Posted by chicagomedia.org on September 02, 2008 at 07:43:18:
WGN's 'Mr. Fix-It' broadcasts live in Grayslake
Lou Manfredini answers home repair questions at Ace Hardware
As the voice behind WGN Radio's "Mr. Fix-It" -- a popular home repair radio show -- Lou Manfredini would tell you that even during a slumping housing market, people's houses need fixing. Manfredini brought his radio show live to Lake County residents at the Grayslake Ace Hardware on Aug. 30. The Saturday morning radio show -- which airs on WGN Radio 720-AM from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. -- allows people the chance to have Manfredini answer their home repair questions.
"The show has a huge following," WGN Radio Sales Promotion Coordinator Marlene Wells said. "The people really love it." According to WGN's Web site, the "Mr. Fix-It" show is so popular, the switchboard lights up even before it goes on the air. Wells, who has worked during previous live "Mr. Fix-It" shows, said about 100 people attend each live showing.
Many longtime listeners of Manfredini's show came to see him face-to-face. Grayslake resident Ron Deiler, a multi-year listener of the "Mr. Fix-It" show, saw Manfredini for the first time. Deiler said seeing Manfredini was different than just hearing him. "I was a little surprised." Deiler added. "His voice on the radio didn't fit what I thought he would look like."
Bouts of laughter were common during the live radio show because of Manfredini's sense of humor. "He kept everyone laughing," Deiler said. "It's a fun show to listen to."
Others stood in line to have a home repair question answered -- all of which covered a wide variety of topics.
Hear banging from your shower's water pipes? Have a Chamber Arrestors installed by a plumber. What deck wood sealant would you recommend -- the more expensive Seal Chicago sealant, or a cheaper version? The Seal Chicago for its long-lasting protection. What should I do about my shower's high-pitched squealing? Check the shower's seal, or buy a new shower head. Manfredini answered every question with resolute confidence.
Kathy Laskowski, a family Ace Hardware owner, said she is always amazed with Manfredini's hardware knowledge. "When he does live shows at Ace Hardware, we try to get our employees to stump him." Kaskowski said.
"I've never heard him not know the answer to a question," Grayslake resident Christine O'Malley said.
Manfredini said his experience comes from working in the hardware field since he was a teenager. He also said he feels lucky doing something he truly loves for a living. "My hobby is my vocation," he added. "It's my golf."
Laskowski also made free food -- eggs, sausages, cinnamon buns, and pizza -- for attendees using Ace Hardware's grills. People who came early in the morning drank free coffee and orange juice, and ate free breakfast pastries.
Manfredini said he loves the one-on-one interaction of live radio shows. "If it were up to me, I'd do them every week," he said.
(Waukegan News-Sun)