The Albers Executive Speaker Series features Andy Heily, President & CEO of The Krusteaz Company, as the second speaker for the 2024-25 season. Register to attend his talk on 1/30, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at Seattle University. The event is free and open to the public.

Andy Heily is a self-proclaimed “foodie”. His passion comes through as the President & CEO of The Krusteaz Company, owner of Conifer Specialty Foods and a founding member of Bull Run Distillery. He is the third-generation family member to lead The Krusteaz Company, having touched nearly every aspect of the business through his 23+ years with the company.

With his relentless creative spirit, Heily embodies what it means to be an entrepreneur. His contagious enthusiasm inspires those around him to help bring ideas to life, including the launch of many innovative new baking and pancake mix products every year.

Heily was born and raised in the Seattle area and attended Eastside Catholic where he was a State Champion and All-American distance runner. He attended Georgetown University on a track scholarship and earned his MBA at Georgetown McDonough School of Business.

Community involvement is extremely important to Heily. HIs love of running inspired him to create the Eugene Marathon and the Eugene Women’s Half Marathon. The Krusteaz Company partners with several organizations including Boys & Girls Club of America, Feeding America and Food Lifeline.

Krusteaz x Albers

There is a strong, historic link between Krusteaz and the Albers School of Business and Economics. One of Krusteaz’s signature products, Albers corn meal, was created by the Albers Bros. Milling Company. This company was founded by five brothers who emigrated from Germany in the late 19th century. The Albers School of Business and Economics is named after George, one of the brothers.

Albers Bros. Milling Company was one of the largest grain milling companies in the country when it was sold to the Carnation Company and ultimately to Krusteaz. The Albers connection with Seattle University began with Eva Albers, widow of George Albers. She became a good friend of the university president, Fr. A.A. Lemieux, and was one of the first members of the university's Women's Guild. Her interest in Catholic education led her to include a $3 million bequest to the university in her will.

In recognition of her generosity and the role George Albers had played in the business history of Seattle, the university renamed the School of Business in their honor. Genevieve Albers, daughter of George and Eva Albers and long-time trustee of the university, also had a life-long appreciation of business and its contribution to social welfare. She believed in professional education for business as essential for ensuring a vigorous business.

About the Albers Executive Speaker Series

Since 2002, the Albers School of Business and Economics has organized the Albers Executive Speaker Series, live panels featuring top business leaders from the Puget Sound Area. Guests talk about a topic of their choice and respond to questions from a panel and the audience. The Speaker Series is yet another way Albers is committed to build student connections with the Seattle business community.

The Albers Executive Speaker Series is free and open to the public. Register to save your seat, submit questions for the speaker and to be emailed any updates on the event.

About the Albers School of Business and Economics

Located in the heart of Seattle, the Albers School of Business and Economics at Seattle University is one of the premier business schools in the Northwest United States. Small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios ensure that a student is never just a number. Students benefit from the school’s deep business connections through mentorships, internships, and employment opportunities. Finally, Albers is distinct for its nearly 80-year legacy in championing the responsibility of business to create a better society.