About Willow Wood Insurance

Willow Wood Insurance Agency isn’t just about providing protection through policies; it’s about fostering meaningful relationships, empowering women, and giving back to the community. Founded in 2013 by Lisa Hengel, Willow Wood was established with a vision to create a community-centric, women-led agency that prioritizes values like integrity, sustainability, and support for both clients and team members.

Lisa’s career path has always been rooted in community building and fostering independence, particularly for women. Inspired by her workforce experiences and commitment to creating a nurturing environment, she built Willow Wood as a values-driven agency dedicated to empowering women through stable careers while serving the community with integrity and care. Lisa also carries forward the legacy of her uncle’s agency, Hawkins Insurance, which he founded in 1993. After taking over upon his retirement, Lisa brought his clients into Willow Wood, merging their trust and loyalty into the next chapter of the agency’s success.

As a local, woman-owned and operated independent insurance agency, Willow Wood specializes in home, auto, life, and more. We pride ourselves on delivering quality personal service to all our clients, not just in Edina and Minneapolis but throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and sunny Arizona. Our partnerships with carefully selected insurance carriers allow us to find the best coverage tailored to your unique insurance needs, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in our abilities.

At Willow Wood Insurance, we’re committed to continuous growth and education. Our experienced team regularly attends industry classes and conferences to stay up-to-date with the ever-changing insurance landscape, so we’re always in the best position to serve our diverse clientele.

With every referral, training session, and connection we make, we’re not just building an agency—we’re creating a legacy of care, community engagement, and women’s empowerment. Together, we are taking steps toward a future where women are supported, careers are nurtured, and the community thrives.

Team

Lisa Hengel has owned Willow Wood Insurance since founding the agency in 2013. A year later, in 2014, she took over her uncle Kevin’s agency upon his retirement. She is incredibly proud to serve still many of the original Hawkins Insurance clients under the Willow Wood umbrella. Before stepping into agency ownership, Lisa earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. In December 2021, she completed the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10k Small Business program, joining a network of over 10,000 fellow small business owners who have benefited from this intensive training. Lisa is a passionate advocate for Insure Equality, a non-profit dedicated to amplifying the voices of those who have historically been underrepresented or overlooked in the insurance industry. Lisa and her husband, Dale have raised four children together. Their youngest is a student at Southwest High School in Minneapolis. As their children have graduated, they have added four-legged family members and are kept busy with their rescue pups: Cooper, Nona, Stevie Jo, and Billy. In addition to her professional and personal commitments, Lisa was born and raised in Minneapolis and has a passion for urban living. Dale and Lisa also enjoy spending time at their off-the-grid cabin near Rollingstone in southeastern Minnesota. Lisa is deeply committed to increasing female representation in the male-dominated insurance industry and is passionate about educating young adults on the importance of insurance.

Kristen has been a licensed insurance agent since 2014. She has a CPIA designation and a strong sales and customer service background. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Mass Communications.

Her number one focus is helping our clients meet their insurance needs by providing guidance and utilizing her years of experience in the industry. Kristen prioritizes customers’ needs and works to build long-term relationships. She strives to help navigate and educate clients on the many policy options and endorsements. As life changes, insurance should change with you!

In addition, Kristen is fluent in Spanish and enjoys working with the Hispanic community.

She has raised three children, the youngest of whom is in his last year at the U of M. Kristen has embraced her new role as an “empty nester,” enjoying travel, spending time with family and friends, and trying out new hobbies, the latest of which is stained glass art!

LYNN SCHNELL

Account Specialist / Licensed Agent

Phone: (612) 567-3822 ext. 3
Email: lynn@willowwood-ins.com

With decades of experience in the insurance industry, Lynn Schnell is a seasoned professional who brings a wealth of knowledge and a personal touch to her work. Licensed since 1993 and holding a CISR designation since 2004, Lynn’s expertise spans both commercial and personal insurance, but the personal side holds her heart. Lynn’s true passion is helping people protect what matters most. Her curiosity about people’s stories and her compassionate nature allows her to connect with clients on a deeper level, ensuring that every policy is tailored to their needs. Living in Plymouth with her husband of 19 years, their dog, and two cats, Lynn enjoys the comforts of home—whether it’s working remotely, indulging in her love for crafts, or tackling home improvement projects. And while she jokes about sounding “old,” her lively spirit and passion for life shine through in everything she does.

SIRI SHELSTAD

Licensed Insurance Agent & Marketing Specialist

Phone: (612) 567-3822 ext. 4
Email: siri@willowwood-ins.com

Born and raised in South Minneapolis, Siri Shelstad returned to her hometown after graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2021. In 2024, she joined the Willow Wood Insurance Agency team, where she leads incoming business and marketing initiatives. Siri’s natural curiosity and attention to detail ensure that Willow Wood’s clients always feel heard and valued. Bringing a fresh perspective to the insurance industry, Siri’s true gift lies in the care she extends to every interaction. Her thoughtful and creative approach enables her to guide clients through significant life decisions while providing valuable resources tailored to their needs. Outside of her professional life, Siri finds joy in the simple pleasures. She savors quiet walks through her favorite neighborhoods with her dog and cat and loves exploring local cafés and vintage shops.