BEAR Discussions

In this episode of the BEAR Discussions podcast, host Charlie Walker is joined by Garret Zastoupil, PhD, Community and Leadership Development Educator with UW-Madison Extension. They explore the often-overlooked resources available through the UW-Madison Extension across Wisconsin. Garret shares how Extension programs across Wisconsin are helping individuals and communities in so many amazing ways...

Host Charlie Walker chats with entrepreneur Susan Ramonat about resilience, the value of hard work, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity. They discuss teamwork, finding the right co-founder, the importance of mentorship, navigating technological advancements, and fostering human connection in a digital world.

Join host Charlie Walker and co-host Lisa Bruhn as they explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity with guest Adam Czub from Darktrace. This episode covers a variety of protection services and advice, along with insights into AI-driven security solutions. It's especially important for entrepreneurs, business startups, and existing organizations to pay attention to their cybersecurity from the...

In this episode of the BEAR Podcast, host Charlie Walker sits down with Doug Ebert, Vice President of Operations at Core Cabling & Integration. Doug shares his insights on how businesses and entreprenuers should address their physical security concerns. He explains critical role security plays in modern infrastructure, the challenges of managing business expansion projects, and how Core Cablin...

Join host Charlie Walker as he talks with Rudy Nigl and Mike White about their fascinating journey in developing a software solution for entrepreneurs and businesses. Discover how their innovative approach enhances accountability, culture, and team building within work teams.

In this episode, host Charlie Walker and co-host Lisa Bruhn sit down with Jason Roets, Owner of Evolution Custom Homes , to explore his journey to becoming a successful homebuilder. Jason shares the challenges he overcame, the lessons learned along the way, and his vision for the future. Tune in to gain insights into what it truly takes to build a new home from the ground up!

Host Charlie Walker, joined by co-host Ken Pearson, leads an engaging discussion on the future of agriculture and education in the Chippewa Valley. In this episode, we welcome Teryn Close and her father, Jamie Close, who share their perspectives on the importance of agricultural education. Teryn, who studied at Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), offers her insights on how her education has...

Join host Charlie Walker as he dives deep in the concept of leveraging volunteers for your business. They can be an effective way to boost productivity, expand reach, and build community engagement, especially in organizations like nonprofits and business community projects. With Co-Host Teryn Close discover the passionate volunteers and dedicated people behind the Chippewa Farm Technology Days. D...

Host, Charlie Walker, and CEDC board member Karen Smith of Security Bank engage in a conversation with Jake Zwieflhofer, Owner and agronomist of Red Cedar Agronomy. Listen in as Jake discusses his path to business ownership, the struggles he faced, and what the future holds!

Join host Charlie Walker as he converses with Bruce Mlsna, CEO of River Country Coop. Bruce shares his journey to leadership, detailing the growth and achievements of River Country Coop. Learn about the diverse range of services they offer and their commitment to inclusivity and innovation.

Tune in as host Charlie Walker chats with Harvey Zimmerman and Dominic Paul from Hixwood about their company's journey. Discover how Hixwood was founded, the innovative solutions they provide, and the challenges they overcame along the way. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with entrepreneurial wisdom and inspiration.

Hosts Charlie Walker and Lisa Bruhn visit the Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative in Cornell. Tune in as they chat with Russ and Nic from CVEC about the cooperative's history, their roles, and the rewarding aspects of their jobs.

Lar Kong Xiong, Regional Business Manager of the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, shares his journey and the passion driving his work. Whether it's business consultations, financial assistance, or guidance, Lar is steadfast in his support.

Host Charlie Walker chats with Wade Asher, the General Manager and Promoter of Country Fest, Rock Fest, and Fest Valley Events. They explore the exciting preparations at Fest Valley, including hosting the upcoming Farm Technology Days. Discover the hard work behind organizing these major events and learn how Fest Valley's sponsorship of Farm Technology Days highlights their dedication to innovatio...

Start-ups, early-stage entrepreneurs, and experienced small business owners all need help in developing management and planning tools to stay more competive in todays world. Charlie Walker and Ken Pearson discuss how entrepreneurs can always reach out and ask a community college for help. CVTC has a program called E-Seed Express Link which does just that. 

Our dynamic duo Charlie and Lisa, sit down with Entreprenuear and CEO of Artisan Foods Gene Graf. Join us to talk cheese, entreprenuarship, and fostering a positive work environment.

Ryan Hartzell from Ntera joins hosts Charlie Walker and Lisa Bruhn to emphasize the critical role of high-speed broadband in today's rural landscape. Cooperatives Working TogetherWith the ever-changing technology and need for faster, more reliable services, Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC) and Citizens Connected joined together to bring Fiber-Fast broadband services to underserved areas...

In this episode, hosts Lisa Bruhn and Charlie Walker are joined by Michelle Larson, from a 2024 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days sponsor - Chippewa Valley Energy.  Join us as Michelle delves into the history of CVE, their involvement in the community and the importance of marketing.

In this episode, hosts Lisa Bruhn and Charlie Walker are joined by Jamie Close, host Farm for this year's 2024 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days. Listen for an insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of farming - where tradition meets innovation.

Host Charlie sits down with Kjersten Berard and Stacy Franzwa from "Rewired and Real" for an in-depth discussion on mental health. Tune in as they share personal stories, practical tips, and empowering strategies to navigate life's ups and downs with resilience and authenticity.

Georgia Arts of Elysian Dream, Joins us to share her remarkable journey from military service to entrepreneurship, delving into the challenges and triumphs of both chapters in her life. 

Jeramy Williams is the owner of American Drone. American Drone not only pilots drones for full field spray applications, it is also a dealer of drones for those wanting to start their own fleets. Listen along as Charlie sits down with this local entrepreneur.

Dawnell Kelly, founder + CEO of Life-Balance by Design is a local enterpreneur who helps women get organized, be productive, and crush goals all while having balance.

Charlie sits down with Matt Middendorp and discusses the opportunities that employee ownership brings to entrepreneurs. Employee ownerships are rapidly becoming more popular.