Long before earning his Eagle Scout rank in 2009, Indy Nelson was already setting ambitious goals that would eventually land him in the record books. Inspired by his first court of honor, he set out to achieve as much as possible in Scouting–including all 131 merit badges. Along the way, he also earned prestigious honors such as the William T. Hornaday Bronze and Silver Medals (now the Distinguished Conservation Medal) and the Denali Award for Varsity Scouting, turning his spare time into a pursuit of excellence. 

Indy went on to serve as an OA Section Chief during his first year of college, where he set his sights on becoming the youngest person in the world to travel to every country. Once Indy graduated from UC Berkeley-Hass, he set off on his global adventure.. By his 24th birthday, he would achieve this goal, setting the world records for both the fastest and youngest to travel to every country as well as the most airlines flown. 

Drawing on his experiences from globetrotting and his passion for conservation, he founded a company that focuses on replacing monofilament lights with LED light systems.  He then retrofitted his fraternity with the LEDs, leading to several professional awards. 

His next quest led him to finding ways for community members who were technologically challenged to get access to cell phones.  He became the CEO of Sequoia Wireless and was awarded the first telecom communications contract in several years for California.

To learn more about Indy and his personal and scouting records, visit indynelson.com.

Here at NESA, we would like to hear about your travels and adventures. Let us know where your Eagle and scouting paths have taken you, or the impact that they made on your future!

*The Varsity Scouting program was ended in 2017