The Dating Game

Joel Johanningmeier

By Megan Malugani

It’s early October, but Joel Johanningmeier is still sporting a deep tan. In fact, Joel is outdoors so much—between his paid job working as an agricultural consultant and his unpaid job serving as president of the Rochester Waterski Show Team—that his tan may be perpetual. Joel, who has lived in his home on Lake Zumbro for 11 years, is a master at juggling his many commitments without getting stressed. “Don’t worry about the small stuff. It’ll all work out,” is one of Joel’s favorite mottos.

Bio Box: Joel Johanningmeier

Age: 39.

Occupation: Agronomist with Greenway Co-op. President of the Rochester Waterski Show Team.

Childhood: Joel grew up on a farm in northeast Iowa and knew from a young age that he wanted to work with farmers. He also discovered one of the great passions of his life at the age of five when he learned to waterski off his parents’ boat on the Mississippi.

Making A Splash: As the president of the Rochester
Waterski Show Team, Joel handles administrative duties for the club as well as performing in the weekly waterski shows that occur on Lake Zumbro each summer. He is an accomplished barefooter, both front and backward. “I spend more time backward than forwards in a show. The show director just doesn’t want me to see where I’m going, I guess,” Joel says with a laugh.

Alter Egos: Motorcycling on his Harley. Golfing. Snowmobiling. Downhill skiing. Attending NASCAR races and watching them on TV.

Favorite Hangout: Lake Zumbro’s Party Cove Bar & Grill, which is owned by friends. In Rochester, Joel enjoys Westfire Grille, Olive Garden, and Avocados. “I’m always willing to try something new,” he says.

Best First Date Ever: Downhill skiing. “We took short runs down the hill and then had all kinds of time to talk on the chairlift back up ... It’s great to do something active that also allows you to talk.”

On Rochester’s Dating Scene: It’s hard work, Joel says. He’s dated women he’s met through the Internet, but doesn’t hit the bars to meet potential dates. “You’ve really got to go out and seek it ... I’m sure there are people to date but you’ve got to get into that mindset and make a time commitment to seeking them out,” he says.