Star City Six – Christina Melgoza
Krueger Development has established itself as one of the leading property developers and management companies in Lincoln, NE. Christina Melgoza is Director of Lot Sales at Krueger Development (www.kruegerdevelopment.com).
Tell us a little about your business.
For over 30 years Krueger Development has contributed to south Lincoln’s residential and commercial marketplace; my focus is on residential development. I not only sell the lots, but help create them from the ground up. In partnership with Richard Krueger, I oversee the process of choosing our next development site, final platting with or engineers and the city, working the land with our crew, bringing in the infrastructure with our contractors, preparing the lots for sale, and then managing the builder-developer relationship to create a community that folks are proud to live in.
How did you get started in the business?
After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Hastings College I started a career in insurance, following in my father and older brother’s footsteps. I had much success, but wanted to see if I could ‘make it’ outside of my family’s footsteps. While continuing my insurance career, I went back to school and earned my Master’s degree in Project Management from Bellevue University. It was while taking these courses that I came across a job opening for Krueger Development and jumped at the chance to interview. I began my role at Krueger three years ago this August, and haven’t looked back. I’ve combined my marketing, management, and sales skills to truly prosper in my new position and industry.
Tell us a little about your family.
My husband Derek and I recently tied the knot on May 20th of this year. Derek is an insurance account manager at ReSource Pro in downtown Lincoln. Our household currently consists of us and two sphynx cats – the hairless ones – and we look forward to starting a family soon.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I am a bit of a foodie. I’m the kind of gal who likes a six-course meal paired with the perfect wines, and if it starts with caviar and ends with champagne I couldn’t be happier. But don’t get me wrong; I can chow down on a good street taco or hot dog with just as much enthusiasm. Whether I’m in Nebraska, out of state, or out of country, I like to experience new cuisine and cocktails. I’m always looking for a new place to try.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
Krueger Development has a long-standing relationship with the Home Builders Association of Lincoln. I work closely with the Young Building Professionals Counsel – a group within HBAL – in helping to create networking opportunities for our members and raising funds for charitable foundations. This year YBP partnered with Lighthouse, a non-profit whose mission is to promote the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of adolescents in Lincoln. YBP hopes to educate these youth of possible careers in the building and development industry, as well as help support the continuing excellence of its after school and summer programs.
What is your favorite TV show?
“Winter is Coming”…Game of Thrones.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
JTK Cuisine and Cocktails. The food, service, and wine are always top notch.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
I can be reached at (402) 423-7377 or cmelgoza@kruegerdevelopment.com. Our website is updated weekly by yours truly, so please visit at www.kruegerdevelopment.com or stop by our Facebook page for weekly builder and tenant spotlights.