Jeff Olsen

Jeff joined KARE in May of 2007 as a reporter for KARE OnLIVE. Jeff grew up in Royalton, Minnesota. He attended St. Cloud State University, where he majored in Mass Communications. Jeff has anchored TV newscasts in Alexandria and Rochester, Minnesota. While in Rochester, he married his co-anchor (KARE's Julianna Olsen).

During his career, Jeff has also hosted morning radio shows on BOB 100 FM, WLOL (with KARE's Lee Valsvik) and KOOL 108. Jeff was named Twin Cities Radio Personality of the Year in 2005. He's been honored for his work in the community by the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, the United Way, Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army and the MS Society.

When I was young, I wanted to be: A reporter. I've known it ever since I watched Paul Magers and Kirsten Lindquist cover that famous tornado in July of 1986.

Favorite story you ever worked on: While working at KCCO in Alexandria, I had the privilege of interviewing Holocaust survivor Gerta Weisman Klein. Her book "All But My Life" should be required reading on high schools. She's a living testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Describe your perfect day: On a perfect day I'd sleep late, and then enjoy a big coffee on the way to an afternoon BBQ at the beach with my family and friends.

Proudest moment: Reading any card my wife or kids make for me. Father's Day ones are the best.

Favorite Vacation spot: We have a tie! Thunder Lake Lodge in Remer with my best friends. Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington (NC) with my in-laws. We do both every summer!

Favorite subject in school: History and Spanish. Both were taught by a woman named Linda McManus at Royalton High School. An amazing teacher and great friend. I have no doubt she's part of the reason I've made it to a place like KARE.

Favorite sport to play: Golf and fishing. (Sadly, I fish more golf balls out of water traps than walleyes out of lakes.)

Alma Mater: St. Cloud State University. If you have any tapes of me from UTVS, I'll pay to keep them out of circulation.

Why do you like your job? I love meeting people and telling their stories. Everyone has a story; some just haven't been broadcast yet.

Dream story: A one-on-one interview with Paul McCartney.

Family: My wife (KARE's Julianna Olsen) and I live in Minneapolis with our four kids. If you listen closely you'll hear them fighting about something.