BEAR Discussions

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.

Joe Winger recently joined Charlie Walker on the BEAR Podcast to discuss his business philosophy- how he has been able to survive the ups and downs of the home building industry, and how he is able to maintain a quality workforce. For Joe the secret is simple- treat his employees, customers, and construction colleagues with respect. He believes honesty should be the foundation of all relationships...

The importance of AquaPonic's role in the agriculture arena - a solution towards eliminating food deserts is uncovered when Charlie takes a trip to Aqua Garden's facility in Rice Lake, WI.

Storyteller extraordinaire and published author, Patti See shares with us what sparks her creativity and makes the "pen flow". Patti discusses her book, Here on Lake Hallie which entails stories of family, friends, and other interesting encounters.

CCO (Chief Connecting Officer), Ginger Johnson is in the studio! Ginger Johnson is the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation's Keynote Speaker for the 2023 Annual Meeting. She is sassy, knowledgeable, and oh so wise in the connecting arena. Ginger deep dives into some of her philosophies and their importance not only in the workplace, but every day life.

Renee Feight, publishing extrodonaire saw a niche and a gap that needed to be filled 26 years ago. Envisioning a guide where educators could find what is working in other teachers' classrooms and read the details of their success was the goal she had in mind. She now has a few successful publicaitons that are distributed throughout the state (and moving into Minnesota) to educators and manufacture...

Jeremiah's Bullfrog Fish Farm is an experience to remember. Many have even made it an annual tradition. An all-in-one spot where you can catch a fish, have it cleaned, and enjoy your shore lunch in the onsite restaurant! Listen along as we chat with Jeremiah Fredrickson, Owner of the fish farm and hear first hand about he and his family's entrepreneurial experiences.

Sara Antonson, Owner of River Bend Winery & Distillery shares with us what got her to take the jump and purchase River Bend. Between mentors and family business partners, Sara and Charlie deep dive into what makes River Bend a success story.

Beekeeper, teacher, engineer, and mom are just a few titles Missy Vircks has. She is an entrepreneur at heart and the owner of VonDraeger Conceptions. She shares with us what keeps her grounded, where it all began, and what the buzz is all about.

Charlie sat down with Dr. Tim Wolter and a few members of his 5826 Avis Automata robotics team to learn what the club is all about. They take their robot, Howard, around to local businesses to showcase their work and compete in competitions. The talent these high school students possess is impressive to say the least and are our future workforce.

Angela Maloney, Executive Director of Agnes' Table and the Legacy Community Center explains what we can do as a community to help our neighbors in need and what it takes to efficiently operate this non profit organization. She emphasizes the importance of removing the stigma and creating a neighbors helping neighbors community we are all proud to be a part of.