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10 Questions with ... Gino Flores
July 26, 2022
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. - If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?
I've thought about that many times. I really wanted to be an attorney. Maybe that's why I love a good debate so much.-
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I recently celebrated my 22nd year in radio. My entire career has been spent in the Coastal Bend. Raised in a small town (Odem) outside of Corpus Christi. I went to college 45 minutes south at Texas A&M-Kingsville and have spent my entire career working for the Malkan family.
I began as a part-time college kid working through school and now I oversee the three stations in our cluster KZFM/KKBA/KEYS as Operations Mgr. I also program the two FMs and host a morning show on our heritage KZFM.
1. How did you get started in Radio?
I was working in a gym (shocker) and was introduced to the then PD, Ed Ocanas. My co-worker told Ed that I was a college student studying radio/TV. Ed asked me for a "demo" and after two weeks of procrastinating (another shocker), I handed him an unscoped aircheck from school. He told me the next day he wanted me to work for him and the rest is history. I basically have never left this building.
2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?
As a kid, I loved basketball and wanted to be in the NBA like my idol Michael Jordan. Then I realized I wouldn't break 6 foot in height and I sucked. So that kind of didn't work out for me.
3. You do mornings and program multiple stations. What’s your key to time management?
I like to think of myself as a disciplined person. Nobody knows what it's like living a morning show type of life. I've been trying to explain that to my GM for over 12 years. It's hard but I like to think of it in a positive way. You are up so early and before anyone else. That in itself allows you to get a head start on the "to do list". Up by 4:30am, in the gym by 5am, on air at 6am, at work until noon, train jiu jitsu 12pm-1:30 pm, back at work 2pm-3pm then home. I make a list daily of things I have to do professionally and personally. I check off each item as completed. Old school pen and paper. Very simple and keeps me focused. Every time the microphone is off during our morning show Erika and I are multitasking. In and out of studios doing "stuff". She also being my APD allows us to have daily meetings while doing a show together. Kind of convenient. Also, I don't allow my task completing to be sidetracked by music calls. I was taught long ago, "their emergencies are not your emergencies". So I stick to my schedule and don't let anyone change what my priorities are for that day.
4. What would probably surprise most people about Corpus Christi?
The amount of money this city and the surrounding areas generate. Our port is one of the biggest in the world when it comes to commerce. We have a huge oil and gas industry. We recently became the site for a new Exxon Mobile plant and Steel Dynamics plant. The real estate market is on fire as many of these new businesses attracting families to move to South Texas. The area is really booming and people are making a good living in those sectors of business.
5. What’s your favorite Jiu-Jitsu move? (why do I hear “finishing move” from Mortal Kombat?)
Well that's nice of you to ask. I am a Gracie Barra purple belt and have trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for 7 years now. I would have to go with the Kimura. It is a versatile technique that you can not only use for a submission but also to restrain and control an individual. It can be implemented from many different positions and situations. I'd be happy to demonstrate on the next record rep asking me to put their song back in rotation.
6. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?
I've thought about that many times. I really wanted to be an attorney. Maybe that's why I love a good debate so much.
7. We know your radio job keeps you very busy but what do you like to do in your spare time?
Along with lifting weights, and training jiu jitsu, I live on a little 4 acre spot on the Nueces River 40 minutes outside Corpus. There's plenty of work to keep up with the place, believe me. But there's also plenty of beer drinking and smoking meat on the bbq pit. So it balances out.
8. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?
None. I hate all of them.
9. Your morning show co-host and APD/MD, Erika Navarijo is a ridiculously good baker. How do you resist?
She's really good. I've tried to persuade her to go into business and I'd invest but no luck yet. I do get the occasional cupcakes or on special days my own cake, so it's a good thing.
10. If you had to eat one type of meal every day for a month, what would it be?
Pizza! Man I love pizza. But I love steak too...and sushi...and wings...Damn!...next question.
Bonus Questions
Your "go to" romantic spot in Corpus?
IH-37 NORTH (leaving town)
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