He was a member of the World's Fair Commission and sponsored two bills to establish the Century 21 Exposition in Seattle, Washington, in 1962.

He owned a men's clothing store in Bremerton, which he operated for fifteen years before getting involved in politics.

Olsen was the public relations director for the state Restaurant Association between 1950 and 1959 and edited its monthly trade magazine, Allied Food & Beverage.

[1][3] He was appointed to the World's Fair Commission in 1955 by House Speaker, John L. O'Brien, as one of two state representatives.

[2][4][5] The commission ultimately recommended proceeding with the exposition and Olsen, O'Brien and Edward Carlson were tasked with convincing the newly-elected Governor Albert Rosellini to support the fair in his inaugual address.