WHO: Robert Giede, 58
WHAT: Jewelry designer and goldsmith with Robert Giede Designs
LIVES: southside Menomonie
IN THE CITY FOR: 40 years

 

Robert.

Robert’s roots began in Menomonie via UW-Stout. His interests currently include outdoors activities like hunting and fishing, which have inspired his unique jewelry pieces with Elk Ivory. Whether he’s making wedding or anniversary jewelry with Canadian diamonds and rare colored gems, or making original creations, Robert prides himself in designing aesthetically pleasing, durable, and elegant pieces. “Someone once asked me if I have any regrets,” Robert said. “I replied, ‘Just one: I haven’t done nearly the amount of hunting I should. And by hunting I don’t mean just harvesting game, I mean seeing the outdoors and spending time with close friends and family.’ ”

What place in town considers you a “regular?”
Zanzibar

What is one of the best cultural experiences you’ve ever had in the Chippewa Valley?
All manner of events held at The Mabel Tainter Theater

What’s your favorite local festival?
The Dunn County Fish and Game Club Annual Ice Fishing Contest, which was on Feb 12th.

What is your favorite piece of local trivia?
What I find most interesting is that we have such a strong history in the logging industry.

On your death bed, you get one meal, what would it be?
A Caesar salad, then the main entree of filet mignon stuffed with mushroom, garlic, and breadcrumbs. For the sides, a crab cake and a baked sweet potato. And a good cabernet sauvignon. Ending, of course, with dark chocolate.

Describe your last encounter with the police.
I repaired an officer’s badge.

What book, TV show, or movie would you recommend to the members of our city council? 
A Sand County Almanac

What Oakwood Mall store do you find yourself at most often?
Victoria’s Secret for my wife, and Scheels for both of us.

Who is the greatest Wisconsinite of all time?
Edward William Proxmire (a Wisconsin politician). He was against waste in government!

If you renamed Eau Claire, what would it be?
I actually like that name. I’m originally from Park Falls, and I like that name a lot as well. They are both on water! Park Falls is on the Flambeau River, which flows into the Chippewa River.

If you could magically add one store, restaurant, or shop to the area, what would it be? 
A locally owned supper club with a wine bar and art gallery.

Z-100 or B-95?
Z-100 for the Packers games, and B-95 because there is a little cowboy (and girl!) in everyone.