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!

Join us as Christina Funk, founder of MetabolicCareNP, shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey and her mission to smash the silos in metabolic care. Discover how her innovative approach to healthcare won her the CEDC Hatch Competition and led to the creation of a groundbreaking medical practice. Christina discusses how MetabolicCareNP is transforming the way we approach metabolic health by integrating care and breaking down barriers to create holistic solutions for lasting patient transformations. Tune in to learn how Christina is reshaping healthcare through collaboration and a commitment to unified, patient-centered care.

In this episode of the BEAR Discussions podcast, host Charlie Walker is joined by Garret Zastoupil, PhD, Community and Leadership Development Educator with UW-Madison Extension. They explore the often-overlooked resources available through the UW-Madison Extension across Wisconsin. Garret shares how Extension programs across Wisconsin are helping individuals and communities in so many amazing ways. Tune in to discover how these programs can empower you and your business to succeed.

Host Charlie Walker chats with entrepreneur Susan Ramonat about resilience, the value of hard work, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity. They discuss teamwork, finding the right co-founder, the importance of mentorship, navigating technological advancements, and fostering human connection in a digital world.