10 Questions with ... Beata Czechowski

NAME:Beata Czechowski POSITION:Dir. Rhy/Crossover, West Coast COMPANY:Zomba Label Group/Jive Records BORN:Dorchester, MA RAISED:St. Petersburg/Clearwater, FL

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started at WLLD in T. PETERSBURG as an intern, over 8 years worked my way up to Co-APD/MD. Then OCTOBER of 2006, JOHN STRAZZA reached out to me regarding a position he had available with his team at JIVE...the rest is history in the making.

1. What was your last non-industry job?

I was a bartender at an Italian spot.

2. At about the time you were hired by JIVE, you were Co-APD and MD at WLLD. Weren't there rumors of you jumping into the PD chair elsewhere?

I was talking to people regarding PD opportunity, but once I spoke to JOE RICCITELLI and STRAZZA it was a wrap.

3. How did your time at WLLD prepare you for the move into record promotion?

I think the most important is I know what the other side is thinking. I know what is important to radio and why.

4. What has surprised you the most since making the move?

Now being on this side, seeing how easy it is to do things that I thought must be difficult and how hard it is to do the things I thought would be easy when I was a MD.

5. Obviously, JIVE has had some big records since you joined JOE RICCITELLI and the JIVE promotion team. Does one project stand out to you?

The HUEY project. When I got here that was the work project. No one really believed in the record no one wanted to give it a shot. Then slowly we turned the corner and stations that gave us some mix spins started adding it to regular rotation due to phones from mix play. After months of working it, the record took off nationally.

6. Not only did you jump from radio to record promotion, but you moved across the country from TAMPA to LOS ANGELES. How do you like living in the L.A. area?

L.A. is fun, you have a little of everything here but I have to say I do miss the FLORIDA weather. By March I am out on the beach in FLORIDA, in L.A., I am walking around in sweats.

7. Have you found some favorite radio markets you like to get into and visit?

On the West coast, PHOENIX and VEGAS are my two favorites, and of course TAMPA/ST. PETE.

8. You work with a lot of veterans at JIVE, like JOE RICCETELLI, JOHN STRAZZA and KEN LUJEK, just to name a few. Any particular words of wisdom they've shared that you care to share?

There's too much to write it all down. I am just really lucky to be working with them. It's only been a little over 7 months and they have taught me so much. It's such a family environment here and I know if I need advise or help with anything, they are there.

9. What do you miss most about working in Radio?

Spit ball fights w/ one of my best friends, ORLANDO, going to CHIPOTLE everyday w/ BREWSTER and most of all, not rolling into the office till 10am.

10. How much fun is it to go into Tampa and beat ORLANDO up on your records?

LOL, I think it's my toughest market. ORLANDO, doesn't like to make it easy on me. He makes me work to get my records on.

BONUS. Ever picture yourself in ASHLEY JUDD's shoes, celebrating an INDY 500 win in the rain?

I think a little rain would be fun :)