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10 Questions with ... Gringo Suave
April 25, 2006
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NAME:Gringo SuavePOSITION:Nights/AMD/Mix-Show CoordinatorSTATION:KDONMARKET:MONTEREY-SALINASCOMPANY:Clear ChannelBORN:SAN JOSE, CARAISED:SAN JOSE, CA
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started at KYLD in the music research department and got hired in promotions. I then headed to KDON/MONTEREY to do weekends and eventually joined the morning show. I had a quick stop at KHTS/SAN DIEGO, then spent 3 years at KKFR/PHOENIX as the morning show stunt guy. I then headed back to CALIFORNIA to KHTN/MERCED-MODESTO to host afternoons. Now I'm back at KDON hosting nights and weekends at KYLD.
1. What was your last non-Industry job?
Lifeguard. I was fired for falling asleep on the job....honestly! True story.
2. What got you interested in Radio?
I was the kid who was always calling the radio stations requesting songs and recording the DJs. Growing up in the Bay Area, I was listening to legendary stations like HOT 97.7, KWSS, KSOL and X100. How could you not want to be on the air one day?
3. You were the stunt guy for MG's Morning Madhouse for a number of years. Is there anything that you did that you're ashamed of?
When Sammy Sosa got caught with a corked bat, I was asked to stick a cork in my ass to "SAVE BASEBALL"! I'm still upset about that one...and sore.
4. What's the worst thing you've ever eaten?
A human placenta. They say it's a delicacy or something like that.
5. You've gone from stunt guy to a position in the programming department at KDON. How do the new responsibilities feel on your shoulders?
Although it was a tough decision to leave job where I ate dog shit in a bikini everyday to host my own show back home, I feel like I'm coping pretty well. All kidding aside, it was tough to leave a powerhouse station (KKFR) with such a solid team, but my dream was always to do my own thing. Luckily the transition has been great and we're all having a blast. My PD, SAM "DIGGEDY" SEGOVIA has always been a great teacher and I am lucky to learn from him. Plus, being the #1 rated radio station across the board (by far) isn't bad either!
6. Where do you see yourself in five years?
I would love to program my own station. As silly and cliché' as it may sound, being a Program Director you can make a HUGE impact on a lot of lives....your employees, as well as your listeners. I've been lucky enough to work for some phenomenal PDs and what they do has always intrigued me.
7. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?
JAZZY JIM ARCHER, SAM "DIGGEDY" SEGOVIA, BRUCE ST. JAMES, RENE ROBERTS, MG (MARK GARCIA), A.J. MACHADO, JOE GRANDE, and MARCUS D....just to name a few
8. You're in a hot tub...pick 5 people to join you for a night of stimulating conversation and charades?
Carmen Electra, Eva Longoria, Jessica Alba, Yoda, and whoever ends up delivering the Round Table Pizza.
9. In 2006, what area of your "game" do you want to improve?
Obviously, getting more involved in Programming would be awesome! Learning the business side (dealing with sales and upper management) of radio wouldn't hurt. Plus, I would love to polish up my skills (or lack of) in production. That can always be used as a great insurance tool the next time I get fired:-)!
10. If you were to leave Radio today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
I am currently a certified EMT. I also wouldn't mind doing becoming a paramedic or firefighter.
Bonus Questions
What's strangest thing you've put in your pants...professionally?
I put a snake and a live rat in my pants to see if the rat would get eaten. I backed out of the stunt because it tickled too much.
A freak gravitational shift has added three hours to everyday. What would you do with those extra three hours?
I would spend more time with my parents and friends that I've lost touch with over the years. Plus, my dog Lucy has been real patient with me. She deserves more walks. I would also workout on a more consistent basis. Driving by the gym once in a while doesn't really count.
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