BEAR Discussions

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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