10 Questions with ... Romi (yes, that's it!)

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

In September of 2002 (at the age of 21), I participated in a karaoke contest while visiting my sister in Colorado Springs. It was a contest held by Magic FM. It turns out they were looking for a "female firecracker" for the #1 morning show and I happened to be spot-on. I started off as an intern and worked my way through the vines doing the morning show for six years ... middays for over two now, Webmaster (graphic design), MD and APD. In August of 2010 (eight years after starting as an intern), I am now PD of the ONLY station I have ever worked for! And I wouldn't have it any other way... :)

1) What led you to a career in radio?

I traveled the world (Japan, Australia, Thailand, Guam) doing musicals before radio because I have always had a desire, passion and love for music. When radio was accidentally offered to me, I thought "what a way to quench my thirst for a 'light' fame and still be able to make a difference."

2) What makes your station unique?

It's like comparing the person you sleep with (if that's the only one you have been with) ... IT'S AMAZING! :) Magic FM is the only station I have ever worked for.

3) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?

Isn't everyone? The TEAM here at Magic FM all have their basic "titles," but we all help everywhere in the building, from commercials to meetings with new clients. I coach that this is yet another way to make yourself valuable instead of using the old "that's not my job."

4) What is your favorite part of the job?

Talking to record reps and scheduling music. It's like a blank canvas I paint on and when I listen back, it's either brilliant or a disaster! :) Oh! And I love seeing the kids' faces, at a career fair or something, light up 'cause they "love" you.

5) What's the coolest promotion you've been involved with recently?

The 2010 Handshakes and Handbags Tour - we gave away 28 designer handbags (Juicy Couture, Coach, Michael Kors, and more) every day for four weeks with some days being surprise double bag days. We had an artist come in every week to actually hand out some bags, including Kelly Rowland, Shontelle, Runner Runner, Hot Chelle Rae, Secondhand Serenade and Auburn. With the Internet, on-air passion and clients combined ... it was an amazing hit with about 100 people at each bag stop and 300 at the finale!

6) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?

Andrea Bocelli (for when I clean and cook) - Sade and India Arie (for bath time) - 30 Seconds to Mars and Linkin Park (for exercise) - and my roots ... Spanish music like Marc Anthony (salsa) and Shakira (her Spanish rock stuff). Of course, I have all the major artists as well that we play at Magic FM.

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

I have an album on iTunes and Amazon.com - it's with my band "The Moment After" (a cross between Paramore and No Doubt) OR that you can catch me making a mean New York-style pizza or calzone at a restaurant here in town on my time off (my boyfriend owns it). :)

8) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?

I have been singing since I was six, so my favorite musical memory is when my mom bought me a toy microphone that was connected to a bottom that lit up different colors. She would have friends over and I would drag that mic out with my cute little dress and black shiny shoes and start performing for everyone. When I was finished, I would pass around a jar to collect money (mostly quarters), bowed to say thanks, and went to my room. I was really into '90s R&B the most - Jodeci, R.Kelly, Shai, Silk, Jon B., Brandy, Monica, etc.

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

I love outdoors stuff like snowboarding, rollerblading, hiking - you know, Colorado stuff

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

The more you make yourself valuable, the better the chance you'll always have a job

Which character on a current TV series most reflects your personality?

Carrie Heffernon from King of Queens - blunt yet caring (plus people say I resemble her).