoming one of the country’s most significant family businesses.

Nordstrom held various roles at Finlandia University during his 13 years there, including assistant athletic director and head women’s basketball coach. Additionally, he helped with fundraising and marketing.

Early Life and Education

Nordstrom was raised in Holliston, MA where he attended drafting school and excelled as a carpenter – working 28 years for Carpenters Union Local 475 as an expert craftsman. Additionally, he enjoyed sports coaching youth baseball and basketball teams.

Lipscomb University was blessed to have such a dedicated and passionate ally as Nordstrom who served on its Board of Trustees from 2004-12 as well as being on its faculty as assistant professor of violin teaching music history, fundamentals, orchestral techniques and guest teaching at Interlochen Arts Camp and Maine String Academy – not forgetting his active business community involvement and service to several non-profits! We shall miss his passion and focus greatly.

Professional Career

Nordstrom brings more than 45 years of experience to corporate governance, risk, and control. He has served in various roles within organizations to establish technology governance structures, conduct risk assessments for IT systems, identify business and IT control improvements for enhancement purposes, as well as develop technology governance programs and identify areas for improvements. He currently holds the title of IT Audit Director.

Nordstrom served as Finlandia’s assistant athletic director and women’s basketball coach from 2004 to 2007, leading them to win a USCAA national title under his guidance. Additionally, he mentored Finlandia baseball.

Nordstrom is dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves, and recently announced a partnership with Good+Foundation which supports their work to dismantle multigenerational poverty for thousands of families through investments and community grants.

Achievement and Honors

Nordstrom has been an integral member of Finlandia University’s community for 13 years, serving in many capacities within the athletic department. From 2000-2007 he served as Assistant Athletic Director, helping grow it and achieve NCAA Division III affiliation. Nordstrom also served as head coach of a women’s basketball team that won an NSCAA National Championship and NCAA Division III Independent regional tournament victory. Nordstrom currently resides in Atlantic Mine, Michigan with Myra and their four children. Lipscomb University also counts him among their adjunct professors and violin instructors, and he earned both his Bachelor and Artist Diploma from University of North Texas respectively.

Personal Life

Nordstrom was an integral figure in fundraising for Michigan Tech athletics for over 10 years as director of Athletic Development from 2007-13, raising over a $1 Million for their sports programs.

Nordstrom currently lives on a wooded waterfront estate in Hunts Point on the Eastside. He spends his days reading, writing and taking long walks with his dogs; rarely drinks alcohol nor smokes cigarettes.

Nordstrom started playing pick-up basketball into his 40s before transitioning to jogging and then marathon running before an injury forced him to change course and pursue biking instead. Today he logs at least three or four bike rides every week covering an average distance of 20 miles; additionally he follows his beloved Seahawks team, taking his family each year to games while enjoying aviation as he holds both a pilot license and passion for aviation.

Net Worth

Nordstrom’s estimated net worth stands at $46,9 Million. He and his wife reside in a modest house amid the newer mega-mansions in Hunts Point enclave and prefer spending his free time aboard his vintage DeHavilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver aircraft with family and friends for flying adventures every summer.

Nordstrom serves as co-president of Nordstrom Inc. and oversees full-line and off-price divisions as well as strategy, technology, finance and legal. Together with his brothers he helped expand from Seattle’s roots into an impressive national and international chain.

The Nordstroms also own shares in Xero Shoes, an innovative husband-and-wife team who appeared on season four of Shark Tank with products designed to simulate running barefoot. While Kevin O’Leary did not offer them a deal, their exposure led to substantial sales increases due to public exposure.