In this episode of the BEAR Discussions Podcast, host Charlie Walker engages with Sylvie Nelson, President & CEO of SDN Innovation and Adirondack Executive Services. Sylvie shares her extensive experience in workforce development, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, innovation, and equity in shaping the future economy. The conversation explores her advocacy for accessible, affordable, and quality child care; the integration of AI; and efforts to build a more competitive, future-ready workforce. Sylvie believes that workforce development is economic development and champions thriving wages, education, and skills training so individuals can truly “afford” to work.

In this episode of BEAR Discussions, hosts Charlie Walker and Lisa Bruhn sit down with Jason Troxell, President of Aspirus Health, for an insightful conversation on what it means to build, work from, and lead with values in today’s healthcare landscape. Jason shares how Aspirus Health stays mission-focused, fosters a values-driven culture, and remains committed to the communities it serves.

Born and raised in Chippewa Falls, Jordan Stoll didn’t expect a pandemic-era hobby to turn into a full-fledged business. But when he was reconnected with his childhood love for trading cards during COVID, it sparked something bigger. Now, as one of three co-owners of The Slab Factory, Jordan helps lead a growing operation that buys, sells, and grades sports and Pokémon cards with precision and passion.

In this episode, host Charlie Walker sits down with Jordan to talk about how The Slab Factory got its start, the ups and downs of turning collectibles into cash flow, and why having a solid plan makes all the difference.

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Ryder from Rands Trucking to talk about playing to your strengths, the power of face-to-face connection, and finding the right audience for your business. Whether you're growing a company or building relationships, Joe shares real-world insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of the BEAR Discussions Podcast, we sit down with Katelynn Taylor, the founder of Good Ass Day, to explore her journey of building a brand that’s all about positivity and purpose. From the inspiration behind her business to the challenges she’s overcome, Katelynn shares how she’s cultivated a movement that resonates with people seeking joy and authenticity. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and making every day a Good Ass Day!

In this special bonus episode, host Charlie Walker sits down with Chase Hoople, General Manager of Valley Sports Academy (VSA), to discuss the upcoming CEDC Collaborative Showcase. Recorded prior to the event, they delve into VSA's commitment to fostering innovation in sports training and its impact on the Chippewa Valley community. Learn more about the event in our blog: Fostering Innovation: The CEDC Collaborative Showcase at VSA

Jeffrey Dirks, co-founder of The Dirks Group, joins Charlie to talk about what it takes to build a strong business and an even stronger team. What started as a home-based IT startup in 1999 has grown into a leading tech services company with offices in Wausau and Eau Claire, serving over 400 customers.

In this episode of BEAR Discussions, co-hosts Lisa Bruhn and Ken Pearson join Charlie Walker as he sits down with Stephanie Pusateri to explore her journey into the world of massage therapy. Stephanie shares the key steps she took to launch her business, from education and certification to building a client base and overcoming challenges as an entrepreneur. Tune in for valuable insights, experiences, and advice on getting started and staying the course in the massage industry!

In this episode, Charlie and Lisa sit down with Alisha Hanson, Co-Founder and CEO of Althea Medical Group, to explore her groundbreaking approach to primary care in the Chippewa Valley.

In this episode of the BEAR Discussions Podcast, we sit down with the 'Egg Roll Chick,' an inspiring entrepreneur who turned her passion for cooking into a thriving business. Discover how she crafted her unique brand, overcame challenges, and built a loyal following one delicious egg roll at a time. Her journey is a recipe for success you won’t want to miss!