He was twice recognized as the Best Operations Crew in the USAF in his assigned weapon system, Air Force Space Command Maintenance Junior Officer Manager of the Year, and the Missile Wing Instructor of the Year.Paulsen was first elected to the Iowa House in 2002 and serves House District 67, which includes: Hiawatha, Robins and portions of both Marion and Cedar Rapids.

[1] Paulsen then took an unadvertised position with Iowa State University in January 2016; leading a new supply chain initiative aimed at improving corporate engagement in research, experiential learning for students, and educational outreach for faculty and staff.

[3] Later, it was announced that Paulsen would continue in the role permanently and remain in the position as revenue director.

[4] Paulsen married his high school sweetheart, Cathy, in Cedar Rapids in 1985.

The Paulsen family is members of the New Covenant Bible Church in Cedar Rapids.