10 Questions with ... Bob Patrick

NAME:Bob Patrick POSITION:MD/Afternoon drive STATION:WXLK K92 -- Virginia's #1 Hit Music Station MARKET:Roanoke, VA OWNER:Mel Wheeler, Inc.

Please outline your radio career so far:

(4/1995-12/1997) 95.1 WAYV/Atlantic City, NJ
(12/1997-3/2001) 92.5 KSYN/Joplin, MO
(3/2001-5/2002) 95.1 WAYV/Atlantic City, NJ
(7/2002- present) 92.3 WXLK/Roanoke, VA

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

FUN ... until I realized it's not easy to work from midnight until 6a (pre-computer) and you didn't have much time to run to the bathroom in between songs. I started under Tommy Frank and Paul Kelly at WAYV in Atlantic City and had a blast. I did what most of us did when we first got into the business -- overnight shift, faxing playlists, filing papers, making lunch runs, custodian ... you name it. Anything to show I was willing to work hard.

2) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?

First and foremost, we're locally owned. These days, that makes us extremely unique. Second, I'm surrounded by people who "get it" and are willing to do whatever it takes to make K92, and all of the stations in our company, the best we can possibly be. The building isn't filled with people mailing it in just to get a paycheck. Finally, our president, Leonard Wheeler, is doing everything he can to make sure no one loses their job due to cutbacks -- and I have the utmost respect for that. He could do what all the other "giants" do and starting chopping off heads to save a few bucks, but he won't. How do you not work your tail off for a guy like that? The so-called big boys could learn a lot from Leonard.

3) What is the most challenging part of the job?

I find myself trying to do too much to help K92. Meaning, I sometimes go overboard in my interpretation of Kevin's "open door policy" and find myself stepping on some toes. Sometimes feelings get hurt when I do that, but I'm simply trying to help and I won't ever apologize for wanting to be the best.

4) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

I'm not on Facebook and have no plans on doing so anytime soon.

5) Could you give us a little insight into your on-air staff?

Danny Meyers and Zack Jackson handle the morning show and they are two of the hardest working guys I've ever met. Danny's the good cop, Zack's the bad cop. They are VERY good at what they do and I'd put them up against any morning show in the country. In fact, Zack is helping me write a screenplay which makes Danny very jealous. Kevin Scott (PD) and Kidd Carter split the midday duties. I take over at 3p for afternoon drive and Tater handles the night show. Tater's an up-and-comer who really gets the business and is always willing to go the extra mile to improve his skills.

6) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?

JoJo -- mornings at 102.7 WJSE/Atantic City. We did mornings at our college station for two years and he's one of the funniest guys I know. He's got a wit about him that makes him impossible not to like on the air. He's a New York Giants fan, which makes him a complete tool, but no one's perfect.

7) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

Loved Eagle 106 in Philly. For me, growing up in South Jersey, they were the best around. Then Q102 signed on and they became my favorite. I was a fickle kid.

8) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?

I love running. Not Forrest Gump back and forth across the country running, but I enjoy hitting the pavement and training for 5 and 10K races. If you haven't tried running to relieve your stress, I highly recommend it.

9) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Hard work pays off. Period.

10) What advice you would give people new to the business?

If you walk into the door with your nose in the air, thinking that you're entitled to something, and that things are going to be handed to you without working for them, you're getting into the wrong business. Go find another career!

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. Sadly, once I got to college I realized I could hit the straight fast ones a mile, but couldn't hit the curvey, bendy, swerve-all-over-the-place pitches. They've done all right without me, though. Suck on that, Mets fans!