Star City Six – Michelle Varela

For over 30 years Krueger Development (www.kruegerdevelopment.com), has contributed to Lincoln’s marketplace by developing residential and commercial communities, retail centers, and multi-family residences. Michelle Varela is a drafter for Krueger Development.

Tell us a little about your business.

I joined the Krueger Development team this year in the design department. We offer an extremely valuable service to those considering buying or leasing a commercial space from Krueger Development. Our team can take your vision and turn it into a floor plan that shows exactly how your desired layout will work in one of our spaces. We offer all our potential client’s this free service, before they ever even sign a lease. This ensures that you are choosing the perfect space for your new location.

How did you get started in the business?

Growing up, my dad would take me to new construction homes that he was building. I loved seeing the skeleton of the house and I would imagine where I would put windows and what I would change if it were my house. Even as a child, design was on my mind.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Going back to college as a non-traditional student and changing my career to a completely different field. Before going back to school, I was an administrative assistant for human resources in a manufacturing company.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

Finishing school and getting my degree.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

Relax at home reading a good book and spend time with my family.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

I like to paint. My grandmother taught me how to paint with oil paints when I was about 12 years old. I haven’t had time to paint in years and I recently started painting again.

Who inspires you?

Joanna Gaines from the TV show Fixer Upper is my inspiration. She is the reason I went back to school and changed my job discipline to drafting and design.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” – Frida Kahlo

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Nurturing.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

Invisibility. This way I could go about my day without being noticed. I could travel anywhere in the world, see the ruins of ancient civilizations, visit all the best museums, and observe different cultures. Mostly, I would be able to sneak into concerts.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

Interior Design. I enjoy going shopping for furniture, fixtures, and interior and exterior finishes. I love color and bringing it all together to create a certain look or style.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?

American Gods by Neil Gaiman.

What is your favorite TV show?

American Horror Story.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?

Frida Kahlo. To be able to listen to the stories of her life and to gain some of her knowledge and insight would be a dream come true.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone: (402) 423-7377; Email: mvarela@kruegerdevelopment.com; Website: www.kruegerdevelopment.com.