BEAR Discussions

Host Charlie Walker welcomes Brian Maki, new Executive Director of the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, for a lively discussion about career changes, local leadership, and Brian’s roots in the Chippewa Valley. Brian shares his experience in media, events, and his vision for growing community impact through the Fair.

In this episode, Charlie Walker talks with Tyler Sperry about the role of insurance in protecting businesses and supporting growth in today’s economy.

In this episode, host Charlie Walker sits down with entrepreneurs from Health Shift who rethought healthcare for themselves, their employees, and for every small business. Together, they discuss their model that blends education, consulting, and fixed indemnity plans — to help small business owners manage costs, improve preventative care, and support workforce wellness. Tune in to discover how innovation in healthcare coverage is creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs across the Midwest.

Tune in as host Charlie Walker sits down with Courtney Luzinski and Alicia Soper, the dynamic founders of White Barn Realty in Stanley, WI. Together, they unpack the current real estate landscape—from interest rates and rural market trends to the surprising ways AI is transforming how agents work.

Join host Charlie Walker and co-host Laura Bushendorf for an insightful conversation with Superintendent Jeffrey Holmes and key members of the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District (CFAUSD) leadership team. Discover how the CFAUSD—under Holmes’s stewardship—is actively collaborating with local entrepreneurs and businesses to foster workforce readiness, boost innovation, and strengthen community ties. Learn about successful initiatives like internships, project-based learning, marketing collaborations, and advisory programs that listeners can participate in which unites students and entrepreneurs.

In this episode of the BEAR Discussions Podcast, host Charlie Walker and co-host Casey Hedrington sit down with Amy Cummings from UW–Eau Claire Continuing Education. They talk about how continuing education plays a vital role in workforce development, upskilling opportunities, and lifelong learning across the Chippewa Valley. From professional certificates to customized business training, Amy shares how her team is helping individuals and organizations adapt, grow, and succeed in today’s evolving economy.

In this episode of the BEAR Discussions podcast, host Charlie Walker and cohost Casey Hedrington sit down with Bailey Decker, owner of EC Laser and Fab in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Bailey shares his journey from concept to creation, highlighting what it takes to launch a precision fabrication business in the Chippewa Valley. You'll hear firsthand how the company is navigating tariffs, embracing AI and automation, and what these shifts mean for the future of manufacturing jobs. Whether you're a manufacturer, entrepreneur, or just love a good origin story, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Join host Charlie Walker for a heartwarming conversation with Karen Smith, owner of Heart Blossom Quilt Shop in Sand Creek, and the tight-knit crafting community she’s helped create. Karen shares how her passion for quilting grew into a thriving small business—one that stitches together creativity, connection, and community support. From the joys of bringing people together to the challenges of entrepreneurship, this episode offers inspiration for quilters, small business owners, and anyone who believes in the power of local connection. Discover what makes Heart Blossom Quilt Shop a true gem in the fabric of the Chippewa Valley.

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.