10 Questions with ... Kendall

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I still can't believe I've been doing this for 10 years! Time flies ... and, I've moved around quite a bit. I started my full-time career doing middays at an Alternative station in Lansing, MI (92.1 The Edge), then moved to Myrtle Beach to do middays at Mix 97.7. After that, it was off to Detroit! I did overnights at WDVD until heading to Dallas to do middays at MOViN 107.5. Almost two years ago, I was lucky to land here at HOT 100.5 in Virginia Beach. I'm back in a beach town, doing afternoons for the first time, and I LOVE it!

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

Well, it was terrifying, exhilarating and sweat-inducing being on the air, but it was such a blast! I was surrounded by funny, creative people, and learned the importance of being a team. Radio is like a (dys)functional family! And I've been a part of some amazing families over the years.

2) What led you to a career in radio?

Years of partying and waiting tables. At 25, I was like "oh, I guess I'm supposed to grow up and get a career now." I wasn't ready to grow up ... so I went to radio broadcasting school and became an on-air personality. I kinda feel like I've beaten the system :)

3) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?

Competitive! Yeah ... bet you've never heard that before. We're the new guys in town, and we're taking on a monster heritage station that has gone unchallenged for years. Being the underdog just makes us want to win even more! P.S.: That "win" was not a Sheen reference.

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

I don't know if you consider blogging, Facebooking, productio, and hosting a kick-ass show "hats," but those are the ones I wear ... and they're fabulous!

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

We gave away close to 20 Coach handbags recently ... and it turns out, the ladies REALLY like Coach! What was so cool was watching and hearing the excitement via phone and Facebook. We got over 1,000 new FB fans, and everyone was rooting for each other. Doing such an upscale giveaway really made us stand out from other stations in the market.

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

That I've recently switched from drinking beer to dirty martinis. Yep. I'm classy now.

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

I love our cast of characters ... there's Bobby Hollywood in middays ... he's new and fearless! It's fun to watch. Corey is our night guy ..., and I'm constantly amazed by his creativity. Plus, he can harass the hell out of our listeners -- and they love him for it! I wish I could pull that off; I'm kind of the "nice" one. Paul McCoy is our awesome (holla) PD. He's great because he wants our input and he trusts us to do our "thing." Plus, he's like a mad scientist with our promotions and imaging ... keeps us sounding super-HOT!

8) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?

Britney! I've been talking about her for years ... I figure it's about time we meet!! I imagine us being instant besties! And, I will finally explain to her the importance of using a bra and a brush on a daily basis. :) Love ya, Brit!

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

I love to cook! I make up recipes all the time, and sometimes even (pretend to) host my own cooking show as I prepare the food (true story). Watch out, Rachel Ray!

10) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?

So many different things ... I love the "being on a team" part. The "beer and brainstorming" part, where we just sit around and come up with cool things to do and give away. And, of course, the "being on-air" part, talking about boys and gossip and other important issues. It's just FUN! I feel very lucky to get paid to do it!

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

I wanted to do something business-y. I imagined myself in a big city, in a suit with a briefcase. It's so funny because that would pretty much be my worst nightmare now. It took me a little longer to figure out that radio is where I belong, but I'm so glad I did, because I can't imagine doing anything else!