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10 Questions with ... Dave Margalotti
July 10, 2023
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1. How in the world did you even get into radio?
I fell in love with radio as a kid in the 70's after getting one of those portable transistor AM radios. I used to take that thing every place I went and at night when I was supposed to be sleeping, I would have it on the pillow next to me just loud enough so I could hear it without my parents knowing I was still awake, lol. I'd listen for hours to music, sports, anything I could find as a spun the tuning dial. By the time I was in junior high I pretty much knew that I wanted to be one of those voices on the radio. I later went to Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY to study Communications. Got my first radio experience at the college station and landed a job after graduation covering a Sunday morning shift for a small AM station in Hyde Park, NY that played Big Band music.
2. What's one thing you wish you had known about radio when you first started?
That there were easier and better ways to make a living! None of them would have been as much fun though. In all honesty, I don't think it's what you know before you get into the business. I think it's what you are able to learn along the way that matters more. Especially if you want to have any kind of longevity in this industry. I've been blessed to do this since 1986 and I'm still learning because what we do and the reasons why people turn to radio are always changing.
3. How has God pulled you out of your comfort zone?
Making the transition after 28 years in commercial radio to Christian radio was definitely something that the Lord did to take me out of my comfort zone. Moving to the Finger Lakes region of NY where Family Life is located was another. For the first 4 years, I had to commute back and forth while my wife stayed home with our two youngest children who were still in high school. I'd drive 4 hours to work early on a Monday morning, stay here during the week, and then drive 4 hours back home on a Friday night. It was a huge adjustment and a really difficult time for all of us. But eventually we sold our NJ home where we raised our children and God blessed us with a beautiful home in a quite lake community here that we love.
4. Some great advice you recently received is…
When you feel like you're not the right person for the job, trust that God knows what He's doing, He knows you better than you know yourself and He has put you there for a reason.
5. Tell us about someone who you really respect and why?
Hard to narrow that down to just one person because every day I am surrounded by so many wonderful people who inspire me, encourage me, and make me proud to be a part of this team. From our GM Rick Snavely and COO Jeff Harmon to our on-air, news, production, underwriting, and engineering teams and support staff. Their desire to serve the Lord well and to use their talents for His glory are just amazing. I've often told people that my worst day here is by far better than my best day ever was in commercial radio.
6. What's one thing you try to do when life gets hard?
There have been a lot of hard times over the years but nothing harder than losing our 31-year old son just 4 days before Christmas this past year. When I'm struggling and feeling overwhelmed, I hold onto the words of Romans 12:12 – "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer". God is good even when our circumstances are not.
7. What's something about you that would surprise most people?
Oh, I'm sure there are a lot of things about me that would surprise most people, but here's one. I never use condiments! Not ketchup, not mustard, and definitely never mayo…yuck, that stuff is gross! Weird, right?
8. What's your go to song when the windows are down and you're driving on the highway?
Well, I'm a Jersey guy so it's probably something from Bruce Springsteen!
9. In three words describe your ideal vacation.
I really can do this in one word…beach. I grew up at the shore and it's where I am the happiest. There is nothing like seeing, hearing, smelling, and feeling the majesty of God's creation all around you.
10. Tell us one thing that you bought recently that WASN'T on your grocery list.
New tires for our boat trailer. I'm hoping they come soon so we can get back out on the lake!
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