10 Questions with ... Tonya Campos

NAME:Tonya Campos TITLE:Co-Founder COMPANY:Skid Trax BORN:Dinuba, CA RAISED:Ruidoso, NM/Visalia, CA

1) Congratulations on the launch of Skid Trax, a brand new voice-tracking service. First off- can you explain the 'business model' of the new company?

For radio stations who want quality, top market air talent on a tight budget, Skid Trax offers radio voice tracking services. And we customize and localize our tracks for your station/market. That's it, in a nutshell.

2) When did you come up with the idea, and how long did it take you to formulate it?

Being in this business for over 32 years you see patterns in the day to day of radio, but we had never heard about so many personnel cuts and budget restrictions by companies that never had money problems. So, we saw a need for both talent AND for radio and thought we could supply them with a service that would make the best use of their time and money. The name comes from "being on the skids" and economically hurting. I think radio AND some personalities and relate to that.

3) You are partners with broadcasting veteran Michael Raffety. How did you two decide to do this together? And what are your roles at the company?

Michael and I co-founded Skid Trax together. Michael is officially our Operations Manager and I am officially the "Company Worrier." I worked with Michael at KZLA for a number of years. When I approached him with this idea, he was equally as enthused as I was, and together we started formulating a plan. That was in January '09.

4) Tell us why a company like this is needed in today's broadcasting world?

There have never been so many changes in broadcasting, and more and more stations are cutting down on talent's salary and cutting budgets at unprecedented rates. We provide that talent for a fraction of the cost. And rather than purchasing ads to search for talent, we have taken care of that for you. And if there is a sound of a talent not on our website we will find that for you. It's needed because people are short on money and time, and when you are already doing three jobs the last thing you want to think about is, "where am I going to find a good jock with THIS budget?!"

5) How does your past experience help you with this company?

I have worked at stations with limited budgets and I have also worked at stations in need of tracked shows. So having been on both sides of the fence I have a sense of what both parties are in need of.

6) What kinds of services do you offer? Are you servicing all formats?

We currently service many formats including AC, Country, Classic Rock, Oldies, Rock, CHR, Urban, Smooth Jazz, Triple A, Contemporary Christian and Spanish formats. And if we don't have what you need, we can find it!

7) Can a small market station owned locally afford something like this, and why would they need it?

Yes, most definitely. Small market stations may struggle to afford a $65,000 a year big market sounding jock, but with our services they can get a great sound for a fraction of that cost. You would be amazed at our price!

8) Will you be doing any voice-tracking yourself?

I am listed as a talent; however, if we get too busy I may pull myself off that list!

9) Who designed your website and logo- you guys did a great job?

I have to give that credit to Michael Raffety, my partner in Skid Trax. He has all the technical know-how. He is amazing with a computer.

10) How do I apply for a job with you, what do I have to send, and do I have to have my own studio to do this?

You do need to have a professional set up at home. To apply as a talent visit our website - go to the "contact" page and send us a message and we will tell you where to send your demo. But be ready to work at any time!

1) How is training going for your 30-mile walk? Tell us what it is and who it's for? Here's your chance to hit everyone up for donations.

I am training for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. We have a Go Country 105 team and it happens September 12. Our team alone has already raised almost $35,000!

2) There is some great music out there right now- what are some of your personal favorites?

I adore Lady Antebellum, I dig Dierks Bentley and I really think Kellie Pickler is underrated.

3) If I came to L.A., where's a great place to go to lunch to 'celebrity watch'?

I will take you to the Ivy on Robertson. If you don't see a celebrity I will give your money back that you spent on that iceberg wedge.