Will Wanish, of Wanish Sugar Bush, Wins Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Will Wanish, co-owner of Wanish Sugar Bush, has won Momentum West’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award. As a high school student, Will has demonstrated a great deal of vision and ingenuity, while also being willing to build a business at the same time he is managing school work and extracurricular activities. “Starting a business is challenging and a lot of hard work, but definitely worth it,” he said. “We congratulate WIll and his family on building a successful business in West Central Wisconsin. His can-do attitude is an inspiration and what he’s accomplished demonstrates that everyone - regardless of their age and experience can build a business here. You just have to be willing to work hard. And, if you are, the community will rally behind you,” said Steve Jahn, Executive Director of Momentum West. 

About Wanish Sugar Bush

Wanish Sugar Bush is a family-run business, producing 100% pure maple products near Colfax, Wisconsin. “Currently, I make pure maple syrup and maple sugar. I’m looking to add more products in the future. At this time, I have about 5,000 taps of my own. I cook for another 5,000 taps using sap purchased from other local producers,” said Will. 

Meet the Entrepreneur: Will Wanish

Will is currently a senior at Colfax High School and involved with the Colfax High School FFA and the Howard-Wheaton 4-H Club. He started Wanish Sugar Bush with support from his family and has consistently grown the operation since first tapping trees in 2018.

When asked what he enjoys about being an entrepreneur, Will said, “I enjoy doing something I like each day and I can wake up and do things that I already have planned. It’s nice to be able to set your own goals and reach them.” The benefits of being an entrepreneur in West Central Wisconsin is that we have abundant resources and the right climate to grow a company like Wanish Sugar Bush. “I also enjoy being outside and completing hands-on projects. I can install all of the necessary equipment and materials (lines, taps, vacuum pumps, and releasers) in the woods and see the progress I have made,” he said. 

When asked how being located in the Momentum West region has benefited his business, Will replied, “Geographically, my location has benefited me because we have to live in a heavily wooded area with maple trees. In addition, Charlie Walker and the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation, along with the Regional Business Fund and UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center have been extremely helpful in helping me to grow my business. They have provided guidance that will help me to grow the company in the future.”