Travis Frank, Host

Travis Frank is the lead producer and host of The Flush television show and podcast.  Travis is an upland bird hunting fanatic that loves chasing wild birds in North America’s wildest places.  He strives to tell great stories and keep adventures fresh for all upland bird hunting enthusiasts to enjoy. 

Travis Frank has worked in the outdoor world for more than 20 years.  At age 16 he started a fishing business, guiding clients from all over the country.  Driven by a passion to share stories from the outdoors, Travis joined the Ron Schara Productions team in the spring of 2008.  He loves sharing stories from the hunt as much as the hunt itself.  His outdoor passions began early in life and his pursuits continue to grow today.  Travis Frank enjoys teaching about hunting, fishing, conservation & life outdoors to generations young and old.

In addition to his role on The Flush, Travis also hosts the television shows, Due North Outdoors, Rooster Tales and contributes as a regular reporter on Minnesota Bound.  Travis appears as a regular host and guest for outdoor radio shows on WCCO and KFAN Outdoors.  His outdoor photography has been showcased in many national publications, along with freelance articles written to grow the sport of fishing and hunting.

When he’s not chasing a bird, a story, or a trophy fish, he soaks up as much time as possible with his wife, Sarah, his children, and of course, his bird dog, Daisy.

Ron Schara, Co-Host

Ron is a lifetime member of Pheasants Forever, spending a majority of his lifetime in the field.  Telling stories about the outdoors, meeting people who appreciate the wonders of nature...This has been the experience of Ron Schara for more than 40 years.

As an award-winning outdoor columnist for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Ron spent years telling his tales.  His writings and observations capture the essence of the natural world.  As his newsaper popularity grew in the Midwest, Ron began painting pictures with both words and video to share his love for the outdoors.  In 1995 he launched the show, Minnesota Bound, with his black lab sidekick, Raven, as the star of the show.

Now, through television, newspaper and radio success, Ron has become a vital resource and champion for outdoor issues.  The Flush is just one of many programs Ron has hosted over the years.  To date, he's produced more than a thousand television shows on NBC, ESPN, Versus, Outdoor Channel and Fox Sports Network.

Ron is a member of the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as well as the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame where he resides.  Ron has also received the coveted, Silver Circle Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award,

Bill Sherck, Co-Host

Telling outdoor stories comes naturally to Bill Sherck.  Television viewers know him better as “The Man About The Woods”;  A six-time 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 work on several of the country’s most popular outdoors television programs including, “The Flush” on Outdoor Channel,  “Made for the Outdoors" , "Due North Outdoors”, “Rooster Tales” and “Backroads” on Fox Sports Networks and “Minnesota Bound”, seen on NBC affiliates throughout Minnesota.

Sherck enjoys sharing his stories with conservation groups, teaching as part of fishing and hunting seminars and also fishes/guides for various charity and celebrity tournaments.
    
Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Bill’s family eventually moved to Minnesota where his father and grandfather taught him to fish and hunt.  After graduation from St. Norbert College in 1994, 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!

Scott Fransen, Owner & Co-Host

Scott is the proud owner of Ron Schara Productions, but he's also a big time bird hunter.  Scott has a long tenure in the media business in the Minneapolis/St.Paul market.  As a veteran of Television; Radio, and Out of Home advertising, Scott has a track record of building high performing teams throughout his career.  He takes pride in developing a work culture that fosters creativity, responsibility, inspiration, integrity and balance.  He couldn’t be prouder of his team at Ron Schara Productions - they represent everything he believes in.  Scott credits his parents for instilling in him a philosophy he has used throughout his business career - a drive to do things “right”, while always treating people the way we would want to be treated ourselves.   

Scott’s favorite memories involve his family, friends and the experiences of growing up in Minnesota outdoor world.  Today he cherishes the time spent introducing his daughters to the wonders and excitement of catching a trout on a fly rod or seeing a doe and a fawn in the woods. When not running to one of the girls many sporting events, Scott and his wife spend time with their daughters at the cabin, fishing, or hiking in the woods in northern Mn or the Mountains of Montana.  Scott also has a Black Labrador Retriever, Millie.

Aaron Achtenberg, Chief Photographer

Aaron carries 30 pounds of camera equipment up and down a bluff without skipping a beat.  He's one of the best in the business, with a goal on each shoot to beat the gun to the bird.  His eye for the perfect shot sets him apart in the outdoor film industry, and his passion for the outdoors makes his efforts in the field seem effortless. 

Aaron started his career as a television news photojournalist in 1999 and joined Ron Schara Productions in 2003. He is passionate about telling stories about the outdoors and the fascinating characters that pursue it.

Aaron, like all the photojournalists at RSP, does it all in the field: shooting, audio, lighting, producing, interviewing and whatever else can make a story better. He has filmed everything from winter camping in the BWCA, to an African safari, to a search for China's Bigfoot.

He has won many Outdoor Writer Association awards including two President's Choice Awards for "Kyle's Safari" and "Amos Garrett".

Aaron grew up in rural North Dakota, but now makes his home in the Twin Cities along with his amazing girl Tijah and their kids Christian, Gus and Elise. They love to camp, canoe, hike, fish and do just about anything else outdoors in their free time.

Rob Berrell, VP of Sales

Rob keeps the ship on the right track at Ron Schara Productions headquarters, but when he's not helping our clients, he's likely in the field trying to kick up a few roosters of his own.  Rob spent 30 years in the radio industry before joining RSP in April 2014, 17 of them in Minneapolis/St. Paul. He worked for Clear Channel Radio as an Account Executive and General Sales Manager for 12 years then served as VP of Sales for CBS radio for 5 years.

Rob grew up in Fargo, North Dakota and has lived in the Twin Cities for 24 years. He loves to hunt, fish, ski (snow and water), wake surf, golf, watch his kids play sports and spend time with family and friends. He and his wife Karen of have a daughter Katie and son Andy (a new Hunter). Rob and CEO Scott Fransen go back in the radio business together 18 years ago. “Scott gave me the chance to have my dream job, I love working at Ron Schara Productions.”