The Boomerang Effect: Return with Purpose

Description

This panel will highlight professionals who grew up in the Willmar Lakes Area, built meaningful careers elsewhere, and ultimately chose to return—bringing back valuable experience and stepping into leadership roles that shape the future of our region. The time spent away becomes part of the story they now invest back into the community. 

Meet the Panelists: 

Sam Anez
Sam supports Anez Consulting’s permitting & compliance, engineering, and agronomy departments with a versatile skill set rooted in both experience and innovation. As the son of founders Kami and Jared Anez, Sam grew up immersed in the business, spending summers as an agronomy intern and learning the importance of quality service from an early age.

After earning a B.A. in Linguistics and finishing his service in the National Guard, Sam built a career in military intelligence, data science, consulting, and agriculture. He brings over a decade of diverse professional experience back to the family business, driven by a deep commitment to helping clients succeed and continuing the Anez legacy.

Originally from just outside Willmar, MN, Sam enjoys golfing, running, and spending time with friends, family, and his dog, Lan.

Kelsey Hedlof
Kelsey’s journey has come full circle. After 14 years away, she has returned to Willmar, bringing a wealth of experience with her. With an MBA and a professional background spanning retail management, sales, project management, and business process implementation—most recently with Hormel Foods—Kelsey offers a diverse range of expertise. Though she didn't originally expect to return to the area, marrying a fellow native brought her home. Today, Kelsey has traded the corporate world to partner with her husband, Adam, in their growing local real estate business while raising their two active boys in the community she’s proud to call home again.  

Jeff Duininck