10 Questions with ... Special Ed

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started with multiple part time gigs while in high school in Wausau, WI (WKQH/WSPT/WIFC), until my first full time night position at WBIZ/Eau Claire, WI. I took my smokin' night talent to WHTF/Tallahassee, FL, then to WSSX/Charleston. After a few years at WSSX, I started getting the programming bug, and became an MD. That led to APD/MD/afternoons, and eventually mornings. After seven years in Charleston, I made a bittersweet move to Charlotte for a part time gig at WIBT(I hated getting up at 3:30am lol). When a position opened up at my former competitor, WIHB in Charleston, I returned as APD/Middays...now officially covering every day part in the 843 area code. Bruce Logan called me about six months later to make an offer that would turn the U-Haul back to Charlotte...now APD/MD/Late Night personality at WIBT!

1. What was your last non-Industry job?

It's been over 12 years...while working part time in radio during my high school years, I also prep-cooked/bussed tables at an Italian restaurant...Iozzo's!

2. Why Radio?

Mr. Schmidt, and 6th grade science class! Being in an advanced curriculum, and finishing before most students, gave us 2 weeks to squeeze in a Radio program. The class split into groups of 4-5 kids and we were responsible for a 2 minute radio show over a "mr. microphone" to present to the class. I was hooked, saved my allowance, bought my own "mic," and used my basement radio station as my self-teaching until I could legally work at a real radio station.

3. Which Backstreet Boy is most like you?

Nick Carter. I watched his TV show, and I think he's "special" too.

4. What's the highlight of your radio career to date?

Honestly, this is not an ass kissing answer ;) Getting hired at "The Beat" in Charlotte changed my life, and has made me the happiest in my career. Not only is getting to a market on this level been a goal of mine since I was 17, but I truly enjoy being a part of a great team/format/station/competitive situation.

5. What's your favorite part of your duties as APD/MD/air personality? If you had to choose one over the other, which would it be?

I've actually been very fortunate in all of my APD/MD positions, to have worked for PDs that have trusted my input, judgement, and overall sound of their respective stations. Mike Edwards at WSSX, Bryan Taylor at WIHB, and now Bruce Logan at WIBT have all given me the chance to express my opinions, act on most of them, and more importantly, have my back. When things haven't gone the way they should have, they've all been incredible teachers...learning the process is my favorite part of my APD/MD duties.

The programming bug is now embedded...I'd take those duties over an air shift any day!

6. Who would you like to see replace Simon Cowell as a judge on American Idol?

Jay-Z or Prince. Both, in my opinion, are musical geniuses.

7. Do you have a radio mentor(s)?

My biggest mentor in the biz award goes to Mike Edwards/WSSX. He gave me my entire programming foundation. What's amazing, is that he even taught me things that have been in my recent PPM training...way to be ahead of the game, Mikey! I have to give honorable mention to Rob Wagman as well. Programmers Rob Morris, and Rich Davis also have been an inspiration.

8. Charlotte is a great city. What do you think Charlotte could use more of?

COWBELL! Who couldn't use more of that?! Well, maybe Dallas is "good."

9. Would you rather be stranded on a "deserted", tropical island for 3 months or sing the National Anthem at a New York Yankees game on national television?

No women for 3 months? I'd sing my ass off! Loud, proud, and out of tune!

10. Do you have any musical guilty pleasures?

I can really get down to some sappy music from the 90's. 'Everything I Do (I Do It For You)' by Bryan Adams, 'All My Life' by K-Ci & JoJo, 'I Don't Want to Miss' a Thing by Aerosmith, and 'I'll Be' by Edwin McCain to name a few.

What's your dream market?

I'd say Miami, but I would probably get into too much trouble. Next on the list would be NYC.

A freak gravitational shift has added three hours to everyday. What would you do with those extra three hours?

Personally, I'd spend it doing things like working out, playing basketball, or hitting the pool...you know, like extracurricular activities. Ha! The things I barely have time to do now.

On air, I'd give Joe Rainey from Capitol/Virgin his own show...obviously having a 20 second delay, and a board op with the fastest reaction time.