Justin Krueger

Justin Krueger follows a simple leadership formula: “Do what you say, and surround yourself with incredible people who challenge you,” Krueger said. “It's really that easy.”

Those words have served Krueger well in his role as president and CEO of ICON National, a construction company based in Scottsdale. Founded in 2017, ICON National specializes in affordable housing renovations.

Krueger grew up in Wisconsin, struggled with academics in high school and never went to college. He worked in a factory for six years and eventually started a framing company with a partner. He did everything wrong with that business, including not paying his taxes. He lost the business and moved to Arizona to start over with only $300 to his name. He filed for bankruptcy on October 12, 2005, a day he will never forget.

Krueger now looks back at that business failure as an important education about himself and what not to do, preparing him for the next chapter. He started working for a homebuilder in Arizona and worked his way up to area manager. He managed brand new communities during 2005 and 2006, the height of the construction boom. Then the housing market crashed, and he started remodeling Wendy's restaurants as an independent contractor.

In 2008, he had his first start as a project manager at ICON Builders and then as a senior project manager. ICON introduced him to the affordable housing industry, and his passion for renovating communities was born. In 2012, Krueger started his own business in his living room and grew the company to almost $40 million in revenue with over 30 employees. Krueger sold his interest in that company at the end of 2016.

“The most important risk for me is the financial risk of owning and operating a business,” Krueger said. “(Being) willing to risk everything to satisfy your goals is not something everyone is comfortable with.”

A short time later, Krueger received a call that would change his life. His previous mentor from ICON offered him an opportunity to form a joint venture, coming together as MFRG-ICON Construction in August of 2017. Krueger took over all operations of the company, and revenue nearly tripled in five years. At the start of 2023, the company changed its name to ICON National, and Krueger continues to guide the operation.

Krueger’s vision is to complete thousands of apartment renovations each year, improving the lives of tens of thousands of people. He remains dedicated to his team, clients, subcontractors and the communities they serve, embodying the company's core values of class, respect, philanthropy, honesty and compassion, the company said.