Solange Cooley started Ag Jobs in 2019 in Willmar and now employs more than 500 people, helping to fill a workforce shortage in the agricultural and manufacturing fields.
WILLMAR — An attorney from Ecuador has found a new calling as a coach, mentor and friend for her employees at Ag Jobs.
Solange Cooley started Ag Jobs in 2019, providing her clients with a diverse workforce and her employees with jobs that include transportation, as well as room and board. She also provides human resources support to her clients.
The Ag Jobs office is located in downtown Willmar at 300 Litchfield Ave. S.W., and all of her employees are also from Willmar or the surrounding areas.
One of her more recent clients is Brunswick Corporation, which manufactures Lund Boats. Cooley negotiated with Brunswick for five months before settling on a contract that worked for both sides, she said.
The original plan was to provide employees for the New York Mills manufacturing plant, but housing was a big challenge in that area. Then Lund Boats suggested moving part of its manufacturing operations to Willmar.
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