10 Questions with ... Michael "MikeeMike" Coquia

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KPWR/Los Angeles to KKFR/Phoenix to KPWR/Los Angeles and back to Phoenix at KZON.

1. Why Radio?

Duh! It's because I enjoy being broke. jk... It's definitely because of the love and passion I have for music.

2. What really excites you about walking into the office in the morning?

Just knowing that I am blessed to get another day to do what I love most. Also, the smell of fresh and free coffee brewing in the kitchen.

3. What's probably the biggest way that your job has changed from say, four years ago?

There is more pressure today to deliver.

4. Has your brother, KPWR APD/MD E-Man, been a big influence in your radio career?

I wish I knew who you were talking about , but i have no clue who E-man is. Absolutely. He is a big part of why I got into the business. It was the Bigger (but shorter) brother influence that got it all started for me. I used to observe everything he did and I would always tell myself that I want to do or be that. At one point, E wanted to be a firefighter. Guess what I wanted to be? A firefighter. E also wanted to be a pilot.... Guess who also wanted to be a pilot? This Guy.

5. What do you like to do with your down time?

If I admit that i have downtime, then my boss may think he isn't working me hard enough so I refuse to discuss. I don't want him to see that I play Madden on the Xbox for hours a day. Here is my gamertag -djmikeemike1015

I also have a beautiful family that I spend time with. :)

6. You grew up in Southern California. Did you find any significant differences in musical tastes when you came to Phoenix?

Yes and No. Since AZ is still on the "Left Coast", there are similarities when it comes to music. The only thing that stood out to me when I first got here was the appreciation and love for down south music/artists.

7. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?

There are several people that served as a mentor throughout my career. I won't name them all, but I will go back and mention E. He has given me advice and guidance throughout and I know I can still go to him today for that.

8. We're into the 4th quarter of 2011. What part of your game do you want to work on more in 2012?

Networking. Building contacts and relationships within the industry.

9. In Rick Gillette, you have a PD with a tremendous amount of programming experience. Are there any key things that you feel he has taught you since his arrival at KZON?

Yes. First of all, his name is R Gillette. Do not call him Rick or he will drop kick you or drop your record. His brother's name is Rick and his is R, but he just likes to be called Gillette.

I have learned a lot from Gillette. My outlook on how to run/program a radio station is much different now than it was before he arrived. He taught me the importance of being LIVE & LOCAL. Before his arrival, the budget wouldn't allow me to put a LIVE jock on the air during certain times. I accepted it and didn't bother to fight it. Gillette arrives and that is one of the first things he says we need to change. We did so and now clearly hear the difference. Audience interaction is key.

Gillette is a unique PD and a very intelligent one. He has brought in a new attitude and vision to 1-0-1-5. It is kind of like what Rex Ryan did with the New York Jets a few years back. BTW, I am a big JETS fan so make sure you follow the 2012 Super Bowl champs every football Sunday.

10. If you were to leave Radio today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?

A ball player in the NBA. At 5'6, Ii feel that most teams would find me as an asset to their team, especially at the Center position. Maybe I'd be a chef. I would take culinary classes.

If you were going to roll with an artist on tour, who would you want that artist to be?

FarEast Movement. I kind of like those guys.......

If you could be on any reality TV show, which would you want to be on?

Jersey Shore. As a DJ, I would like to get paid 40k for a 1 hour set like Pauly D.