BEAR Discussions

CCEDC's Charlie Walker sits down with Dr. Drew Gintner, a licensed chiropractor and prospective presenter at our Honeycomb HATCH Pitch Competition.

Anthony Nied started Safe & Simple Organic Lawns in 2018 because he knew of a market that had to be filled. In this BEAR Discussions podcast episode, Anthony talks to us about how he runs a seasonal business, the generational change in gardening interest, and how he grows his customer base and his business organically.

Sara Drolet is the owner of Water's Edge Cheese Curds and a Corporate Account Manager at High Line Foods: in short, she knows how to sell food to restaurants. In this podcast, we talk about how Sara markets to her customers ("sprinkles on the cheese"), how she attracts talent, and if she ever sees Water's Edge expanding to retail.

Join CCEDC's Charlie and Lisa for a special episode with two guests: Stacey Powell, RN, Director of Surgical Services for HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's Hospitals, and Kelli Olson, RN, Surgical OR Nurse at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital. We talk about the healthcare industry, how the talent shortage has affected them, and how we can work towards mending the talent pipeline.

Have you ever wondered what the catalyst is for an entrepreneur to take the plunge? In this episode, hear Steve Millen's story of how he went from repairing small engines in his garage to owning one of the most successful equipment service and supply stores in the nation.

Tim Schilla has always had a passion for working on old cars and building things. CCEDC's Charlie Walker sits down with Schilla, owner of Auburn Rod & Custom, to talk about his passion for old cars and building, and the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur in the automotive industry.

Join the CCEDC for this week’s BEAR Discussions Podcast episode featuring Ryan Stolt, owner of the Bloomer Brewing Company. The brewery is a second-generation, family owned establishment started by Ryan’s father. Their building was recently renovated in 2020, which expanded their scope of business and has been instrumental in their success.

CCEDC Board Member Lisa Bruhn sits down with Christine Untiedt, owner of Brown Barn Botanicals, to talk about how she started her business, how it has evolved, and what her plans are for the next few years. Brown Barn Botanicals is a skincare company that sources most of its ingredients from their farm in Lake Holcombe, Wisconsin, and makes all of their products in-house.

Founder and owner of Martino's Pizza Place, Ron Haas, sits down with the CCEDC to discuss opening a restaurant, staying open and pivoting during the pandemic, and the effect that pushes for university attendance have had on the restaurant and trade industries. The title, "Lean Pizza," comes from a manufacturing term, to Lean, which is to make the line as efficient and cost-friendly as possible. Ro...

CCEDC's Charlie Walker talks with Deb Leslie, a recent retiree of Workforce Resource Inc., about workforce development, finding your passion, being a great connector, and seeing every opportunity present. "If not me, then who?" -Deb Leslie

Lisa Bruhn talks with Wayne Lautsbaugh of Crescent Meats about business, meat packing, farming, and more!

CCEDC's Charlie Walker sits down with Justin Vajko, founder of Dialog Design Co., to discuss being proactive about finding talent, the importance of investing into your employees before anything else, and the evolvement of the field of digital marketing.

CCEDC's Charlie Walker sits down with Matt Guse, owner of MRS Machining Co., to discuss carrying on legacies, educating the next generation, and the criticality of manufacturing as a trade.

Northwest Truck Service was founded in 2014 by husband and wife team Dave and Jani Kott, and the team has expanded to include their children and professional diesel mechanics. Their daughter Jordan, an economist, joins the CCEDC to discuss the conception and development of Northwest Truck Service, thriving as a family business, talent acquisition and retention, and the importance of a healthy work...

CEDC's Charlie Walker sits down with Dr. Lona Cook, a writer, philosopher, and chiropractor. She tells us about the varying areas of learning that she has explored, as well as giving insight on success, peace, and raising a family and a business.

Ashley Nyhus and CEDC's Charlie Walker discuss the importance of balance. Ashley is a principal of Nyhus Enterprises and she gives an update on how she works with her spouse Eric-as they work together to grow a business and a family.

A BEAR Discussion with Dr. Vijay Sasi owner/president of ABECS Global from Stanley, Wisconsin. In this episode we hear about his journey from bootstrapping a start-up business to becoming a major custom manufacturing company involved with the production and distribution of animal health nutritional supplements. ABECS Global LLC conducts business globally with specific emphasis on improving dairy p...

Charlie Walker and Mai Xiong discuss WHEDA’s mission is to stimulate the state’s economy. The organization provides the tools to help people and communities realize their hopes and dreams. The issue of affordable housing are pressing issues that all communities face, especially in rural areas. Learn a little bit more about WHEDA.

Lisa Bruhn co-host speaks with speaks with Dave Espeseth/CEO of Piccard. Who for over 30 years has been working hands on with Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Directors of Nursing. Being involved in the skilled nursing home industry since 1986, Dave’s favorite area to work on in the product design and customer service learn what inspires his medical chair design.

In this episode of BEAR Discussions co-hosts Lisa Bruhn and Bob Oliver introduce a Western Wisconsin company called Star Blends. They discuss partnerships with Manufacturing Outreach Centers (MOC), Star Blends, and the local economic development corporation CCEDC. Choosing the right expansion location and keeping a company moving in the right direction takes a team.

SMARTcare is advancing home care. A complete cloud-based business automation platform for home care providers that drive best practices in care and elevates patient/caregiver engagement and satisfaction. SMARTcare uses connected technologies that enable home care providers to organize, optimize and simplify care delivery while saving time and improving outcomes.

Through four generations of family ownership, Huebsch has developed a great respect for their employees, customers and communities. Servicing Minneapolis-St. Paul and Western Wisconsin, the company continues to grow. Hear how the company is focused on the future!