Brad Krueger

Searching for purpose, I found myself attracted to the “not for profit but for service” motto of the credit union industry. While earning my bachelor’s degree in business, I spent my summers and weekends working at a credit union. A low-level employee, I was nevertheless well known at all levels of the organization for always ensuring my customers’ needs were addressed. 

Eventually, I left the credit union to pursue an internship with a global insurance and financial services company that served thousands of credit unions and millions of their members. The internship turned into my career. For over 20 years, I worked collaboratively with hundreds of internal customers, peers, and leaders to address many of the company’s broad operational, reputational, and financial challenges.

I greatly enjoyed the variety of challenges and learning opportunities my career offered me as I progressed up the ladder. Earning an MBA in executive leadership further opened my eyes to the healthy habits service providers need for long-term success.

Ultimately, though, I found myself in a leadership position too far removed from serving customers and an entrepreneurial purpose. I remembered what writer Kurt Vonnegut said: “A step backward, after making a wrong turn, is a step in the right direction.” 

It was time to get back to my entrepreneurial roots.

With the support of my husband, I relaunched my career with a clear purpose: the success of creative services providers.

Success Beyond Luck was born!

A Midwest transplant, I ended up making my home in Burien, WA, where I now live with my husband, Gilbert Villalpando, PhD, who specializes in diversity, equity, and inclusion organization transformation.
 

Growing up in a small rural Wisconsin town, I became aware of the challenges my fellow LGBTQ+ professionals face. I have successfully advocated for and led workplace inclusion efforts that have cleared the way for individuals to bring their full selves to the workplace. 

I know firsthand how much energy and talent can be wasted covering one’s sexual orientation. Working with me, you can expect a collaborative space that is free of judgment and inclusive of your authentic self.