Joan Steffend (2025 Update): Age, Net Worth, Husband, Children and Career Highlights

Joan Steffend Brandmeier (born June 12, 1955 in Cambridge, Minnesota) is an American television host, journalist, author, documentary producer, and public speaker. She is best known for hosting HGTV’s Decorating Cents and for her work as a news anchor and reporter at KARE 11 in Minnesota. Over the course of her career, she has contributed to multiple formats—television, radio, books, live speaking, and film production. She is the author of two books and the executive producer of the documentary I Do?. Married to Joey Brandmeier since 1988, she has two daughters and several grandchildren. As of 2025, her estimated net worth is $1 million.

Family, Personal Life & Reflections on Loss

Joan Steffend’s father, Master Sergeant Robert Steffend, served in World War II as part of the 515th Field Artillery Battalion in the European Theater, including Germany and France. Joan has acknowledged his military service as painful and private, expressing gratitude for the sacrifices he made. A photo she shared places him at the center of a group of fellow soldiers—his legacy forming part of Joan’s deep connection to storytelling, resilience, and memory.

Joan Steffend is married to Joey Brandmeier, a deeply supportive presence throughout her life and career. In September 2024, the couple marked 36 years of marriage, a relationship rooted in love and shared purpose since 1988. They live in Edina, Minnesota, and Joan was born in Cambridge, Minnesota.

She is the mother of two daughters:

• Blair Shackle, her eldest, who had a baby in March 2013.
• Jordan Brandmeier, who married Stu Van Ess in February 2015 at Varsity Theater and works professionally in media. Jordan was an Associate Producer on ABC’s series In an Instant, which premiered in March 2015.

Joan is also a proud and reflective grandmother. In April 2018, she lovingly shared a clip of her granddaughter Isla at 10 months old, playfully exploring the world. Her grandson Bowie, age five in 2024, charmed her with a moment of self-love and wisdom—reminding her of life lessons she’s cherished across generations.

Joan often shares heartfelt stories about her late mother, celebrating her legacy through treasured kitchen heirlooms and family traditions like making “krokanner” cookies and May Day fudge baskets. Her sister Karen, who passed away in 2007, is remembered with deep affection and reverence. Joan recalls Karen as full of life and adventure—from building fences and felling trees to baking May Day fudge baskets and crafting memories that brought joy to their childhood neighborhood. Joan shared how they would create colorful paper baskets filled with sweets, deliver them anonymously, and watch the recipients react in delight—a cherished tradition they undertook as kids, hearts pounding with excitement.

In her reflection “Scared. Scarred. Sacred,” Joan recounted their final day together in 2010, sitting beside Karen in a hospital room overlooking the same streets where they grew up. Karen, a mother of three and a woman of strength, passed with quiet grace just before Joan could bring her home to hospice. In those moments, Joan felt a sacred stillness, a chaos of emotion, and a deep gratitude for having had such a remarkable sister.

These reflections—woven with humor, reverence, and emotional honesty—highlight Joan’s devotion to honoring family memory through storytelling and a continued search for peace in the chaos.

Broadcasting and Media Career

Joan Steffend’s dynamic media journey began at KBJR-TV (NBC) in Duluth and later flourished at KARE 11 (NBC) in the Twin Cities, where she served as a reporter, anchor, and producer for nearly 17 years (1983–2000). Her human-centered storytelling earned her a national Emmy Award and the Grand Award at the New York International Film Festival for her segment series “Something to Think About,” which aired on KARE and included a total of 40 episodes, several of which resurfaced in 2023 thanks to her husband Joey Brandmeier

From 1997 to 2007, Joan became a household name as the host of HGTV’s Decorating Cents, a hit show that taught viewers how to design beautiful spaces on a budget. She also appeared in multiple national specials, including Christmas at the White House and Dream Home Giveaway, and made guest appearances on Oprah, Today, and Live with Regis & Kelly.

Her media career expanded into radio, where she co-hosted the program Get Real on FM107.1 (Hubbard Broadcasting) from 2007 to 2011.

Joan was the Executive Producer and Story Consultant for the 2016 documentary I Do?, a light-hearted yet insightful exploration of the concept of marriage. The film was an official selection at the Montreal and Singapore International Film Festivals and was named Best Documentary at the Twin Cities Film Fest.

Joan has also worked as a freelance producer and on-air talent for decades through her company Moving Pictures, LLC, contributing to various creative and production projects across platforms.

Books and Speaking Engagements

Joan is also the author of inspirational books like:

• And She Sparkled (2010)
• Peace in Peace Out (2013)

Her work focuses on mindfulness, self-reflection, and emotional well-being. She is a sought-after motivational speaker, addressing themes of peace, purpose, and authenticity at various public and private events.

Philanthropy and Peace Advocacy

In recent years, Joan co-founded the nonprofit Peace Begins With Me, a community-based initiative aimed at fostering compassion, unity, and personal growth. Her efforts reflect a deep commitment to building peaceful communities through storytelling, service, and kindness.

Net Worth Breakdown (Estimated)

Income Source	Approx. Value
HGTV Hosting & Appearances	$400K–$600K
Journalism (KARE 11)	$200K–$300K
Book Sales & Speaking	$100K–$200K
Public Events & Specials	$100K–$200K
Total Estimated Net Worth	≈ $1 million