10 Questions with ... Ross Mahoney

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

1996-2011 WPBZ/West Palm Beach, 2012-2016 WRMR/Wilmington, NC; 2016-Present KXTE/Las Vegas.

1. What has your first year been like in the Sin City?

It started a bit rough because moving is stressful, and my 12-year old dog Bridgette passed away my first week here. Since then, it really has been an incredible year. Very busy, but I look at that as a positive!

2. Give us the 411 on X107.5 Las Vegas.

X107.5 has a 21-year history of being Las Vegas' Alternative Radio Station. We have the Dave And Mahoney Morning Show with Dave Farra, Jason Mahoney, Sylvia Alvarado and producer Ian. MJ handles middays. I host afternoons, and schedule the music as well as curate talent for our many concerts. Pauly Kover does nights, hosts our specialty show X-Effect and does the heavy lifting with Production.

3. I bet you get confused with Mahoney from the morning show. Tell us about why 107.5 decided to reunite with the Dave & Mahoney Morning Show?

Dave and Mahoney are ingrained in the history of X107.5, so naturally they had a loyal following here in Las Vegas. After being gone from Las Vegas for 16 months, it was pretty clear that the listeners really missed them. I know Dave And Mahoney missed being in Las Vegas. When they became available, we knew it was meant to be...There is a healthy rivalry between the fake Mahoney and myself. It makes for some fun on-air bits.

4. What do you love most about programming X107.5?

The people that work in this building are amazing. They genuinely love this radio station. It doesn't get treated like the afterthought, like many Alternative and Rock stations do. We do amazing promotions and events in the entertainment capital of the world.

5. How much interaction do you have with your sister station The World Famous KROQ?

Being one of three Alternative Radio stations in CBS Radio, having KROQ as your big sister is 100% and asset for us. Kevin Weatherly and Lisa Worden had an integral part in bringing me to Las Vegas, and are always there to answer any questions that I have. Las Vegas is different from Los Angeles, but KROQ has been the standard for so long, I'd be pretty ignorant to not pay attention to what they do.

6. What has surprised you the most about radio in Las Vegas?

How many events we put on. The CBS Radio cluster alone is responsible for so many top notch events, between X107.5, Mix 94.1, Q100.5 and 98.5 KLUC.

7. What is your favorite part of your job?

Working with like-minded people.

8. What is a typical day like for you?

Wake up at 6am, stop by Dunkin' Donuts for a coffee. Get to the station about 8am. Usually jump on with Dave And Mahoney for a segment to defend myself against however they are deciding to slander my good name that day. Make my to do list for the day, which includes scheduling music, writing and producing imaging, meeting with the Morning Show, promotions, sales reps and record reps depending on the day. Jay Love usually walks into my office between 12:30-1:30pm and we cut out for lunch. I jump on the air from 3-6pm. Usually tie up any loose ends or emails and try to be out the door by 7pm, but it's usually closer to 8pm. Rinse and Repeat.

9. How have you adapted to the Vegas lifestyle?

I like it here a lot. I miss South Florida, but I'm not homesick. There are always people visiting, and there is always something to do. Learning how to get where you need to be without getting stuck in the tourist traps is clutch!

10. What do you miss most about living in South Florida and what your top 3 places to go to when you get back home?

Mostly my friends. In a lot of ways, Las Vegas isn't very different from South Florida. I miss seeing the color green. There isn't much grass in Las Vegas, so I miss seeing that. When I'm back in South Florida, I go to Publix to get a sub, Spoto's Oyster Bar for some fresh seafood and usually to another sandwich shop called Russo's.

Best concert in the past year?

Has to be X107.5's Holiday Havoc 2016. Two nights of music in a small venue. The Pearl holds 2600 people. Having Blink 182 headline Night 1 and Weezer Night 2 was pretty amazing!

What are weekends like for you?

Most bands play weekend shows here in Vegas, so many weekends include concerts, Netflix, laundry, grocery shopping and playing poker!

What is your favorite restaurant in Vegas?

I try to go somewhere new all the time, but I have been to Golden Steer Steakhouse quite a bit. It's the oldest steakhouse in Las Vegas.

Where is your favorite casino to play Texas Hold Em?

It really all depends on if I want to play a cash game or a tournament. Jay Love and I hit up the tournament at The Orleans probably more than any other.

I know you follow all the Boston sports teams. Rank your priorities:

The 5x Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots are far and away my number 1. Mostly because I live for football season. Followed by the Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins in that order.

What are your thoughts on the professional sports market growing in Vegas with the Golden Knights NHL expansion team's inaugural season this Fall and the Oakland Raiders on the way too?

I think Las Vegas is ready for it. The people from Las Vegas deserve to have a home team they can support in all sports, and visiting fans that already come to Vegas can catch a game while they are here...Hey MLB and NBA, you're next, look alive!