BEAR Discussions

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. Since Joe was in High School, he had always aspired to be a contractor. Joe graduated from CVTC in the residential construction program and has built on that knowledge to become one of the premier custom home builders in the Chippewa Valley.

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 manufacturers.

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.

Marc Harding from The Harding Group shares his deep knowledge on the topic of working on your business, not just in your business. Business coaching and groups are great tools to utilize for entrepreneurs in all phases and industries of business.

Entrepreneur, Yogi, Nurse Practitioner, Mother, are just a few titles Kelli Cook carries. The owner of The Yoga Plant shares with us what drives her, how she balances home life, what it took to get her where she is today, and what direction she is heading for the future.

The job market goes hand in hand with enterprise. Chippewa River Industries (C.R.I) is a great option for business who are looking to outsource and a place different abled people can get valuable work experience and bring home a paycheck!

The future of Chiropractic Care aligns (no pun intended...okay, maybe it was intended) with an innovative movement to bring services to schools to improve not only student's well being, but also teachers. Dr. Amanda Blonigen shares her vision of the future of Chiro in schools.

Entrepreneur Rachael Drumsta takes the traditional Nordic Sauna and makes it a mobile retreat. From Wellness Retreats to Pop Up Shops, she is ready to accomodate your next Sauna Experience.

Driving down the road, seeing straps flapping from moving vans to semi trucks - Randy Pitzer had an idea to tame the tail and went down the road of entrepreneurism.