10 Questions with ... Cooper aka Patrick Olsen

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I graduated from Brown Institute with a Broadcasting degree in 1993. I worked at WDOR/Sturgeon Bay from 1993-1995, Intern at KQRS/Minneapolis from 1995-1997, KXXR from 1997-2011, and landed here at KKDO in April, 2011.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

When I was a kid, I played records or was listening to the radio ALL THE TIME. I would sleep with a small radio playing at night, often in awe of that cool guy on the radio. I participated in radio contests, made several trips to the record store, and would make my own mix tapes on my boom-box. I also would turn down the volume on the TV during sports, and do my own play-by-play. My high school had a media class and a very low power FM station, and I spent a lot of time in the station. I just remember knowing how great it was to know what I was going to do for a living when I was 16 years old. It's always been part of me, and I still love radio as much as I did when I was a kid.

2. What stands out the most from your all your years at 93X in Minneapolis?

How much there was that I had to learn and how much radio evolves. DJs come and go, listeners change habits, artists evolve, technology changes, and no one thing is more important than serving the listener. I need to say working under Dave Hamilton and Wade Linder was such a blessing. They know their stuff and I am so grateful to them.

3. What led you to Radio 94.7?

My HOT girlfriend works in TV and had a job offer in Sacramento. We discussed it and decided that Minnesota winters sucked. She took the TV job, and I quit my radio job. I didn't have anything lined up, but crossed my fingers that something was here for me, and there was!

4. What is your day-to-day role at the station?

I do MANY things. I joke that I had it EASY being a midday jock, and now I actually have to work! I schedule music, work with Casey and Alisha on the on-air content for that day, voice track, attend meetings, meet with record reps, and work closely with PD Jim Fox on ensuring the vision and focus of Radio 94.7 is on track.

5. What part of your job do you like best? Least?

I enjoy everything I do. Honestly, there's nothing I do that I don't like. It's still a learning experience every day, and that is so fun and exciting for me.

6. What are you most passionate about?

In radio, I am passionate about giving the listeners something worthwhile to listen to. In life, I am passionate about the Minnesota Vikings, my lovely girlfriend Jill, and my two dogs, Punk & Snickers.

7. What do you like best about living in Sacramento?

Absolutely the weather. Being from a cold climate, I wonder why I didn't take this chance a long time ago and move to a warmer place to live and work.

8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?

Music and coffee.

9. What would surprise people most about you?

I know when the world is ACTUALLY going to end. But I'm keeping it to myself.

10. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Be reliable. You will go far when you are willing to do whatever it takes. By being in the right place at the right time, I was given more opportunities to show that I can do the job. And don't be the squeaky wheel...your boss doesn't want to spend all day stroking your ego.

What are your hobbies?

I'm a Call of Duty ANIMAL. I could spend all day on my Xbox 360.

Last non-industry job?

Telemarketing. I would practice my "DJ voice" on the phone.

First record ever purchased?

KISS -- Alive II

First concert?

Motley Crue with Cheap Trick at Met Center in 1986

Favorite band of all-time?

I'm more a fan of great songs, not a particular band. But a few favorites are Beastie Boys, Metallica, Run DMC, Seether, Eminem, KISS, Rush, and the Cranberries.