Mitch Petrie - President

Mitch Petrie Joined Ron Schara Enterprises in January, 2008 as its President.  Mitch brings with him a background in business development, e-commerce, sales and television production.  As President, Mitch will focus on the operations and growth of Ron Schara Enterprises.

 

Mitch has a passion for the outdoors, so it's no wonder his activities outside of work evolve with the seasons.  In the summer, look for Mitch on Lake Minnetonka fishing and boating with his wife Kristin and 3 sons Theo, Aaron and William.

 

In the fall you'll find Mitch in a tree stand with his bow watching nature and pursuing the ever-elusive big buck.  Late fall Mitch is walking the fields of Minnesota and South Dakota seeking ring-neck pheasants with friends.  Winter is spent chasing coyotes in Minnesota and North Dakota.  Spring is turkey time with the occasional bear hunt thrown in as time permits.

 

Mitch, a Mankato native, lives in Plymouth with his family and is active in his church and the Saint John's University Alumni Association.

 

Joe Harewicz - Senior Producer

So what's a producer to do?

 

If you compare producing to baking a birthday cake, the producer gathers flour, eggs, yeast, ensures the oven is at the right temp, gets the birthday candles, makes sure the frosting is right and the details are right.  If folks love the cake, great, because with a weekly show, its time to bake another.  A producer should add "some attitude," be a cheerleader and have command of the subject matter.

 

I wear many hats, I produce and write, but also shoot and edit.  I love the variety.  Viewers may find it surprising that oftern we distill hours, even days in the field into 4 or 5 "watchable" minutes.  While the solitude and the slow pace of nature draws people outdoors, sometimes that doesn't translate to compelling T.V.  As Ron often reminds us - Tell Great Stories!

 

One of the first stories Ron and I worked on was about romance in the outdoors.  In the middle of January, we trudged up the North Shore in search of couples who embrace the outdoors.  Deep in the back country, north of Lutsen, we hiked upon some winter campers.  Ron tapped on a tent flap, the folks inside unzipped and said, "WOW! Ron Schara is at our camp site.  Will you please join us for some stew, and oh by the way, where's Raven?"

 

Folks are quick to embrace his folksy charm and Raven.  The original Raven was one of a kind.  Smart and plenty cute too.  When she saw me and the camera, she knew it was TV time.  i think she liked the attention.

 

While on a photo safari in Africa, a herd of charging Cape Buffalo, each one as big as an SUV, were stampeding right towards us.  The ground was shaking, Ron pointed to a tree and up we went, scurrying to safety.  Later on that shoot Ron fell into some quicksand, we laugh now, but there was a giant crocodile nearby that made for a mighty quick exit.

 

In the course of producing 400 plus shows, I've been blessed to have met some interesting people.  Folks who love the outdoor lifestyle and are passionate about it.  I've noticed a trend, the folks who embrace the outdoors for the most part, have lots of energy, act younger than their years, and are still curious and fascinated by the small wonders in nature.

 

I have a wonderful 17 year-old daughter, a top student who loves the outdoors.  I've shared time with her at Voyageaurs National Park, the North Shore, Superior Hiking Trail, floated the Zumbro river and explored many of Minnesota's great state parks.

 

Once during a shoot with Ted Nugent, he grabbed a guitar and I had a harp and we jammed as Ron sang with "The Nuge!"

 

Belinda Jensen - Features Reporter

My favorite sport: Tennis in the summer, skiing in the winter.

 

My favorite food: Pancakes and Milkduds.

 

Best time fishing: I loved going fishing with my Dad, Uncle Rich, and my brother Jeremy on the Brule in Northern Wisconsin.  I had been there so many times when I was a kid, so it was fun to go back as an adult.  We caught some interesting fish...one we couldn't even name!

 

People would be surprised to know:  That I wish I could have been a great floral designer.  I love flowers and plants.  I have a bunch in my house that I have and constantly kill and replace!

 

My favorite book:  I don't have time to read!  Minnesota Bound, KARE 11, K102, Cities 97 and most importantly my toddler Tanner, my husband Dave, my puppy Kula keep me so busy!  I try to read the paper every day.

 

My favorite movie:  I am really behind in my movie watching, but I really like sappy movies...Family Man was really cute with Nick Cage. 

 

My idea of a relaxing night would be cooking some new good recipes that I have ALL the ingredients for in the house and having a fire with my boys, David, Tanner & Kula!

 

Someday I'd like to try:  I have tried a lot of things and some of them have been so crazy!  So I would have to say...I would love to try to learn to sing!  I am terrible, but voice lessons would be fun.

 

Steve Plummer - Director of Photography

Steve began his photojournalism career while attending school at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.  He worked as a photographer and editor for a local Madison affiliate.  Shortly after his 1998 graduation, Fox Television in Milwaukee hired him.

Steve Joined Ron Schara Enterprises in 1999 as Director of Photography.  Since then, he's experienced some of nature's greatest gifts.

 

Steve's favorite memories include sleeping in a blind among tens of thousands of migrating Sandhill Cranes in Kearny, Nebraska.  Steve also walked the glaciers of Alaska and filmed Kodiak bears from a stone's throw away.  Closer to home, the Boundary Waters brought Steve fond memories of filming folks experiencing the Minnesota wilderness for the first time.

 

Steve also enjoys working with characters, the foundation of storytelling.  Two of his favorites include Scott Barton, a 13 year-old pheasant hunter who beat cancer.  And 79 year-old Ottis W. Lael, a man with a lifetime of perspective and a love for making the most unusual hand-carved fish decoys. 

 

While photography allows Steve to travel the world and meet unique people, his passion lies in putting the story together.  He considers his "Second Life" in the edit bay and opportunity to give viewers a chance to see and feel the story as he felt it.

 

He has been honored in several areas over the years with 3 Emmy Awards and 5 Emmy Nominations.  However, he is most proud of his work to establish the often invisible, but always important production department of Ron Schara Enterprises.

 

Steve lives in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota with wife Kelly, his baby girl Bella and his white German Shepherd, Greta.

 

Mike Cashman - Photojournalist/Producer

Favorite TV show:  Anything Heather Locklear is in.

 

Most memorable Minnesota Bound trip:  Our trip to Argentina and Chile.  The cenery was spectacular

 

One thing I've learned in life:  Forget the past, liive for today and think about the future.

 

If I had a million dollars:  I would buy race horses in the hopes of getting into the Kentucky Derby.

 

One thing I would like to try:  Driving an Indy or NASCAR race at a major speedway.

 

Closest I ever came to thinking I was going to die:  was when I was 13 and our farm was destroyed by a tornado.

Favorite ethnic food:  Anything prepared by Heather Locklear.

 

Everyone would be surprised if they knew:  I am single and available!!!

 

Best part of my job:  Is being able to meet so many interesting and fun people who all have a story to tell.

 

Aaron Achtenberg - Photojournalist/Producer

What I do at MN Bound - Like everyone else here, I kind of do it all from shooting and editing stories, to on-lining shows, to commercial production.  But what really excites me most is shooting and editing the stories.  I love going out and gathering a good story.  Experienceing a new place and meeting new people is definitely one of the highlights of the job.

 

My favorite trip - Ron and I spent a week on the border of Nicaragua and Costa Rica.  We fished for tarpon in the Gulf of Mexico and a few other fish in the jungle backwaters.  I saw so many amazing things there it was an experience unlike anything else.  Crocodiles, sloths, monkeys, lizards and many beautiful birds made capturing pretty pictures fairly easy.  It was a beautiful place and I will never forget it.

 

My favorite story was shot on a little trout steam near Red Wing, MN.  We met the president of Carleton College, a passionate fly fisherman.  He fishes in a tie and teaches fly-casting to the students at Carleton College.

 

One of my favorite Ron moments happened in Omaha, NE at the national pheasant fest.  Ron likes to razz me about being from North Dakota.  The usual jokes:  No plumbing, no electricity and everyone is related.  Well, we were at the conventions and met a few people from my home state.  As it turns out, one guy happened to be my Dad's boss from a long time back, and another happened to be my wife's cousin.  I'll never hear the end of it from Ron.  I guess we are all related in North Dakota.

 

My home is now in Ramsey, MN.  I share the house with my wife LeAnn, son Christian(3), daughter Elise (3 weeks) and a lab named Jack.  My wife and I have been married for 9 years and she is very understanding when it comes to my travel schedule.

 

Kelly Jo Mcdonnell - Director of Operations

Nickname: (given by Mr. Schara) Ms. Kelly

Years with Company: 14

 

What I do at RSE:  It's my job to keep all the fires burning.  I handle all the scheduling for Ron, all scheduling for the TV trips, and other producers.  Some other items that fall under my umbrella are organizing the commercial traffic for the shows; researching new locations and stories for the shows; handling all contracts & speaking contracts for Ron & the shows; handling all in-coming calls and emails for the show and Ron (mine is the happy voice you hear on the voice-mail :) and other busy work that's too boring to mention.

 

Favorite MN Bound stories:  Of course, I loved the ones on the Outdoor Women's weekend in Lanesboro, MN.  My mother and I took part in that story.  The feature done on the Okoboji, IA area and the Fishing Professor is a favorite, since the Professor is my father.  Some other favorites are the features we did on Bob Carey, the Hunt of a Lifetime/Scott Barton piece, and my absolute favorite show was the patriotic one we did after 9/11.  The guys did a great job.

 

Favorite Ron & Raven moment:  It's fun watching Ron & Raven off camera, especially the first Raven.  She only had eyes for Ron.  When she was in the office, and he'd leave to run an errand, she'd hover by the door and whine until he came back.  She was never happy until he returned.  Raven also likes to "beg" next to all of our desks in the office while we eat lunch.  Raven has been known to pull a Subway sandwich right off of an editing desk, so you really have to watch when she's in the office.

 

It's also fun when Mr. Schara takes to the stage and sings.  A little-known fact, Ron use to be a professional singer.  It's so weird to see him do that since all I know of Ron Schara is the TV and writing talent.  He's a darn good singer!

 

MN Bound behind the scenes:  I think folks would find it fascinating to be a fly on the wall to see how we do what we do.  The funniest moments are when the guys take the "blooper" outtakes of Ron (that the viewers never see, of course) and loop them together on a tape that we show at our Christmas party every year.

 

We get to watch Ron messing up lines, sinking into mud holes, falling asleep on camera while hunting, and answering his cell phone while turkey hunting.  Ron and the guys really do have fun during their many trips, and that comes across ON and OFF camera.  Our production meetings are also quite a sight.  We get an unbelievable amount of story ideas, and we talk about them all at our produciton meetings.  It's fun to see Ron "sticking up" for a story idea of his, while one of the other producers are trying to shoot it down because they don't think it will fly (yes, Ron always wins - he's the boss after all.)

 

Fun Facts:  My high school graduating class had 20 kids - I am from a small farming town in Iowa.  I played college basketball and love 80's music, as well as Elvis ( which is an office joke with the boys)

 

I love playing with my son, Hayden (5 years old). 

 

Simone Schara - Financial Manager

Years with Company = 10

 

What I do:  My main roll is the financial officer.  I also have other hats I wear including the State Fair, Minnesota Bound Store, developing and selling Ron's Outdoor Information Calendar and occasional step-in appearances with Raven

 

My favorite trip is anyone that I get to spend time with my dad.

 

Things I enjoy:  I also enjoy the outdoors.  I have horses and I enjoy taking them camping to different state forests.  I enjoy upland bird hunting, mostly pheasant, but occasional duck or goose hunt is enjoyable.

 

The future:  I look forward to watching Ron Schara Enterprises grow.  It started with a staff of 3 - now we are 15.  I look forward to having my son, Jake Ronals (3) join his grandpa on outdoor adventures.

 

Pets: 2 dogs - Hoosier (Raven's brother) and Remy.  1 cat - Simpson.  2 horses - Ruby and D.C. 1 fish - Jakes Fish

 

Bill Sherck - Producer & Man About the Woods

Bill is an Emmy Award-Winning writer and television host of "Due North Outdoors" on the Fox Sports Networks.  He also reports for various outdoor programs on the Versus Network, the Outdoor Channel and NBC affiliates throughout the Midwest.

 

Bill got his television start along Lake Superior's Wilderness North Shore reporting local news.  Over the next decade, Bill worked as a field reporter for various ABC affiliates around the counrty and, eventually, Fox News.  He's earned about every award in the business for his unique style of storytelling.  In 2002, he left television news behind to pursue his real passion, the natural world.

 

"Man about the Woods" is a fitting title.  Bill's grandfather was a weekend bush pilot who spent his days fishing and hunting the bush of Quebec.  He passed along his love of the outdoors to his son, Bill's now third generation.

 

Most memorable trip;  Our most memorable trips seem to be those that take us to America's nooks and crannies where we meet an endless number of great outdoor characters.  Exactly why we're in business!

 

Favorite places:  Waist deep in a bitingly cold trout stream, my red fishing boat on Gull Lake, any of 126 stops along Minnesota's North Shore or my North Face tent tucked away in the woods.

 

Favorite Movies:  Never Cry Wolf, A River Runs Through It, and any of Warren Miller's Ski Documentaries.

 

Favorite foods:  Salmon, Sushi and Italian

 

Interesting facts: I'm originally from Canada and an Eagle Scout.

 

Nick Clausen - Producer

Nick Clausen has been an inspiring videographer ever since 9th grade where he produced the Friday Video Show at Central High School in St. Paul, MN.  Since then, he went to college at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale where he received a B.A. in Radio-Television.  He then covered the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996 while working in Chattanooga, TN.  Then he moved to Baltimore, MD, and then back to Minnesota where he worked for KARE-TV and KSTP-TV.

 

Awards:  Finalist for the National Press Photographers Association, Photographer of the Year, Four regional Emmy's for the National Television Academy, Excellence in Craft awards for the Outdoor Writers Association of America.

 

When I'm not begging my wife Laura to go camping, I'm whitewater kayaking, rock climbing, mountaineering, or ice climbig.  I also love to throw the tennis ball around with our dog Ellie.

 

Favorite MN Bound Stories:  Probably my favorite story (sorry Ron) was when Bill Sherck and I went to Alaska.  There we gallivanted with Kodiak Bear, caught silver salmon, and climbed the Talkeetna Mountain Range.  My next favorite story would be a trip Ron and I took to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  There, we caught yellowfin tuna and striped bass.  Our guide, Captain Tim Barefoot gave us a first class tour where we observed humpback whales and dined on some of the best seafood I've ever had!

 

Favorite Ron Moment:  Ron was shooting a standup for a story we were shooting on Stearns.  He put on an inflatable lifejacket and as he pulled the cord and the jacked squeezed around his nexk, I saw his eyes grow to the size of golf balls.  I think it startled him a bit, and we all had a good laugh.  It's good to see he's still enthusiastic after all these years of catching fish, its still like he caught the very first one.

 

Jared Christie - Producer

Recently I got married in Mexico to a wonderful woman named Melissa.  She's a native Minnesotan which means I'm probably never moving back to California, but that's ok, she's my sunshine during cold winter days.

 

Interesting fact:  I'm originally from California and attended San Diego State University, Go Aztecs!

 

Favorite vacation spot;  Anywhere with sand, surf and cold pops.

 

One thing I want to try: Traveling Overseas

 

Most memorable trips:  There's soooooo many.  Ok, I'll stick with two.  Covering the Baja 1000.  An ATV race 1,000 miles down the Baja Peninsula in 24 hours.  Just insane!  A close second, Alaska.  We spent a week camping, hiking and fishing from Anchorage to Seward.  If you've never been, start making plans immediately.

 

Favorite foods:  Fresh seafood, Sushi and Mexican

 

Astrological sign: Taurus

 

Favorite Movies:  Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Christmas Vacation and Caddyshack.  "I want a hamburger, no a cheeseburger, I want a hot dog...you'll get nothing and like it!"

 

Favorite outdoor activities;  Snowboarding, golf, running, biking and spending time with my dog Madi.

 

If I had a million dollars:  I would tell my friends to quite their jobs, buy an RV and travel around the world until the money was gone.

 

Brian Maginnis - Sales Director

I work with our advertising and sponsorship partners to maximize their exposure and sales to our millions of viewers and fans.

 

Favorite Moment(s):  Traveling with Ron and seeing all of the people who approach him and ask about Raven!  It is remarkable and it happens coast to coast.

 

It shows the power of television, but more so, the power of how Ron (and Raven) communicates with people.  That is what makes our "product" stand out from the rest.

 

Favorite Saying:  Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.

 

Interests:  wingshooting, motorcycling, home renovations.

 

Don Stremski - Production Assistant

Don began his love of video with a class at the local Public Access cable station in 6th grade.  he majored in Photography at the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul, and has a degree in Television Production from Brown College.

 

He thinks he can trace his inspiration to learn the technical aspects of television when a test pattern interrupted a Gilligan's Island re-run when he was three or four, prompting him to wonder just what, exactly, they were doing down at the TV station...More importantly, how he could fix whatever it was that had gone wrong.

 

Since then, he has ensured that thousands of hours of quality programming have successfully broadcast without a dreadful "We are Experiencing Technical Difficulties - Please Stand By" slate, thus proving that television can be good for young and impressionable minds.

 

Don lives in South Minneapolis, where he can be found riding the bike trails on his recumbent bike, playing disc golf or enjoying the many fine cultural and art events the Twin Cities offers.

 

Cy Dodson - Photojournalist/Producer

Back by popular demand!  After a short stint in the freelance world of video production, Cy is back on staff full time with Ron and crew.  "I couldn't be happier to have this opportunity again!  We travel the countryside and share the stories of the people we meet along the way, who wouldn't want that job?  I've seen so many cool places and met some interesting people who have the greatest stories to share of the outdoor world.  It's great to be back wth the most talented group of outdoor storytellers in the biz!"

 

When I'm not at work you might find me on a stage around town "pickin and grinnin."  I've been playing guitar with a few twin cities bands for several years now.  I grew up near Columbus Ohio, so getting in a little TV time with my Buckeyes is always a good thing.  Getting in family time back home is hard to come by, but it's always worth the trip when it happens.  I may even hop up on stage with my brother's band, music runs in the family.  Check em out www.introspectrock.com

 

Thanks for watching!

 

Travis Frank - Media Sales/Web Manager

It's all about "Livin the Dream" for this kid.  If it's an outdoors activity, you can be that he'll be pursuing it.  From a very young age he had the love for the outdoors running through his blood.  Over time Travis became a very accomplished fishing guide, becoming well known for his obsessions with the "Mighty Muskie."  He enjoys every opportunity to teach and show the ways of his outdoor world.

 

Joining the Schara team in March of 2008, Travis has taken the responsibility as the go-to guy for everything web.  He also spends some quality hours helping with the media sales and laughing with the guys in the office.

 

Travis graduated with a 4 year business degree in 2006 from the north woods of Bemidji State.  When he's not casting a bait or chasing game in the woods, he enjoys helping out in his community and church, mentoring young kids, hanging with his family and his great group of friends.

 

Although he is a rather young guy, he is very gracious for his role with the company and appreciates every opportunity that has been given. 

 

Some major goals:  Some day I want to be in the Hall of Fame for any of my passions, fishing, hunting, writing.  There is no greater honor than being recognized for great accomplishments, and I have many years to accomplish them.  I also look forward to catching bigger fish than Ron on every one of our adventures (sorry Ron).

 

Livin' The Dream!

 

Adam McFarlane - Associate Producer

After growing up in Huron, SD, I moved to Fargo to attend school at Minnesota State University Moorhead.  while completing my degree in Advertising and Public Relations, I worked for a FOX affiliate where I was the 6 o'clock newscast director before leaving to come to the cities.

 

I had been freelance until joining Ron Schara Enterprises in March of 2008.  I am excited to be a part of a company that is growing in many ways and look forward to the many opportunities that come with that.

 

My favorite movies are:  The Big Lebowski, Goodfellas and Slapshot.

 

I enjoy watching:  The Office, King of the Hill, The Colbert Report and just about any sport that is on TV.

 

Favorite foods;  A juicy steak or pizza.  I am notorious for eating those dollar Totinos frozen pizzas.  A few months ago they recalled all of them because of e-coli, which was about 2 hours after I had just eaten one.

 

I have never been one to turn down happy hour.  I don't like leaving the couch on Sunday's and attend about every Twins game that I can.