Meet The Minnesota Bound Team
Telling stories of the outdoor world is a passion that we take great pride in sharing. Our Emmy Award winning crew thanks you for watching our show for over 15 years and 500 episodes!
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 activites 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, and his latest obsession is the Mighty Muskellunge!
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 each 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 often 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 into compelling television. 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 Par, 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 husban Dave, and 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.
Some day 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 natures 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.
Kelly Jo joined Ron Schara Enterprises, Inc. in May of 1996. She has a background in television production, PR, writing and Radio production. She has her BA in Mass Communications and English Literature from Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa and her MA in Communications from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN. As Operations Director, Kelly Jo enjoys "Keeping the home fires burning", as Mr. Schara describes it. Her main focus is the production crew and Ron¹s travel, timelines, traffic, and scheduling for the TV programs. She also handles the company's PR duties, staff management, and Mr. Schara¹s personal schedule.
During the off time, like her coworkers, Kelly Jo enjoys the outdoors. When she's not busy with her son¹s t-ball and swimming lessons, she likes to camp with family and will attempt to take her canoe out for leisurely float trips on the lake or river. A yearly houseboat vacation up to Voyageur's National Park with family is a favorite trip. She also loves her yearly "Mother/Daughter" travels across the country with her Mother, and fishing with her Father who is a fishing guide in Okoboji, Iowa, and playing Rec Basketball and Volleyball when she can. In the fall, she can be seen taking part in Iowa Hawkeye football tailgate activities with friends.
Kelly Jo, an Iowa native, lives in Lino Lakes, Minnesota with her son Hayden, who is 5 and half. She is active in Hayden¹s school and sports activities, the Anoka County Library volunteer program, her Church and Briar Cliff¹s Alumni/women¹s sports Association. She is a member of the local chapter of American Women in Radio and Television, the National Association for Female Executives and the National Association of Professional Women.
Interesting Facts:
Nickname: Ms. Kelly or KJ
Played Basketball and Volleyball in College
Hometown was only 500 people
Freelance model
Was a Country DJ on the Radio in Minneapolis back in 93
Simone Schara - Financial Manager
Years with Company = 10
Position of many hats...If you are looking for all administrated duties, see me. If you are looking for the contact person for our booth at the Minnesota State Fair, see me. If you are looking for anything related to Ron Schara's Calendars, see me.
Favorite hobbies: Things that I love to do in my spare time is anything that can be done outdoors. I love taking my horses on camping trips over the weekends. I love playing outside with my son Jake, (4), just enjoying watching him explore with the wonders of nature. In the fall I enjoy hunting with my black lab Hoosier (10) by my side. Our favorite would be any field in SD full of pheasants. Of course, I would never turn down the opportunity to sit on a beach or next to a pool drinking a Pina' Colada and listening to Jimmy Buffet either.
Some time in my lifetime, I want to have the opportunity to take a race horse around a race track. It doesn't have to be a race, just to be able to run that fast and free with no obstacles in the way.
My favorite movie's are Jerry Maguire, Horse Whisperer (with Robert Redford) and Man from Snowy River
My idea of a relaxing moment is being with the ones I love on a cool night around the bonfire while making smore's
Pets: 3 fish - Baby, Dotty, and Goldie. 2 dogs - Hoosier, Black Lab (10) and Remy, Minpin (8). 2 horses - Ruby (16) and DC (8) both Quarter Horses.
For the future of Ron Schara Enterprises is a fast growing company that has a wonderful team of employees to back it up. I hope to see all of our viewers continue watching and stopping by to visit at the Minnesota State Fair, or wherever you see us out and about. Please stop by to introduce yourself and say hello. We always love to see you!
Bill Sherck - Producer & Man About the Woods
Telling outdoor stories comes pretty naturally to Bill Sherck. Television viewers know him better as “The Man About The Woods”; an Emmy award-winning outdoor reporter and show host. Bill’s earned just about every award in the business for his unique style of storytelling.
Viewers can catch Bill’s stories on several of the country’s most popular outdoor television programs including, “Backroads with Ron & Raven” on The Versus Network, “Legends of Rod and Reel” and “Pheasants Forever Television”on the Outdoor Channel, “Minnesota Bound” on NBC in Minnesota and “Due North Outdoors”, which Bill co-hosts on Fox Sports Network (North & Wisconsin).
Bill frequently co-hosts “Outdoors Live”, a weekly radio show on WCCO 830 in Minneapolis. He enjoys speaking for conservation groups, fishing and hunting seminars and sports shows. He also fishes and guides as part of various charity and celebrity fishing tournaments.
Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Bill’s family eventually moved to Minnesota where his father and grandfather taught him to fish. After graduating from St. Norbert College in 1994 with a degree in Mass Communications, Bill went to work in the television business. He reported local news throughout the Midwest and eventually Fox News. In 2001, Bill turned his focus to outdoor television. He’s been at it ever since!
“Bill Sherck is a true Man About the Woods and just plain nice guy. An awesome storyteller too! I love spending a day in the boat with Bill!”
Ted Takasaki, President Lindy, Little Joe
“Bill Sherck is one of the real people in the outdoor world. He is an awesome talent and a great stick! I could go on, but I'll stop there…”
“Walleye Dan” Eigen, Walleye Dan Guide Service
“Bill brings energy and passion to all of his outdoor adventures.”
Howard Vincent, CEO Pheasants Forever
"Never have I worked with such an outdoor professional as Bill Sherck. If asked again, I'd work with him in a heart-beat! Fish On!”
Ian Colin James, Canadian Fishing Guide and National Bestselling Author.
Nick Clausen - Videographer/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 - Managing Producer
Just call him Mr. Versatility. Jared is our Managing Producer and handles just about anything and everything when it comes to our various shows. Lately he's been the lead producer on the hit series Monster Quest currently airing on The History Channel. When he's not out chasing Bigfoot and Sasquatch Jared produces our #1 show on The Outdoor Channel called Legends of Rod & Reel.
David Gray, Owner of Ardent Reels, recently called "Legends of Rod & Reel the best fishing show on TV...Period!"
When he's not producing, you can find Jared stepping out in front of the camera. He's one of our reporters for Due North Outdoors and Minnesota Bound. Jared has won numerous OWAA awards including two 1st place stories in 2007.
After graduating from San Diego State University in 1997, Jared worked in the TV news world until he moved to Minneapolis in 2004. It's there that he met his current wife Melissa and the two got married in Mexico in the fall of 2007. They live in South Minneapolis with their two dogs, Madi and Maya.
Todd Siebell - Sales & Marketing Manager
Todd is an advertising veteran who has worked for several major advertising agencies. Todd has also served as the National Sales Manager for “North American Fisherman” and “North American Hunter” magazines, respectively for part of his career.
Some of the clients Todd has helped over the years to build their brand and gain market share reads like “Who’s Who” in the fishing and hunting industries. Brands such as: Minn Kota trolling motors, Stren, Spiderwire, Mitchell, Silva Compass, Irish Setter Boots, Stearns, Mad Dog Gear, Hodgman Waders, Knight Rifles, Federal Ammunition, Frabill, Eureka! Tents, and Old Town Canoe.
Todd is a passionate outdoorsman who spends as much time as possible chasing after just about anything that swims, walks or flies in North America. As far as Todd is concerned, sitting around a campfire after a day of fishing or hunting with good friends is as good as it gets.
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.
I recently joined the Minneapolis based rock group Capital Sons. We're in the process of recording a second album and looking forward to getting out in the clubs to support our new album. You can hear us on The Current. 89.3 and check out our website www.capitalsons.com for show updates.
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.