Today we’d like to introduce you to Joey.
Hi Joey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I never grew up dreaming of working in media. In fact, I was on my way to a midterm exam at Oakland University when I heard an opportunity on Mojo in the Morning, a show I’d been a fan of for years. I decided to take a chance, and that one decision completely changed the direction of my life.
That opportunity led to nearly a decade in radio, where I learned the business, built incredible relationships, and discovered a passion for creating content that connects with people.
In 2020, I took another leap of faith and left radio to co-found Woodward Sports with the vision of building a digital-first sports network for Detroit. Like any startup, the journey came with plenty of challenges, long hours, and uncertainty. But through persistence and an amazing team, we’ve grown Woodward Sports into Detroit’s largest digital sports network, reaching more than 700,000 followers and generating over 100 million monthly views across our platforms.
Today, as CEO, my focus extends beyond sports. We’re building a modern media company that creates meaningful content, unforgettable fan experiences, and authentic partnerships for brands throughout Detroit. Looking back, it’s amazing to think that everything started because I decided to take a chance while driving to a college exam. Sometimes the biggest opportunities come when you least expect them.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not. Building a business from the ground up has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I had a great team along the way and a lot of doers that put in the work in studio and in the community to get us to where we are at today. It’s never easy to make difficult decisions that affected people we genuinely care about.
Personally, one of the biggest lessons has been learning that being passionate isn’t enough. You have to become a leader, make difficult decisions, and stay focused even when things don’t go as planned. There were plenty of setbacks and moments where it would have been easier to quit, but every challenge taught us something that made the company stronger. I also give a ton of credit to my former business partner, Chad Johnson, founder of Lady Jane’s Haircuts for Men. He believed in the vision from day one, funded Woodward Sports through its early years and never gave up on the company. It took that kind of belief and patience to give us the opportunity to grow into what we are today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As of May 1, 2026, I stepped into the role of CEO of Woodward Sports and it’s been one of the most rewarding and challenging transitions of my career. While my responsibilities have changed, I’ll always consider myself an on-air personality first. Storytelling, building brands, and creating meaningful connections with people are what I love most.
I’ve spent my entire life in Metro Detroit. This community shaped who I am, and it’s why everything we do at Woodward Sports is centered around serving the people of Detroit. My goal has never been to simply cover sports—it’s to build something that leaves a lasting impact on our community through authentic content, local partnerships, and unforgettable fan experiences. The head of our HR department is Darren McCarty, 4x Stanley Cup Champion with our Detroit Red Wings and he always says “Woodward Sports is about the people” and that is what makes us who we are. We are built by real Detroit fans.
What sets me apart is that I’ve been fortunate enough to experience nearly every part of the business. I’ve been on the air, sold advertising, built sponsorships, produced content, worked events, hired employees, and now lead the company as CEO. Having done every job gives me a unique perspective and allows me to lead with empathy because I understand the challenges my team faces every day.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the growth of Woodward Sports—it’s the culture we’ve built and the relationships we’ve created throughout Metro Detroit. Watching an idea that started in 2020 grow into Detroit’s largest digital sports network with one of my best friends and business partners Sam ‘Stick’ Day has been incredibly rewarding, but I believe we’re just getting started. My passion has always been building something bigger than myself that makes our city proud.
How do you think about happiness?
Without question, it’s my family. They’re my “why” and the reason I work as hard as I do every single day.
As I answer these interview questions, it’s 2:40 a.m. My wife and our three kids are asleep, including our newborn. That’s the reality of this season of life. Stepping into the CEO role has required a completely different level of responsibility, but it’s also reinforced what’s most important to me.
I’m a proud husband and father first. I know what it takes to build a successful company, and I’ve never been afraid of hard work. At the same time, I refuse to sacrifice the moments that matter most with my family. These early years with my children are something I’ll never get back, so being present for them is non-negotiable.
Leading Woodward Sports is a responsibility I take incredibly seriously. In many ways, this company feels like another child that requires constant attention, care, and sacrifice. The difference is that I can choose to work on the business after my family has gone to bed. That’s why you’ll often find me answering emails or finishing projects long after midnight. It’s my way of making sure neither my family nor the company gets neglected.
I also measure my happiness at work by the people around me. Nothing makes me prouder than walking into our studio and seeing our team excited to be there, proud to wear the Woodward Sports logo on their chest both in and out of the office. Culture isn’t built through mission statements; it’s built by creating an environment where people genuinely enjoy coming to work, believe in what they’re building, and feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. If my team is happy, motivated, and proud to represent our brand, then I know we’re doing something right.
To me, success isn’t just measured by the business you build—it’s measured by whether you can build it while still being the husband and father your family deserves, while creating a workplace where others are proud to be part of the journey. That’s the balance I strive for every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.WoodwardSports.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodwardsports
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WoodwardSports
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeynamou/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/woodwardsports
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/woodwardsports
