DIY show needs big sponsors

By Brandi Barhite
Toledo Free Press Staff Writer
news@toledofreepress.com

“Let's Fixer UP,” a Toledo home improvement show that airs 9 a.m. Saturdays on NBC 24, just began its 10th season. Despite not being so new anymore, the show still struggles to pay the bills.

“I literally work out of the basement in my home in East Toledo,” said host and handyman Mike Jameson, 46, who lost the studio he leased to a water main break in February.

“We need to get the sponsors involved. I am trying to make a living like everyone else.”
He's also trying to inform and entertain. Neither is cheap.

Some of the community recognizes “Let's Fixer UP” for home improvement, but Jameson is an anomaly for the area. The self-taught media guru does his own sales, camera work, hosting and editing.

It costs about $1,500 to bring one episode of “Let's Fixer UP” to viewers who are reached as far as Columbus and Ypsilanti, Mich.

“We really want to help people,” Jameson said.

Jameson knows his audience. Toledoans aren't looking for fixer-up tips on $3 million Victorian homes. People want to do it themselves, he said.

Holland-based Pugh Heating has done segments on “Let's Fixer UP,” including step-by-step duct work and furnace servicing. Wesson Builders, Toledo, helped get the show off the ground.

“I think one of the big reasons we participate in the show is because Mike is a great, great person and he is really good at what he does,” said Mark Nowak, president of Pugh. “He brings out the best in you. We aren't on TV and don't do that for a living.”

Jameson, founder of Creative Video Imagery in 1987, also produces “Great Lakes Golf Today.” He previously produced “Storm Report” for WTOL. Jameson recently started www.toledosportsradio.com. The Web site is a high school sports talk show. Jameson can be reached at (419) 693-6667.

Article published Friday, April 6, 2007
Mike Jameson puts focus on local golf scene

Mike Jameson won't be anywhere near the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Ga., this weekend.

But Tiger Woods, Rae's Creek, Eisenhower Tree, Magnolia Lane, and Amen Corner still will be part of his vocabulary.

Jameson plans to take calls and air interviews with Toledo area golfers and pros during his Great Lakes Golf Today show tomorrow from 7:30-8 a.m. on WLQR-AM, 1470.

"It's golf season again, it's hard not to smile," he said.

Beginning May 5, Jameson will have a half-hour television segment on WTVG 13.2 ABC, from 8-8:30 a.m. each Saturday.

Jameson

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The show also can be seen on Buckeye Channel 58 and on Time Warner Local on Demand

"I'm the best-kept secret in Toledo," Jameson said, laughing. "This is my 11th year of spotlighting golf courses throughout the Great Lakes, the Midwest, and here in Toledo. I have some help, but I'm basically a one-man band.

"I shoot the video, I edit it, and I host the show. And then I try my darndest to sell it."

Jameson, a 44-year-old graduate of Cardinal Stritch High School, is currently operating his business, Creative Video Imagery, out of the basement of his East Toledo house.

Two months ago, a water-main break forced him out of his regular 10,000-square-foot second-floor office in the RiverEast complex.

"I took my life savings and spent 2 1/2 years building my dream studio myself and acquiring equipment," Jameson said. "It was about 60 percent complete. I'm hoping to get back in there soon."

Golf isn't Jameson's only love.

He has been involved in the video business for almost 20 years. He has shot local commercials, music videos, promos, infomercials, and weddings. He also has worked as a disc jockey and manages the Web site greatlakesgolftoday.com.

And Jameson used to produce the home improvement show Let's Fixer Up on TV5.

"I am the absolute poster child for the word entrepreneur," he said. "I'm just not getting rich doing it."