Joel Feick was inspired to get into broadcasting when his mother's brother in law became the sports anchor at a TV station in Toledo, Ohio. Frank Gillhooley got so much attention at his house, he just knew he wanted to follow in his foot steps. (Perhaps he just wanted attention?) Joel's love of storytelling started in college at the University of Toledo, where he graduated in Communications (go Rockets). Along the way, he started the news department at the school's college radio station, WERC.
Joel worked at the abc affiliate in Toledo, WDHO as a reporter and anchor. He then worked for 27 years for WJRT in Flint as an anchor and reporter. He reported from China, Russia and places much closer to home. He originated a series of reports on home improvement called "HomeWork". He's probably done more stories on toilets than any other local reporter, a distinction he's not necessarily proud of. In 2005, he won the Emmy Award for Best Consumer News in a series of reports on how to insulate a home. Joel has also won UPI and AP Awards along with the National Golden AMI Award.
He's enjoyed hundreds of interviews: from President George H.W. Bush to Ernie Harwell. But the ones that brought him the most joy were ones that involved average people in unique situations.
Joel is an instructor of Radio Broadcasting at Mott Community College. He's on the board of the Children's Wish Fund of Flint. This past summer he was a coach on his son's Little League team. Joel and his wife Christine live in Grand Blanc with their son Lucas.
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FUN FACTS FROM AN INTERVIEW WITH JOEL:
Favorite TV series: Rescue Me.
If you were stranded on an island – what’s the one thing you’d want with you? Raspberries
Person you most want to have dinner with? President Barack Obama.
Favorite story you’ve covered? Live coverage of President George Bush's Whistle Stop train event in Grand Blanc.
Interesting talent you posses? No fear of public speaking
Best vacation you’ve taken? To New York City with the fellas. We went to the old Yankee Stadium and toured Monument Park, saw Regis, David Letterman, the Empire State Building, St. Patrick's Cathedral....we did it all.
Movie star crush? Angelina Jolie (those lips!)
Place you’d most like to visit? Greece and Italy
Charity or non-profit organization you volunteer for? Children's Wish Fund of Flint
Favorite childhood memory? Going to a cottage on Lake Erie
Way you like your coffee? Lil cream. Love the Iced lattes at McDonald's.
What do you do to “treat” yourself? Nice dinner with the fam
Number one thing on your “bucket” list? It's a tie. Cruise the seas near Italy and Greece and tour downtown Clio.
Favorite Michigan spot to visit / vacation Boyne City. Skiing at Boyne. The water park is cool, too.
