Get to know our leadership team

Leadership at the Twin Cities office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.

Photo of Managing Partner BJ Hellyer

BJ Hellyer

CLU®, CLF®

Managing Partner

BJ Hellyer, CLU®, CLF®, Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual – Twin Cities, has dedicated his career to developing passionate leaders and nurturing a culture of integrity and excellence. Since joining Northwestern Mutual in 1996, BJ rose through the ranks as a Financial Representative, Managing Director and Chief Development Officer. Driven by a values-based approach, BJ fosters an environment where individuals realize their potential and build strong relationships. He is committed to positively impacting the Twin Cities community and beyond through the firm’s partnership with Pinky Swear Foundation and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. BJ resides in Stillwater, Minnesota with his wife, Kirsten, and their three children. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading, exercising, golfing, and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and Twins.
Photo of Lauren McCormick

Lauren McCormick

J.D., CFP®

Lauren began her career with Northwestern Mutual – Twin Cities in 2010 as a Compliance Intern. After earning her Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, she accepted a position with the Supervision team. During her tenure in compliance, she discovered a passion for working with advisors on complex issues related to the growth and management of their practices. Previously the Chief Growth Officer, Lauren now serves as the Chief Strategy Officer and Associate Managing Partner. She is responsible for the strategic growth and development of experienced advisors as well as the Network Office team. Lauren holds a bachelor's degree from Purdue University, is licensed with the Minnesota Bar, and since 2019 has been a ClientWise Certified Financial Services Coach.
Photo of Chief Growth Officer Sara Moss

Sara Moss

Chief Growth Officer

Sara is the Chief Growth Officer for Northwestern Mutual – Twin Cities. Since joining the firm in 2012, she has held several roles in operations and team member acquisition and development, including serving as Chief Operations Officer. Since 2019, Sara has helped lead the offices Diversity & Inclusion council which was recognized in 2020 as a Top 5 D&I Champion office for their progress and strategic plan. Her passion is around attracting and developing team members to ensure the organization and advisors teams have the best chance of building an efficient practice while sustainably serving others and functioning as the best version of themselves.
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Deb Sobiech

Chief Financial Officer

Deb began her career as Chief Financial Officer with Northwestern Mutual – Twin Cities in 2010. Prior to joining the agency, Deb worked with entrepreneurs at Ernst & Young. Growing up with a father who owned his own business, she developed a strong entrepreneurial spirit and to this day enjoys working and strategizing with the business owners at Northwestern Mutual Twin Cities. Outside of the professional world, Deb is passionate about the outdoors, frequently hiking and gardening. She also enjoys spending time with her two children and grandchild.
Photo of Chief Recruitment Officer Lauren Sandy

Lauren Sandy

Chief Recruitment Officer

Lauren Sandy joined Northwestern Mutual – Twin Cities in 2016 and currently serves as the Director of Recruitment and Selection. Lauren was born and raised in Red Wing, Minnesota. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, where she played DII volleyball. Lauren is passionate about connecting “career changers” to our financial advising career. She enjoys building relationships and helping individuals gain clarity on what they want out of a career and where they could unlock their potential, whether it's Northwestern Mutual or elsewhere. Lauren lives in Lakeville with her husband and their two kids. They love traveling, being active, and spending time with family and friends.
Photo of Chief Marketing Officer Kaylin Eidsness

Kaylin Eidsness

Chief Marketing Officer

Kaylin joined Northwestern Mutual – Twin Cities as the Chief Marketing Officer in 2023, bringing with her more than 15 years of experience in marketing, branding, public relations, crisis communications and graphic design. She holds a bachelor's degree in public relations, with a minor in graphic design, from Saint Mary's University in Winona, Minnesota. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual – Twin Cities, Kaylin worked for a Registered Investment Advisor in Edina and the City of Edina, where she also served as the Public Information Officer for the Edina Police and Fire departments. Kaylin has a passion for service and has been a member of the Rotary Club of Edina for more than a decade. When she’s not donating her time or teaming up with advisors at work, Kaylin enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, making a mess in the kitchen and digging in the garden. She also has a thing for old houses and traveling with her friends and family.
Photo of Managing Director Brent Goska

Brent Goska

Managing Director

Brent Goska was born and raised in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin and formed his values and work ethic from working in several family businesses. Brent values relationships and the ability to have deep trust with his clients and team members. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of North Dakota, where he also played on the UND football team. Following school, he joined Northwestern Mutual’s Top 10 internship. While considering his career path, Brent always knew that he wanted to make an impact and provide meaningful support for those around him. Northwestern Mutual has provided Brent the opportunity to live out this vision. As the Managing Director of the Eau Claire and Wausau district offices, Brent leads with an emphasis on workplace culture. With Brent’s leadership the Eau Claire office has grown on a rich history of success that leads with values and fun.
Photo of Founder & Wealth Management Advisor Bryan Sandy

Bryan Sandy

CFP®

Founder & Wealth Management Advisor

Photo of Wealth Management Advisor and Co-Founder Colby Staloch

Colby Staloch

Wealth Management Advisor and Co-Founder

Colby Staloch has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2006. While pursuing his bachelor's degree in finance and management at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, Colby participated in the Northwestern Mutual Internship, where he immediately felt connected with this family-oriented company that took pride in building relationships with its clients. Over the past 18 years, Colby has become an invaluable leader, and is committed to building a strong culture for his growing team. As Managing Director in Mankato, Colby proudly continues to serve his own clients while also working to empower his team of representatives, advisors, and support staff to assist their clients in achieving financial security.
Photo of Managing Director Shane Stuhr

Shane Stuhr

CFP®, CLU®

Managing Director

Shane Stuhr has been with Northwestern Mutual since joining as an intern in 2006 while pursuing his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Shane identified with the family-forward, incredible culture and vision of Northwestern Mutual, then went on to become a full-time representative in 2008. In addition to his dedication to servicing his own clients, he leads the La Crosse, Wisconsin district region as Managing Director. As the Managing Director, Shane leads and empowers both his team and district to service Northwestern Mutual policyholders and their communities to the highest standard possible. Shane focuses on building long-term relationships based on integrity, knowledge, and commitment. His overall goal is to help people define, build, and enjoy prosperous lives as he has done throughout the many years he has spent in his career with Northwestern Mutual.
Photo of Managing Director Joshua Willour

Joshua Willour

CFP®, CLU®, RICP®

Managing Director

Josh Willour CFP®, CLU® has been building his successful practice with Northwestern Mutual for over 13 years. Josh was first introduced to Northwestern Mutual when he accepted the internship while pursuing his bachelor's degree in economics and mathematics at Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minnesota. A family man at heart, Josh immediately felt connected to the culture, the clients, and growth that this industry brings. He values working with good people, solving good problems, and partnering with his clients for a lifelong relationship. Since starting his career with Northwestern, Josh has grown to be an exceptional leader as a Managing Director in Mendota Heights. Josh now leads the same college internship program he began with and strives to cultivate a culture our team wants to be apart of. Josh is passionate about the future vision of his practice, Waveform Wealth Partners, and creating a growth minded atmosphere for his team
Photo of Managing Director Taylor Jandik

Taylor Jandik

Managing Director

Taylor Jandik is the Managing Director of the Northwestern Mutual – Twin Cities West office in Edina, Minnesota and charged with leading Internship, Leadership and Recruiting Development and Strategies for the Network Office in Mendota, Heights. Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree in business marketing from the University of North Dakota. Her love of sports brought her to the Minnesota Vikings, where she started her career in sales before joining Northwestern Mutual in 2012 as a Campus Recruiter. The last 10 years, Taylor has spent helping to grow the systems, leaders, advisors and recruiters at Northwestern Mutual – Twin Cities. In her three years as District Director prior to becoming a Managing Director, Taylor and her team grew from seven advisors to 28 advisors. Taylor lives in Lakeville, Minnesota with her Husband Andy and their two daughters Landyn and Lawson. She and her family love to travel, support Minnesota sports and spend time with family.

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