10 Questions with ... Mikey Fuentes

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

After high school and college radio my first commercial radio gig was at KFMB, the legendary B100 in San Diego. 23 years later I've had the distinct pleasure of doing every on-air daypart known to man and programmed at great radio stations throughout the western United States including KPSI, KKSS, KYLZ, KGGI, KWIE, KWYD, KZON, KVIB and KKFR.

1. What got you into radio?

Every time I turned the radio on, the DJs were always having fun and playing great music so in my young 8-year old mind I knew there was no better job on earth.

2. The call letters, KKFR have been a staple of Rhythm radio for a very long time with a long history of success and successful programmers. How does it feel running a radio station with the history of a KKFR?

Opportunity is the first word that comes to mind. The opportunity to be on the same stage as great programmers such as Steve Smith, Don Parker and Bruce St. James is extremely exciting until you realize they were on 92.3 (full market signal) and we're on 98.3 which covers 70% of the market. Not apples to apples but it makes for a tremendous challenge.

3. What do you think of when you see Tino Cochino and Tino Cochino Radio exploding in Phoenix and around the country?

Do your actions meet your aspirations? Most personalities have goals but there is no action plan to go along with those goals. Tino has a vison and the work ethic to make it happen.

4. What would probably surprise most people about Phoenix?

Phoenix is the United States' fifth-largest city with a population of over 1.6 million.

5. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?

Running my trucking company on a day to day basis and flipping real estate.

6. We know your radio job keeps you very busy but what do you like to do in spare time you have?

I have six classic cars, so on the rare occasions when I have time to myself, I look forward to turning wrenches.

7. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?

The Bachelor

8. Where does balance in your personal and professional life come from?

When you love what you do, the lines get blurred but two kids tend to provide perspective.

9. If you had to eat one type of meal everyday for a month, what would it be?

Italian - Quinoa pasta with organic turkey and organic marinara sauce.

10. Hypothetical situation: You're going to be gone from the station for 4 weeks to be a contestant on The Bachelor, Amazing Race or Big Brother. You need to choose one record company executive to fill in for you while you are away. Who takes over at KKFR while you are gone?

Toughest question yet. Lee L'Heureux is a very strategic record exec who loves and believes in radio so Lee gets the reigns.