Kevin Kruggel, oldest son of Kruggel Lawton CPAs’ founder Herman Kruggel, retired after 41 years of service to the company.
Kruggel Lawton's staff celebrated Kevin Kruggel’s career with a reception earlier this fall at Morris Park Country Club in South Bend.
Kruggel spent several summers before he graduated from the University of Notre Dame working for his father until he made his employment official there in June 1982. He landed partner in 1988, and was the firm's managing partner from 1995 to 2006.
He made quite the impression on his brother Kurt.
“Kevin has been a mentor of mine my entire life,” said Kurt Kruggel, a now firm partner, in a press release. “His expertise, patience and drive to see those around him succeed have made him an incredible mentor to our staff and a highly regarded adviser. He is always willing to go the extra mile and because of that, his colleagues and clients see him as more than just an accountant; they see him as a friend.”
Barry Hall, Kruggel Lawton’s managing partner, said Kevin Kruggel has lived up to his father's legacy.
“There is no better representative of our firm than Kevin Kruggel,” Hall said. “For the past 40 years, he has embraced and lived Herm’s vision for the firm while serving our clients and community with compassion and commitment.”
Kevin Kruggel's family-first mantra attracted top talent to the firm.
“When I interviewed with Kruggel Lawton back in 1991, Kevin shared a story that convinced me to join the firm,” said Bill Hefflefinger, a firm partner. “He told me that his dad never missed any of his or his siblings’ big events growing up because he knew the importance of putting your family first and prioritizing flexibility.”
Kruggel earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Notre Dame. He is a certified public accountant and certified global management accountant. He served as chairman of the board for the Indiana CPA Society in 2012, and was on the American Institute of CPA council from 2013 to 2014.
He also is involved with community organizations, including the Northern Indiana Center for History, the St. Joseph County Business Development Corp., the United Way and the Friends of the Studebaker Fountain.
Kruggel plans to travel with his wife, Mindy, during retirement. He also enjoys golfing, cycling and boating.
The firm was founded in 1965 and became Kruggel, Lawton & Co. in 1975. Since then, the firm has grown to employ 130 people and 18 partners. It has offices in South Bend, Elkhart and Goshen; St. Joseph, Michigan, and Knoxville, Tennessee.
Caption: Kruggel Lawton's staff celebrated Kevin Kruggel’s 41-year career with a reception earlier this fall at Morris Park Country Club in South Bend. (Provided by Kruggel Lawton)
