BEAR Discussions

Hosted by CEDC Podcasts

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Episodes

139

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Whether you are a local business leader, founder, economic developer, or curious community member, you will find thoughtful dialogue and practical takeaways on building stronger, more resilient economies. With a focus on learning and community insight, BEAR Discussions connects listeners to real-world perspectives on how businesses start, grow, and thrive. Each episode features candid conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, founders, policymakers, and industry experts about issues shaping regional development, from workforce and innovation to manufacturing, defense, and small business success. Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) Discussions is a podcast by the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) that explores the strategies, stories, and people driving economic growth in the Chippewa Valley and beyond.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 21, 2026Episode 1740 min

"From Roofs to Reindeer" - Tyler & De Anna Westphal - Episode 617

What happens when a second-generation roofer and a marketing professional dream big? Host Charlie Walker visits 6Four Accord in Barron County to hear how Tyler and Deanna Westphal transformed a construction shop into a one-of-a-kind destination centered on connection, community, and creating lasting memories. From entrepreneurship and agritourism to live reindeer, live music, faith, and family, Tyler and Deanna share the story behind 6Four Accord and the lessons they've learned while building a business designed to bring generations together.

August 7, 2026Episode 1632 min

"Service First: Lakeside & In Madison" - Brett Larson & Rob Summerfield - Episode 616

Host Charlie Walker and co-host Karen Smith take BEAR Discussions lakeside to Backwoods Waterside Bar & Grill on Chain Lake in Rusk County. Owner Brett Larson shares how he and his ownership group rescued a 90-year-old icon from the bulldozer, what it takes to run a seven-day-a-week hospitality business, and the hard lesson they learned after running out of beer on opening weekend. State Representative Rob Summerfield joins the conversation, reflecting on how his own supper club roots shaped his service-first approach in Madison. From eliminating taxes on tips and retaining Wisconsin's workforce to the rise of non-alcoholic beverages and the role of AI in small business, it's a wide-ranging conversation about keeping Wisconsin competitive, affordable, and welcoming for entrepreneurs.

July 24, 2026Episode 1520 min

Cheese, Community & Taking the Leap - Adam Baalrud -Episode 615

In this episode of BEAR Discussions, Charlie Walker and Karen Smith sit down with Adam Baalrud, owner of the New Auburn Cheese Company, to discuss his journey from the food science and dairy industry to launching a successful small-town restaurant and cheese shop. From building a business in rural Wisconsin to exploring new opportunities in the cheese industry, this episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone passionate about strengthening local communities.

July 10, 2026Episode 1434 min

"Just Look at the Door" - Steve & Clay Olson – Episode 614

Recorded on location at Gilbert's of Sand Creek, this episode of the BEAR Discussions Podcast features host Charlie Walker and co-host Karen Smith in conversation with Steve Olson and Clay Olson. Together, they discuss the dealership's history, the value of family ownership, leadership, innovation, and what continues to drive the business forward in the Chippewa Valley.

June 26, 2026Episode 1523 min

"Learning to Say No" - Kelli Cook – Episode 613

Host Charlie Walker sits down with Kelli Cook, founder of The Yoga Plant in Chippewa Falls, to talk about how saying yes to everything led to burnout—and how learning to say no transformed her energy, her business, and the community she serves.

June 12, 2026Episode 1228 min

"Keep Your Eye On The Target" – David Epstein – Episode 612

Tune in to this episode with host Charlie Walker and cohost Ken Pearson of Jackson County Economic Development & Tourism for a conversation with David Epstein, recorded in Jackson County. Listen as owner of Mosser Lee, David Epstein shares insights on real-world challenges and opportunities in rural communities, and how treating your employees well can go a long way toward building strong, successful organizations and regions.

May 29, 2026Episode 1138 min

"Opportunity, Not Opposition" – Maggi Thorne – Episode 611

Nine‑time American Ninja Warrior and entrepreneur Maggi Thorne joins host Charlie Walker and co‑host John Gatto to share how she learned to see every setback as opportunity, not opposition. From starting as a custodian to managing multi‑million‑dollar projects and stepping onto the American Ninja Warrior stage, Maggi unpacks the mindset, resilience, and faith it takes to keep moving forward when success comes with problems attached.

May 15, 2026Episode 1026 min

"Building Momentum" – Steve Jahn – Episode 610

In this episode of the CEDC Bear Discussions podcast, Charlie Walker sits down with Momentum West Executive Director Steve Jahn to discuss the power of partnerships in economic development. Learn how collaboration among communities, businesses, educators, and economic development organizations has helped make Western Wisconsin a thriving place to live, work, and invest.

May 1, 2026Episode 942 min

"Cultivating Purpose: Vets, Vines & Vision" - Wisconsin Veterans Farm & Winery - Episode 609

Join hosts Charlie Walker and cohost Ron Haas, President of the Stanley Chamber of Commerce, on the BEAR Discussions Podcast as they sit down with retired U.S. Army veteran Dan Osborn, owner of Wisconsin Veterans Farm & Winery in Cornell, Wisconsin. Tune in to hear his journey from military service to building a unique agritourism and winery business rooted in purpose, community, and veteran empowerment right here in Chippewa County.

April 17, 2026Episode 831 min

"Underground to Unstoppable" - Mag Stainless - Episode 608

Join hosts Charlie and Lisa on the Bear Podcast as they interview Matt and Shawna Gwiazda, owners of Mag Stainless in Cadott, Wisconsin. Tune in to hear their journey building a nationally recognized stainless steel fabrication company right here in Chippewa County.