Meet Melissa Haecker, the controller at Krueger Development (www.kruegerdevelopment.com)
Tell us a little about your business. – RC Krueger Development Inc is a locally family-owned development and management company. We are a source for commercial spaces, residential lots, and apartment housing in south Lincoln. At Krueger Development, we are committed to providing a great community for businesses and excellent lot options for future homes. We also manage the business associations for Yankee Hill Business Center, South Ridge Village, and The Woodland Business Center and also handle the accounting for Big Red Self Storage.
How did you get started in the business? – I have been in the business/accounting business since I was young. My parents owned a family business, and I started working for them by doing simple office duties. While attending college and upon graduating I worked in public accounting. Additionally, I have worked as a corporate accountant for Nelnet and a mid-sized Radio group in the Midwest. In October of 2015, I joined RC Krueger Development.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – While working for the Radio group, the company went through a large sale of their complete station portfolio. This meant learning and researching several different areas of accounting. This challenged me in several ways but also helped to build my confidence in the profession.
Tell us a little about your family. – My husband and I have been married for 21 years. He is employed with Haleon, formerly GSK, formerly Novartis. We have two sons and they are pursuing degrees in college. The oldest is at the University of North Dakota studying commercial aviation and the youngest is at the University of Nebraska-Omaha studying accounting and sales. We also have a 13 1/2 year old Yorkie that has become the center of attention now that the boys have moved out.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – There are several things I enjoy doing but traveling is probably my first preference. Branson, MO has become a vacation destination that our family enjoys. If we aren’t traveling, I enjoy visiting a local winery, relaxing at home, or taking a walk/hike and enjoying the great outdoors.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I enjoy fitness and I work out every day. This includes packing my running shoes even when we travel. When booking a place for us to stay, a fitness room is a must.
Who inspires you? – My parents. They owned a propane business together but they also held additional positions outside their business. My mom worked as a tax preparer for 40 years and my father drove a school bus, was the chairman of the village board, and served as a volunteer fireman. They instilled several virtues in me, especially hard work and dedication.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I am passionate about the Lincoln Pregnancy Center. Having a place and a group of supporting and caring people for someone who is faced with an unexpected pregnancy is key. Knowing that they do not have to go through the pregnancy alone and fully understanding the magnitude of carrying the baby to term is heartfelt.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Tico’s. Their seasoned chips are an item I will splurge on.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 423-7377; mhaecker@kruegerdevelopment.com; www.kruegerdevelopment.com.