After graduating from Union College and receiving her bachelors degree in business management and marketing, Stephanie Krueger knew she wanted to pursue a career in the home construction industry. Growing up around construction, she always knew that she wanted to either start working for the family business, Krueger Development, or start her own business in home building. The interest rates were at an all-time low and she knew that if she could provide a quality product to my customers, she would be able to succeed in this struggling economy. She started Third Generation Builder and runs this business as well as continuing to help Krueger Development with their marketing.
Tell us a little about your family. – Currently our family consists of me and my husband Andy, who has been crucial in helping me expand and keep the business going. We also have two St. Bernard’s, Glinda and Fiyero, and a cat, Snuggles.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – When I was in high school I owned a lawn care service and was able to grow that so I could sell it. After that I always knew I wanted to be a small business owner and be able to work for myself. I love having the ability to grow and expand a business from the very beginning.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – We love to hang out with our friends and just do nothing. I love going and working out at the local cooper YMCA.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – Even though I live in Nebraska, I’m a certified advanced open-water scuba diver.
What are you the most proud of? – I am most proud of starting my own lawn care service where I and one other person went out and mowed, and then growing it until I had a crew of three guys mowing on their own, to then being able to sell it for a profit.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – When I first started building, the best advice I received was to always ask for help and admit when you didn’t know something. This has helped me learn and expand my knowledge of building and business faster than I ever could have imagined. I’ve also found that people are eager to share their knowledge and help me.
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish? – I would like to build 20 houses in one year.
How would your friends describe you? – Someone who is passionate and driven about what I do. I also love my down time with friends and family.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I’m pretty awesome at doing the robot and I just don’t get to dance enough on the job site.
Which talent would you most like to have? – Talent of organization.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? – My ADD. I tend to get distracted easily so I have multiple lists and ways to track what all I have to do for the day.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – I just finished reading the Hunger Games series and really enjoyed them. I also just bought an internet marketing book and so far it’s wonderful information.
What is your favorite movie? – Right now it’s Bridesmaids! I love Kristen Wiig!
What is your favorite TV show? – I must admit that I’m a Gleek, I can’t wait for the new season of Glee to start.
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant? – Blue Orchid downtown is one of my favorites.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Warren Buffett
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – We love questions! I can be contacted at (402) 310-0354, Stephanie.ponce@thirdgenerationbuilder.com or our websites are www.thirdgenerationbuilder.com and www.lincolnhomebuilder.com