Nancy S. Mueller

Introduction

Nancy Mueller, known as the " Queen of Quiche," started volunteering at a non-profit restaurant serving quiche, which caused her to ponder the need for appetizers. Consequently, she began to package petite quiche appetizers and sell them to local stores, eventually leading to the foundation of her company, Nancy's Specialty Foods, in 1977, which in the future turned out to be a superior tasting, premium quality, affordable, convenient appetizer brand developed by the former chemist. Then she attained various high honors throughout her lifetime, holding positions on the Board of Directors for multiple institutes, be it academic or multi-cultural, including Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to date.

Early Life

Nancy Mueller grew up in Latham, NY, and attained her bachelor's degree in chemistry from Russell Sage College, Troy, NY, in 1965. Then she joined her future husband in Palo Alto, CA, and worked for Syntex Corporation in pharmaceutical chemistry before setting up her start-up.

Career

After marrying Glenn Mueller, a venture capitalist, and already working at Syntex, Nancy Mueller started her own business, Nancy's Speciality Foods parlaying Nancy's Quiche, both appetizers and entrees. But sold her business after 22 years in July 1999 to Kraft Heinz Company, NA. Nancy is the world's largest processor and marketer of frozen quiche products. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Opera and the American Prairie Reserve. Her honors included: the 2018 Lifetime of Achievements Award, Avenidas, 2016 Distinguished Service Award, Rensselaer Alumni Association, 1999 Entrepreneur of the Year Award, RPI, and many more.