10 Questions with ... Beefcake

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started out at Mt. Hood community college under Jeff Young. While still in college, I interned at CBS (KUFO, KVMX) doing promotions, then moved on to Entercom in Portland to intern with their Production Department. From there I got my first real radio job at KNRQ in Eugene, OR doing nights, all the station imaging, and being a production assistant for the cluster. In 2008, I moved back to Portland, to work at KYCH as the Producer for the Dr. Doug and Skippy Show, who helped get me where I am today... Started at 96.9 The Rogue in afternoons, and now am midday jock and assistant to PD Craig Cooper.

1. What stands out the most from your first job in radio?

HA! The pay was terrible, I got paid minimum wage in Eugene at KNRQ. It was a foot in the door and the right move at the time, but it was tough to get by on $500 dollar paychecks. Beside the terrible pay which is normal in radio, "trial by fire" were the operative words in Eugene. I made mistakes, but rhankfully Al Scott wasn't too hard on me. He showed Mercy, and patience; more than I think he has with anyone else who has ever been on his air staff.

2. What are you most proud of since joining The Rogue?

We do a summer battle of the bands promotion at a local bar that is MASSIVE. We had almost 2,000 people at the finale of the competition last year. It was the biggest thing I've ever been a part of, and it was all local artists. People here in the Rogue Valley are really big on local talent. We do the best we can to support those local artists, and make them a big deal without loosing focus on what we do best as a commercial alternative rock station: playing the hits and having fun.

3. How has your job changed in the past year?

I went from beating myself into the ground and doing waaay too much everyday when I was on in the morning, to getting things done smarter and faster. Boxing Clever, more Facebook involvement has been a big deal for us too, and I handle a lot of it.

4. How do you stay connected with your audience?

Obviously, Facebook is everywhere, and we stay in contact with our P1s on a very personal level with Facebook. I chat with listeners on Facebook all the time. I go out and comment on other people's posts. We try and be as friendly and proactive with it as we feel is appropriate. Getting to interact with the audience is KEY in a market this size. We try and make our Facebook friends ambassadors for our station.

5. What are music meetings like at The Rogue?

Loose and very informal. Record companies beware. We have made fun of records you think are the next big thing! I am always on the hunt for new cool stuff; I'm on Play MPE, All Access, and cruising the charts all the time. We get suggestions from an outside source, and take that into consideration, along with what I find, and whatever Craig seems to fancy. I'm really proud of our playlist, and have been for a long time. I think we are the right blend of Active and Alternative Rock. Just enough active for the rockers and enough alternative to provide a feeling for variety and freshness.

6. What is the best concert you've been to in the past year and why?

Local Boys Indubious around here is the greatest show I've seen. Look 'em up on iTunes. Reggae Funk Fantastic. And Korn was VERY good when they came here, in terms of a big artist.

7. What are you most passionate about?

I'm passionate about having fun on the radio, and my cats. I'm simple.

8. What would surprise people most about you?

How little I want to be famous. A lot of people in radio think of this as their stepping stone to something else. Not for me. I'm an attractive man (as my name suggests) but I just love being a DJ, and doing radio. I don't wanna end up in TV or movies. If I can work as a single jock and production guy, or program director for the rest of my days, I'll be happy. I want to get to a bigger market, but I think the single jock gig gives you a REAL personal to connection with the person listening that is perfect for me.

9. What has been the single biggest highlight of your radio career?

Our Local Battle of the Bands was the biggest event, and I think it really left an indelible mark on everyone there. It did a lot of good for all the local bands there at the competition. It was bigger than 99% of the concerts here in the valley. Boys like girls at the Lithia Amphitheater may have been bigger.

10. If you could work anywhere, what would your dream job be?

First choice is KUFO in Portland, Oregon, my home town, my rock station. KISW in Seattle would be a dream come true. As long as I could pay bills and have enough money left to be somewhat comfortable, I'd do anything.

When you're away from work, what are you music listening habits to the radio, iPod, online, etc.?

Music all the time, I even got rid of the TV in my room, because I just plain didn't use it. If I'm in the car, I listen to KROG, or KRVC our top 40 station. I'll scan the competition once in a while, but the rest of the time, I plug in the iPod and rock out at the house. I'm currently listening to a lot of Mumford & Sons, Rise Against, Jay-Z, Chevelle, Infected Mushroom, and Sevendust.