10 Questions with ... Strawberry

NAME:Strawberry POSITION:APD/afternoons STATION:KZON 101.5 Jamz MARKET:Phoenix, AZ COMPANY:CBS Radio BORN:Mountain View, CA RAISED:San Jose, CA

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Born at KHQT/San Jose, then grew up at KYLD/San Francisco. I spent 10 years at KYLD, dominating nights for over five years then graduated to mornings where I firmly held my own in the shadow of the legendary Doghouse. A quick stint at FREE FM in San Francisco and it was off to Phoenix.

1. What was your last non-Industry job?

Working at a dry cleaner. Hanging the clothes was easy, the steam from the presses was bad, but removing the items left in the clothing pockets was nasty. Since I was lucky/unlucky enough to get into radio while still in high school, it was a job I had to juggle with my homework and my night show duties.

2. Why Radio?

I have an admiration for music. I have always wanted to surround myself in music. Plus, when I break into my boss's office at 1:45am, TRASH the place and flip his desk, it's show prep, not a fire able offense....now THAT'S a job worth going to everyday. (For a list of other successful Dennis Martinez tortures and pranks, email Strawberry@1015Jamz)

3. You've taken on APD duties at KZON. What are you finding surprising about being on the programming management side of the chair?

How easy it is to spot someone who shows up just for a paycheck and someone who shows up to make a difference. It's amazing far how a little guidance and comaraderie can bring a team.

4. You worked at KYLD/San Francisco for many years. How has the adjustment been from living and working in the Bay Area to the sun of Phoenix?

No place is like home. I miss the swagger, dance, culture and "slanguage" of my fellow Bay-destrians. However, the sushi here is surprisingly bomb, the people are the friendliest anywhere, and the weather is incredible. I paid a portion of what my California house cost for the properties I bought out here, plus snowboarding is a 2 1/2 hour drive, Vegas is 4 1/2, Mexico is 4 and The Yay Area is a 90 minute flight. I love it in Phoenix.

5. What have you found most exciting about the move to Phoenix?

The nightlife is incredible, the market is booming and ripe for new blood, and everyday I love going to war- I mean work. "Girls Gone Wild" films out here for a very good reason!

6. This is round 2 with your PD Dennis Martinez. How is it working for the skinny bastard, now?

Aside from the fact that he is a flaming, metro-sexual now? It's like a fashion show everyday. He's really on that "if you got it, flaunt it" tip right now but despite the constant belt/shoe/hat color matching, he's one of the main reasons I came out here. We share a vision of 101.5 Jamz and we have been having fun winning. And, with all due respect, I've never seen an entire staff so in love with their PD. It's almost eerie!

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

Jack Bauer. What he does to the terrorists is what I do to our competition. Speaking of which, when does "24" come back? If you want me to name drop, I could; I've worked closely with Michael Martin, Ray Wong, Dennis Martinez, Big Joe Grande, Nessa Diab and James Archer and from them I have learned, collectively, what to do and what not to do in order to be a successful jock and manager. As a child of radio, I give Michael credit for raising me and I thank him for grooming a proficient son.

8. What was the best Super Bowl event you attended?

101.5 Jamz hosted the majority of those parties you saw covered on MTV, ESPN, E! and TMZ.com so it's hard to pick. Puffy's party was too out of control to be enjoyable but the next night I was in Scottsdale drinking shots with Pitbull and Zach Miller (Oakland Raiders) at Dave Navarro's party watching a far-from-sober and half naked Tommy Lee video mixing!

9. In 2008, what area of your "game" do you want to improve?

I'm a perfectionist as well as my worst critic. That's a deadly combination. I'm also the kind of guy who wins by a half point and gets mad that it wasn't a full share. I have to learn to accept victory graciously. Also, Dennis keeps harping on my belt/shoe/hat combinations...

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

We all think about that after we hear those words "thanks for all our hard work...but" don't we? I spent my time "on the beach" actually on several beaches and could see myself either renting jet skis to tourist or working for the CTU. (Another "24" reference, sorry.)

What do you do to relax and unwind in Phoenix?

Good question, I wish I remembered her name! Ha-ha -I know you won't print that! It's hard to get stressed when you're having the time of your life but if I need to chill, I'll open some 2 Buck Chuck and blast my Bay Area music.

If you could be on any TV reality show...which would it be?

Yuck! I hate reality shows almost as much as I hate the morons who watch them...no offense to the morons...but you ARE moronic. Plus I have some sick thoughts, and following me with a camera might get several of us caught, convicted and quite possible fired...not necessarily in that order.