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10 Questions with ... Gino Flores
November 6, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I've have been fortunate enough to survive 12 years in the same market, for the same group, on the same station! I began in April 2000 as a part time college student helping in promotions/on air. After 6 months, I went from parttimer to being the night jock on the #1 station in town. In 2003, I added Promotion Director duties while still maintaining nights. A year later, I moved to afternoons and kept that slot until the morning position opened up in 2008. When the company restructured in 2009 my Promotion Director duties were taken away and all promotions were consolidated to one Marketing Director for the cluster.
In 2010, I was asked to become APD by then PD Kelly "Boogie" Brandt. I remained APD until April of this year when I was promoted to PD of KZFM. Then only a month later I assumed PD duties of sister station KKBA after the passing of Rudy Ramos Garza.
I'm sorry, did you say to keep it brief?
1. What got you into radio?
I wanted to be a television news reporter actually, but as a college sophomore was introduced to the college radio course at Texas A&M University- Kingsville. I loved rock/alternative music and that's what our format was on KTAI. Instantly, I was hooked on radio. As a parttime job, I worked at a local fitness center and ran into then KZFM Program Director Ed Ocanas. My coworker told Ed I was doing a radio class in school and thus, Ed asked for an aircheck. So I gave the PD of the heritage CHR an aircheck of me introducing Metallica "Enter Sandman". haha. An intro is an intro! Got the job and the rest is history.
2. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a kid, I wanted to be a lawyer. I still debate quite often, just ask my General Manager!
3. Tell me about your MMA training?
I train at American Revolution MMA here in Corpus Christi. I specifically train in Muay Thai which is the fighting art from Thailand. I've been involved with this for 4 years and have fought in two tournaments finishing 2nd in the North American Muay Thai Championships last year. Nowadays, it's more of a challenge to keep up with the training due to the long work schedule but I still try to find time to get in there and bang.
4. What do you take from your training to your work?
I think any kind of Martial Art/Fighting Art training takes a level of mental focus and discipline. I truly believe it has helped me with my work duties managing KZFM (and now KKBA with the passing of Rudy Ramos) AND with keeping a successful morning show.
5. Which promotion executive would give you trouble in the octagon and why?
LOL!!! Brannon Scales (Roadrunner Records) has some kind of circle punch crap he practices along with jiu jitsu so he's the one who has some fighting ability. I'm sure they ALL have secret moves they could pull out.
6. What's your favorite song on the station right now?
I love the new Conor Maynard feat Ne-Yo record, "Turn Around". Also, the Weeknd "Wicked Games" is HOT!
7. If you could be on any TV reality show (non MMA-related), which would you want to be on?
Funny you would ask because I can't stand any reality shows! They're all so scripted and stupid in my opinion. I guess if I had to choose, I'd choose, "Survivor". I could tough it out.
8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
What's that???....I like to BBQ and drink some BEER! We in TEXAS baby!
9. Hypothetical question...If you were getting married in two months and you could have any group or singer perform at your reception, who would you choose?
Well since I'm married already, this better be hypothetical! I'd choose Rihanna! That sh*t would go off! But she'd have to bring the full band, no track act on this one!
10. We lost a great young man and friend earlier this year when Malkan Interactive OM Rudy Ramos Garza suddenly passed away in May. What helped the Malkan staff get through that difficult period?
It was indeed a major shock. Rudy and I worked side by side for the last 2 years programming KZFM. He was a friend outside of the building as well. We had some great teacher/student conversations over drinks many times. He taught everyone in this building and that's what made him a great leader. He wasn't selfish with knowledge. When he promoted me to Program Director he said, "You're ready bro. It's all yours. I'm not going to be here forever." He laughed when he said that but, tragically, he was gone 26 days later. Everyone has stepped up in one way or another to pick up the slack. I am proud of all our programming staff and love each and every one of them. I told Rudy at his funeral we'd make him proud. I think we're doing just that.
Bonus Questions
What do you think would surprise a stranger the most about Corpus Christi?
We got beaches, beautiful sunrises, cost of living is very cheap. Great seafood, friendly people, indeed there are lots of perks to living in Corpus Christi! I love my city.
When you've got a special guest in town that's looking for what Corpus Christi does best, food-wise, where do you go?
I got two! Nobody can beat a steak from Niko's Steakhouse (R.I.P RUDY!) Also, Water Street Seafood Restaurant! I'll put their sushi and seafood against anybody!
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