The Freeman Focus

Toni Mantei from WI Backyard Sheds returns and is joined by Gary and Chuck from AMVETS Post 13 of Redgranite to talk about the upcoming Annual AMVETS Brat Fry happening July 3rd & 4th at WI Backyard Sheds. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting local veterans, how proceeds from the fundraiser help veterans in our community, and what visitors can expect during the two-day even...

🎙️ Episode 24 | Waushara Area Chamber of Commerce with Lori Alguire Lori Alguire, Executive Director of the Waushara Area Chamber of Commerce, joins The Freeman Focus Podcast to discuss how the Chamber supports local businesses, promotes community growth, and helps connect residents with the many events, organizations, and opportunities happening throughout Waushara County. The conversation explor...

On this Episode, Toni Mantei of Wisconsin Backyard Sheds returns on The Freeman Focus Podcast alongside Vicky from Little Sprouts Discovery Center in Redgranite to discuss upcoming community events and this Saturday's Brat Fry fundraiser at Wisconsin Backyard Sheds. The conversation explores the importance of how community partnerships help create fun, family-friendly experiences for children...

Dylan Testin joins The Freeman Focus to share the story behind the rapidly growing Wild Rose Old Fashioned Fest and how one idea turned into one of Central Wisconsin’s biggest community-driven events. The conversation explores the growth of the festival, the impact it has on tourism and local businesses, the importance of community collaboration, and why events like this help bring people together...

Jen Mann from the Historic Montello Theater joins the show to share the story behind taking over one of Central Wisconsin’s most unique community gathering spaces during the challenges faced during the end of the COVID pandemic. The conversation explores preserving small-town history, bringing local entertainment back to life, creating affordable family experiences, and restoring the old-school co...

In this episode of The Freeman Focus Podcast, we welcome (57th District State Assembly candidate) Ed Delgado for an open and honest conversation about politics, community, and the importance of voting. We discuss how local and state decisions impact everyday life, why many people feel disconnected from the voting process, and how individuals can take small steps to become more informed and involve...

Doug Sessler of Crystal Wood Lake Supper Club joins The Freeman Focus Podcast to share the story behind a long-standing Wisconsin supper club and the legacy it carries. The conversation explores how the business has evolved, the challenges of the restaurant industry, and the importance of community in keeping traditions alive. This episode highlights the value of local businesses and the stories b...

Toni Mantei joins The Freeman Focus Podcast for a return appearance, alongside Wautoma Police Chief Paul Mott, to recap the recent Kids Ice Fisheree and the community effort behind it. Toni shares her perspective on helping organize the event through WI Backyard Sheds, working alongside the Wautoma Police Department, Cops and Bobbers, the Hardwater Hornets, and a strong group of local sponsors and...

Ricky Brown joins The Freeman Focus Podcast to discuss the story behind GraniteTruth and the local conversations that led him to begin speaking publicly about issues affecting our communities. Ricky has been building an online presence through GraniteTruth, sharing perspectives on community awareness, transparency, and the importance of paying attention to local government decisions that impact ev...

Logan Robertson joins The Freeman Focus Podcast for a powerful conversation about recovery, resilience, and rebuilding a life with purpose. Logan is a motivational speaker, Peer Support Specialist, and professional Recovery Coach — and the founder of Robertson Recovery Services and the Realistic Recovery in Montello, Wisconsin. In this episode, Logan shares his story honestly — from childhood stru...

Officer Justin Malueg joins The Freeman Focus Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, service, and putting people over politics. Justin shares his journey in law enforcement, what led him to run for Waupaca County Sheriff, and how integrity, family values, and community engagement shape his approach to leadership. This episode dives into department culture, fiscal responsibility,...

Barber Rich joins The Freeman Focus Podcast for a powerful conversation that goes far beyond the barber chair. Rich shares his journey of rebuilding his life through hard work, and choosing a new path — and how barbering became a turning point that opened doors to leadership, family, and stability. This episode highlights second chances, strong mindset shifts, and why community involvement matters...

Sam Wood returns to The Freeman Focus Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation diving into how county boards, local elections, and public oversight directly impact everyday life. Sam shares perspectives on leadership, civic responsibility, open records, and why meaningful change starts when people pay attention and get involved. Rather than focusing on party politics, this discussion highlights the...

Sam Wood is back on The Freeman Focus Podcast , and we jump into what’s been unfolding locally around government accountability , community trust, and what it takes to create real change. We discuss Sam’s potential run for Sheriff , why he’s taking early steps to do things the right way, and why local leadership should be evaluated on character over party . This episode also highlights the value o...

Today I sat back down with John Wenninger — owner of Wenninger Auto Repair & Towing and Wenninger Auto Sales — as the story continues in Part 3 of this multi-episode special. In this episode, John talks about finally getting the right people in the right roles and how that shift changed everything in the day-to-day operation. With a strong team in place, the focus becomes efficiency, trust, an...

Today I sat back down with John Wenninger — owner of Wenninger Auto Repair & Towing and Wenninger Auto Sales — as the story continues in Part 2 of this multi-episode special. John reflects on a key lesson in business — that you’re always learning, and the moment you think you know it all, you don’t. As his operation grew, success stopped being about “I” and became “we,” marking the shift from...

Today I sat down with John Wenninger — owner of Wenninger Auto Repair & Towing and Wenninger Auto Sales — for the start of a deeper, multi-episode special. John runs a local 24-hour service , and while most of us are asleep, him or his team are out on cold, dark roadways helping people with their vehicles. In Part 1, we start at the beginning: John’s early years, his natural drive to build and...

Today I sat down with Sam Wood — Marine Veteran, lifelong outdoorsman, and business owner with deep roots in our local communities. We talk about his journey from small-town beginnings and the Marine Corps to the outdoor world and business life out west, and how those experiences shaped his perspective on service, leadership, and looking out for others. It’s an episode grounded in honesty, purpose...

Today I sat down with Victor Magnus — U.S. Army veteran, Freemason, and owner of Rural Mutual Insurance of Wautoma, Wisconsin . We talk about his journey from military service to building a business rooted in faith, integrity, and community, and how those same values guide the way he leads, mentors, and gives back. It’s an episode grounded in faith, freedom, and purpose — filled with lessons on se...

Today I sat down with Dan Bunch — broker, community leader, and owner of Spring Group Real Estate in Neshkoro, Wisconsin . We talk about his path from small-town beginnings to building a business rooted in faith, integrity, and service , and how those same values shape the way he leads and gives back through the Neshkoro Lions Club and the Tri-County Business Center . It’s an episode grounded in f...

Today I sat down with Ed Klinger — longtime restaurant owner, community leader, and the man behind The Moose Inn and Klinger’s Real Barbecue (KRB’s) . We talk about his journey from supper-club beginnings to growing one of Wisconsin’s favorite barbecue brands, the story behind his custom “Big John” smoker, and the people-first mindset that drives everything he does. Ed also shares what’s next: a c...

Today I sat down with my good friend and former co-worker Andrew Burk — now a MATCO distributor and owner of Burk Tool LLC. We talked about his path from automotive tech to serving shops across Central Wisconsin, the “automotive brotherhood,” and why showing up, treating people right, and doing the job all the way still matters. Andrew shares how marriage and fatherhood sharpened his purpose, how...

In this inspiring episode of The Freeman Focus, host Mariano sits down with Molly Dahlke — a woman whose life is deeply rooted in faith, service, and community. From her role in insurance, helping families protect what matters most, to her leadership and worship involvement at Crossroads Family Church, Molly shares how her walk with Jesus Christ shapes every part of her life. Together, they talk a...

Episode 2 – The Creator’s Grind with Melissa Wood In this episode of The Freeman Focus, Mariano sits down with local entrepreneur and creator Melissa Wood, founder of What The Snark and Season One sponsor. They talk about how her business began, the humor and creativity behind her brand, and the challenges of new business ventures while staying true to visions of making an impact in the community....

Episode 1 – From Media to Sheds with Toni Mantei In this first episode of The Freeman Focus , Mariano sits down with shed dealer and community connector Toni Mantei . They talk about how their partnership began through media and photography, how it grew into shed sales, and the creative marketing ideas that keep her dealership thriving. Toni shares her passion for community events, giving back, an...