10 Questions with ... Daniel "Mambo" Herrejon

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started in1996 here at KCAQ as an intern got on payroll in '97 and started doing nights with Rico. In 1999, I got fired from KCAQ and hired at KSEQ/Fresno. In 2001 I got fired at KSEQ and re-hired at KCAQ. I left KCAQ in 2005 to launch KVYB and got fired in 2008. (you still with me?) I was out of a job for 15 months and in September of 2009, I got re-hired at KCAQ and here I am. The dates may be a little off but who's keeping track?

1. What got you interested in Radio?

It was the love for music. Back in the late 80's I used to listen to KMYX and KPWR. In the early 90's when I heard the Baka Boyz on Power 106, the idea of radio sparked in my brain and once I heard Deez Krazy Kidz on Power I knew radio was for me!

2. You and your longtime morning show partner, Rico recently returned to the morning slot at KCAQ after a run across the street at KVYB. What was the biggest reason for your return? How did the ball get rolling?

We both missed radio and we didn't want to leave the area, but in reality nobody else would hire us so we decided to plant a seed with Big Bear to see if there was a possibility of returning to KCAQ and here we are today!

3. What improvements do you feel you've made with this incarnation of the Rico & Mambo morning show on at KCAQ?

I've taken a lot of what I learned from being a PD along with Big Bear's ideas and advice and we're taking the show to the next level.

4. You were also the PD at KVYB. Do you miss sitting in that chair?

HELL NO! A PD is supposed be a Program Director not a Puppet Dude! When I left in 2005 as APD from KCAQ it was nice to come up with ideas and be able to execute them that same day. I didn't like the idea of someone in another state telling me what's right for my market. I understand radio has changed, but you have to trust those people you hire as Program Directors.

5. What's been the biggest change in the market since you left KCAQ?

Well now that I'm back at KCAQ , I'm competing with a station I helped create. Back then there was no local direct competitor.

6. How is working with KCAQ PD and Gold Coast/Oxnard-Ventura programming honcho, Big Bear different this time around?

Bear and I have always been good friends. Even when I was across the street we still met up at least once a month. I think the difference now is that we both have grown a lot and are smarter about our choices.

7. Besides Rico, who is on in the morning with you at KCAQ?

Nancy Rodriguez is our traffic girl and entertainment reporter. Kidd Spin is our mixer. Danny is our street guy and Chucho is our Mascot. You can check out our site www.ricoandmambo.com

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

Alright in the past I've always given the politically correct answer to this question, but Bear is one dude I will always consider a mentor. It is great to be working with him again. He's a great leader, friend and he can out drink anyone in the industry.

9. If you were stuck on a deserted island and had to live on one meal, three times a day for six months what meal would you choose?

A molcajete from EL PESCADOR in Fillmore, CA with a large horchata! (Google it)

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

I'd be a Marriage Counselor. I practiced with Rico's first failed marriage, but now with his second wife, I've saved his marriage 8 times and counting.

Make a New Year's resolution for Rico

Well he can't lose weight because that's been his resolution since I've known him and he is ugly so I say his resolution should be to get an extreme make over (lipo, face restructure, Brazilian wax, fix his hammer toes, etc...)