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10 Questions with ... Alan Bonde
April 3, 2023
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1. How in the world did you even get into radio?
a. I was born and raised 40 miles northwest of Rapid City and grew up listening to KSLT. I stayed local when going to college mainly because I wasn't sure what career I wanted to pursue. I chose to minor in music because I've played piano since the 1st grade, and people said I was good at it – so, it felt like a safe bet. When I got my Gen Eds out of the way, I had to make a decision on my Major. I chose business because it is a broad category that somehow might help me out along the way. After graduating in 2019, I got into a job where I loved my coworkers but, after a year, I realized it wasn't the career I wanted to be in. I started applying everywhere and for anything… radio never crossed my mind until my dad said he heard on KSLT that KSLT is searching for a sales rep for the Northern [Black] Hills, which is where I lived. I told my dad I did not want to be in sales, and 3 days later, after some convincing on my dad's part, I finally said I would apply for it. In the meantime, my mom is a prayer warrior and is praying, "God, open the ONE door you want Alan to walk through." KSLT is the only place out of dozens that called me back. After going through the interview process, I got the job. Since then, I was in Sales for two years with KSLT, received a promotion to Listener Engagement Director in August of 2022, and received another promotion to Program Director at the beginning of the new year in January 2023. Now, I work in a career where Business and
Music go hand-in-hand. God knew what He was doing when I didn't.
2. What's one thing you wish you had known about radio when you first started?
a. How large of an impact radio has, especially in the Christian realm. I took radio for granted when I was only a listener.
3. How has God pulled you out of your comfort zone?
a. Where to begin… firstly, He is utilizing this job to build my connection with Him. KSLT has really helped grow me as a person, but also, my spiritual walk. Secondly, I appreciated my time alone a little too much and was becoming very introverted. This job is helping me to rediscover myself again by connecting with listeners and businesses in the local communities that KSLT reaches, which is a huge blessing.
4. Some great advice you recently received is…
a. Tend, don't toil. Don't worry or stress about feeling like you have to control everything about the job, or even in a personal life. Instead, tend to it… give it what it needs and watch God do what He does best. Like a flower, you don't plant it saying, "I am going to grow this flower." No. You tend to it by planting the seed, you give it water, make sure it has enough sunlight, and the flower will do what it is supposed to do. Don't toil over things that you are meant to tend to.
5. Tell us about someone who you really respect and why?
a. Obviously, my parents. They are the reason I am where I am today. Without them and their wisdom and guidance, my life would look a very different.
Professionally, I would have to say the VP of Northwestern Media (KSLT's parent company), Jason Sharp. There was a time where I was getting caught in my head and was feeling discouraged – but I didn't tell anyone. I began to wonder if radio is something long-term for me, or what my next step in life should be. Then one day, Jason was visiting Rapid City, SD and told me that he could see me going far in radio. I'm not sure what it was about that moment that made it so impactful but it still sticks with me to this day. It felt honest, and genuine. He is a leader that guides with kindness and a heaven-bound purpose.
6. What's one thing you try to do when life gets hard?
a. I try and talk about it with people I am closest to. That way, it brings a new perspective into what I might be going through to prevent overthinking to occur.
7. What's something about you that would surprise most people?
a. I had my first hamburger at an In-N-Out in Vegas when I was 17. Just never really liked beef growing up – still to this day have a hard time with steak… but my life changed after that first burger J
8. What's your go to song when the windows are down and you're driving on the highway?
a. Alive – Studio Version by Hillsong Young & Free
b. Sunroof by Nicky Youre
9. In three words describe your ideal vacation.
a. Relaxing
b. Fun
c. Cruise Ship (I know that's 4 words..) J
10. Tell us one thing that you bought recently that WASN'T on your grocery list.
a. Accidentally signed up for a $70/mo Youtube TV subscription to watch the Super Bowl when I meant to only sign up for a free trial. Oops. J It has been resolved now.
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