BEAR Discussions

Hosted by CEDC Podcasts

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Episodes

135

Latest episode

Jun 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

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.

April 3, 2026Episode 726 min

"From Coast Guard to Community Banker" - Ken Hanley - Episode 607

Charlie and Ken discuss the unique challenges of rural and home‑based businesses, the power of community banks, and how to build a banking relationship before you really need it.

March 20, 2026Episode 633 min

"People-First Manufacturing" - Nick Ford - Episode 606

Host Charlie Walker is joined by Nick Ford from UW–Stout’s Manufacturing Outreach Center for a conversation about supporting small and mid-size manufacturers in western Wisconsin. They explore lean and TWI-based training, process improvement, AI in manufacturing, workforce development, and safety strategies that help manufacturers operate more efficiently and stay competitive.

March 6, 2026Episode 523 min

"Roofs, Risk, and Old Boys" - Joe Roshell– Episode 605

Joe Roshell of Orion Defense Systems joins BEAR Discussions to share how “old boys” mentoring, smart partnerships, and steady learning helped him build a growing commercial roof-coatings business through volatile early years, talent challenges, and rapid innovation in both coatings and AI-driven marketing

February 20, 2026Episode 430 min

“Lights, Camera, Connect!” – Andrea Polnaszek – Episode 604

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker and therapist Andrea Polnaszek of the Boylan Sisters to talk movies, books, Wisconsin’s growing film industry, and how stories connect communities.

February 6, 2026Episode 325 min

"Meat, Grit, and Growth" - Brandon Mitchell - Episode 603

Charlie sits down with Brandon Mitchell of Block 49 Meats to explore how a family legacy evolved into a modern meat business. Brandon shares the realities of launching a startup, the challenges and rewards of building a company from the ground up alongside his spouse, and the importance of strong mentors and community connections along the way. The conversation offers practical insights and lessons Brandon hopes will resonate with other entrepreneurs navigating their own business journeys.