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10 Questions with ... Dennis Martinez
February 12, 2008
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NAME:Dennis MartinezPOSITION:PDSTATION:KZONMARKET:Phoenix, AZCOMPANY:CBS RadioBORN:Walnut Creek, CARAISED:West Pittsburg, CA
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started out at KSTN in Stockton from there I went to KWIN, then KDON/Monterey, I wanted to see what the Central Valley looked like so I was off to KBOS/Fresno, spent sometime in LA at MEGA 100, then it was back to KDON, from there off to the big city and KYLD/San Francisco, and now hangin' in the desert at JAMZ.
1. Why radio?
It's what I love, for me it's not a job. I wake up everyday looking forward to going to work. Working with jocks, going over music, creating promotions, it's not a job and everything else is.
2. After KYLD...you were out of radio for sometime. What pulled you back in?
I looked at few different options but radio is where my heart is. When you're on the outside and looking in you really get put to the test. You have to ask yourself is this what you really want, do you really want to get back into the grind...and I did.
3. How has the adjustment to living in Phoenix been?
It's been real cool...if can use that word when talking about Phoenix...everyone has been awesome making sure in know how to get places and where all the hot taco spots are.
4. You've been assembling quite a team at KZON. Who's on the air for you?
Kid, Ruben, and Corina doing mornings, Jackie Morales in mid-days, Strawberry handling afternoons, Nessa at night, and in late nights Suga Bear...Plus my MD Mikee Mike and Promotions Director Matt Locks...I really couldn't be happier when it comes to my staff everyone of them bring something unique and special to the table, except Strawberry who's you know...pretty much special
5. You're coming off Super Bowl week in Phoenix. What was the highlight of the week for you? (Dreaming about the 49ers returning to the Super Bowl is not a legitimate answer...nor is it likely within 10 years)
Are you kidding me? The Niners are so going back soon...I mean you got Alex Smith...I mean Mike Nolan...Vernon Davis...damn I hate you, Pete! So anyways I can't really narrow it down to one...there were so many...running into Reggie Bush and Kim Kardasian, Ludacris' air shift not to mention a live broadcast, hanging with Baby Bash and Pitbull in the club, having a conversation with Suge Knight...it was just insane.
6. What do you miss about living in the Bay Area?
I miss the family. I have a nephew that just turned 2 and hasn't really realized how awesome I am. Also this may sound weird but I miss BART...damn that thing is convenient...oh and I miss my condo...damn that thing was fly!
7. You were out of the business for an extended period...what's your best advice for anyone facing the same prospect?
Try to stay even keel, don't get too excited or to down. It's tough when people aren't calling you back or you have the experience and you don't get a gig. Stay positive and keep sending stuff out and keep making calls and stay in contact with people you never know where your next gig will come from.
8. Who do you consider your mentor(s)?
I've worked with some real interesting people and I take from each of them...in no particular order...Michael Newman, Mark Adams, Don Parker, Michael Martin, Diana Laird, Dan Watson
9. You've lost a lot of weight in the last 3 years. I wouldn't recognize you on the street until you yelled, "F*#K OFF" at me. How much weight have you lost and how has it changed your life?
It's funny you say it like that I was in New York at the S.I.N awards and did that exact thing to Chuck Field...he spent the rest of the night trying to figure who I was...classic. I've lost 215 pounds over the last 2 1/2 years. You notice people treat you differently than they did before...also you figure your going to have to buy new clothes but I've had to buy new shoes. My foot shrunk...not a cool thing when talking to the ladies. Thank God I can still palm a basketball!!!
10. Besides the Great Alaskan Bush Co., where will we find D-Mart hanging out in Phoenix?
Man...tough one ...but any good restaurant and there are a ton here...also the golf here is amazing and even better when I can get my GM to pay for it!!!!
Bonus Questions
So, hypothetically speaking, if you're at a friend's bachelor party and someone dares you to have a stripper shave your ass...do you take the dare?
Really...hypothetical...Really? Come on man...don't let the bald head fool you. You know how I get down...who doesn't like a good shave!!!!!
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