After working at the Elleven restaurant for 14 years in catering, Jan Kreifels decided to open her own catering company, Catering Above All. She had always wanted her own events center, and was able to make that dream a reality when she opened The Towers Event Center in Clocktower on 70th and A Street. The event center can accommodate up to 300 people with full service catering and bar service.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Being able to balance it all and to manage my time wisely so I can build a very successful business and making sure I promote myself and my business by getting out and meeting a lot of people and joining groups in the community.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Watching all of my businesses grow from the ground up.
Tell me a little about your family.
I am single and have two great sons Jason and Derek and a daughter-in-law Kacie. Jason lives in Columbus, OH where he and his wife both go to school. He is going to be a nurse and Kacie is studying to be an optometrist. Derek earned a scholarship to play basketball at a junior college in Danville, Illinois and this is his first year. I also have a dog Boo and a cat Schyler.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
When both of my kids moved out of state. I was so used to taking care of them that I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. And now I am busier than ever. I am looking forward to my youngest coming back this summer to help me in the business.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Relax and enjoy my family and friends.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
That I am a very sensitive person and can be very shy when it comes to talking in front of a large group of people.
What are you the most proud of?
My kids. They mean the world to me they have been with me every step of the way.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
No one said anything was easy but if you never try you, will never know.
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
To be very successful in this new adventure I have started.
How would your friends describe you?
That I am very goal-orientated and have worked really hard to get where I am.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Swimming
Which talent would you most like to have?
To be more easy going and not so uptight all the time. And be really organized.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
To be able to work out more. It is really good for you not only physically but also mentally.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
The Last Lecture
What is your favorite movie?
Pretty Woman
What is your favorite TV show?
Friends and Lifetime movies
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant?
El Toro
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Oprah
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
You can email cateringaboveall@hotmail.com or visit our website at The Towers Event Center of Lincoln.