Joe & Winnie on Love, Integrity & Building a Radio Empire

A 50-cent bet on an elevator, a World Series game she knew nothing about, and a fast-talking radio executive—that's how Joe and Winnie's 63-year love story began. Joe, a WWII Navy veteran turned radio station owner, and Winnie, the advertising agency employee who wouldn't give him the time of day, join Dara Levan to share their secrets to a lasting marriage: a sense of humor, mutual respect, and not hearing everything. Joe reveals how he built a radio empire across the country, the integrity that guided every business decision, and the moment he told a partner "never mention my family again." Winnie shares how she followed Joe through five children born in five different cities, and the faith that carried them through. Their legacy? Seven grandchildren, a life well lived, and a simple motto: to be what you appear to be. Keywords: Joe Winnie, 63-year marriage, love story, WWII veteran, radio station owner, integrity, family, legacy, humor.


0:00 - Intro & love story begin
0:40 - Meeting on an elevator
5:06 - 50-cent bet & first date
7:47 - Joe's WWII service & Navy
8:17 - Radio career begins
9:07 - First radio station purchase
11:09 - Integrity & walking away
12:49 - Moving to Fort Lauderdale
16:33 - 15 radio stations across US
18:57 - 25-year partnership
20:03 - Raising 5 children
21:49 - Indoor pool in Indianapolis
23:16 - Faith & optimism
25:03 - Integrity & reputation
32:41 - Children's careers
33:43 - School motto: to be what you appear
34:37 - Biggest challenges & lessons
38:21 – Outro


• https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/
• Website: daralevan.com3



QUOTES:

"At the end of the day, I don't care if you're operating a multi-million dollar company or you're in a solo business—you have to be able to look yourself in the mirror."
– Dara Levan
"I feel the word integrity has come up a lot in our conversation today. And that's ironic—that's one of the greatest purposes I feel of sharing your stories with others."
– Dara Levan