The Freeman Focus

Logan Robertson joins The Freeman Focus Podcast for a powerful conversation about recovery, resilience, and rebuilding a life with purpose.Logan is a motivational speaker, Peer Support Specialist, and professional Recovery Coach — and the founder of Robertson Recovery Services and the Realistic Recovery in Montello, Wisconsin.In this episode, Logan shares his story honestly — from childhood struggles and life detours to addiction, accountability, and the moment everything changed. We also talk about the difference between simply being sober and truly living in recovery, why peer support matters, and how community connection can be the turning point for long-term wellness.If you or someone you love is trying to find a path forward, this episode is proof that change is possible — and that recovery can be realistic.🎙️ Hosted by Mariano🤝 Sponsored by What The Snark (Wild Rose, WI)

Officer Justin Malueg joins The Freeman Focus Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, service, and putting people over politics.Justin shares his journey in law enforcement, what led him to run for Waupaca County Sheriff, and how integrity, family values, and community engagement shape his approach to leadership.This episode dives into department culture, fiscal responsibility, immigration policy, and cooperation with federal agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — while emphasizing transparency, due process, and treating people with dignity.A direct, honest conversation about public service, accountability, and why strong local leadership matters now more than ever.

Barber Rich joins The Freeman Focus Podcast for a powerful conversation that goes far beyond the barber chair.Rich shares his journey of rebuilding his life through hard work, and choosing a new path — and how barbering became a turning point that opened doors to leadership, family, and stability.This episode highlights second chances, strong mindset shifts, and why community involvement matters when you’re trying to create a better life for yourself and your family.Enjoy!

Sam Wood returns to The Freeman Focus Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation diving into how county boards, local elections, and public oversight directly impact everyday life. Sam shares perspectives on leadership, civic responsibility, open records, and why meaningful change starts when people pay attention and get involved.Rather than focusing on party politics, this discussion highlights the value of character, competence, and conscience in local leadership — and why community engagement matters now more than ever.Enjoy!

Sam Wood is back on The Freeman Focus Podcast, and we jump into what’s been unfolding locally around government accountability, community trust, and what it takes to create real change.We discuss Sam’s potential run for Sheriff, why he’s taking early steps to do things the right way, and why local leadership should be evaluated on character over party. This episode also highlights the value of public engagement — including attending town/county board meetings and staying informed through official records and processes.Sponsor: What The Snark (Wild Rose, WI) — custom apparel, hats, hoodies, decals & branded gear made locally.

Today I sat back down with John Wenninger — owner of Wenninger Auto Repair & Towing and Wenninger Auto Sales — as the story continues in Part 3 of this multi-episode special.In this episode, John talks about finally getting the right people in the right roles and how that shift changed everything in the day-to-day operation. With a strong team in place, the focus becomes efficiency, trust, and tackling as many customer vehicle repairs as possible.It’s a grounded look at how behind-the-scenes structure, teamwork, and experience make the difference between just staying busy and truly serving customers well.

Today I sat back down with John Wenninger — owner of Wenninger Auto Repair & Towing and Wenninger Auto Sales — as the story continues in Part 2 of this multi-episode special.John reflects on a key lesson in business — that you’re always learning, and the moment you think you know it all, you don’t. As his operation grew, success stopped being about “I” and became “we,” marking the shift from working alone to building a strong team and stepping into true leadership.This one is full of stories, wisdom, and small-town dreams being built.

Today I sat down with John Wenninger — owner of Wenninger Auto Repair & Towing and Wenninger Auto Sales — for the start of a deeper, multi-episode special. John runs a local 24-hour service, and while most of us are asleep, him or his team are out on cold, dark roadways helping people with their vehicles.In Part 1, we start at the beginning: John’s early years, his natural drive to build and fix things, and the work ethic that shaped him into the person and business owner he is today — including the journey that led him into the automotive world and eventually building his own operation from the ground up. I also share a personal perspective, since I’ve worked with his towing crew in the past and have a real appreciation for what it takes to serve a community at all hours.It’s an episode rooted in hard work, resilience, and small-town values — and it’s only the start.

Today I sat down with Sam Wood — Marine Veteran, lifelong outdoorsman, and business owner with deep roots in our local communities. We talk about his journey from small-town beginnings and the Marine Corps to the outdoor world and business life out west, and how those experiences shaped his perspective on service, leadership, and looking out for others.It’s an episode grounded in honesty, purpose, and real-life experience — filled with stories, perspective, and a commitment to community.

Today I sat down with Victor Magnus — U.S. Army veteran, Freemason, and owner of Rural Mutual Insurance of Wautoma, Wisconsin. We talk about his journey from military service to building a business rooted in faith, integrity, and community, and how those same values guide the way he leads, mentors, and gives back.It’s an episode grounded in faith, freedom, and purpose — filled with lessons on service, gratitude, and protecting what truly matters.

Today I sat down with Dan Bunch — broker, community leader, and owner of Spring Group Real Estate in Neshkoro, Wisconsin. We talk about his path from small-town beginnings to building a business rooted in faith, integrity, and service, and how those same values shape the way he leads and gives back through the Neshkoro Lions Club and the Tri-County Business Center.It’s an episode grounded in faith, focus, and purpose — filled with lessons on leadership, gratitude, and building something that lasts.

Today I sat down with Ed Klinger — longtime restaurant owner, community leader, and the man behind The Moose Inn and Klinger’s Real Barbecue (KRB’s). We talk about his journey from supper-club beginnings to growing one of Wisconsin’s favorite barbecue brands, the story behind his custom “Big John” smoker, and the people-first mindset that drives everything he does. Ed also shares what’s next: a community-rooted meat market aimed at keeping local quality alive after Stone Ridge’s closure. It’s an episode full of smoke, fire, and lessons in consistency, hospitality, and building something that lasts.

Today I sat down with my good friend and former co-worker Andrew Burk — now a MATCO distributor and owner of Burk Tool LLC. We talked about his path from automotive tech to serving shops across Central Wisconsin, the “automotive brotherhood,” and why showing up, treating people right, and doing the job all the way still matters.Andrew shares how marriage and fatherhood sharpened his purpose, how mentorship (shoutout to a 40-year tool man, Steve) shaped his approach, and why he’ll drive a tool to a tech’s house if that’s what it takes. From free will and work ethic to community and competition done with respect — this one’s full of real-life takeaways.

In this inspiring episode of The Freeman Focus, host Mariano sits down with Molly Dahlke — a woman whose life is deeply rooted in faith, service, and community.From her role in insurance, helping families protect what matters most, to her leadership and worship involvement at Crossroads Family Church, Molly shares how her walk with Jesus Christ shapes every part of her life.Together, they talk about overcoming doubt, trusting in God’s timing, and learning to live with faith over fear — even when life feels uncertain.If you’ve ever struggled to stay grounded in your beliefs or needed a reminder that God is working behind the scenes, this conversation will speak to your heart. 🙏

Episode 2 – The Creator’s Grind with Melissa WoodIn this episode of The Freeman Focus, Mariano sits down with local entrepreneur and creator Melissa Wood, founder of What The Snark and Season One sponsor. They talk about how her business began, the humor and creativity behind her brand, and the challenges of new business ventures while staying true to visions of making an impact in the community. Melissa shares how she helps bring the community together through events like Food Truck Tuesdays in Wild Rose, giving local vendors and small businesses a platform to grow. Together, they highlight the heart and hustle behind small-town entrepreneurship — turning creativity and community into lasting impact. Enjoy!

Episode 1 – From Media to Sheds with Toni ManteiIn this first episode of The Freeman Focus, Mariano sits down with shed dealer and community connector Toni Mantei. They talk about how their partnership began through media and photography, how it grew into shed sales, and the creative marketing ideas that keep her dealership thriving. Toni shares her passion for community events, giving back, and the patriotic values that guide her business. Together, they explore how small-town entrepreneurship is about more than sales — it’s about connection, creativity, and building something that lasts.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Freeman Focus. Please subscribe and share with your friends!