10 Questions with ... Don 'Djwrekk' Williams

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

My career started at Central Visual and Performing Artist High School in St. Louis Missouri. I majored in radio communications and during my senior year, I landed a board operator position and DJ mixer for KMJM Majic 108. On April 1, 1999 KATZ 100.3 The Beat launched, and I was promoted to weekend on-air personality and DJ mixer. In June of 2001, Radio One launched WFUN Q 95.5 in St. Louis and I took a full-time job as Production/imaging Director, weekend on-air personality and DJ mixer. In 2002, I accepted the Music Director position at KATZ 100.3 the Beat. In November of 2002, I accepted a Music Director and Night Jock position in Indianapolis, Indiana for WHHH Hot 96.3. In 2015, I accepted the position of Program Director and Afternoon jock at WMBX X 102.3 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Three weeks in, I launched WMBX-HD2 Beatz 96.3 which I am also currently the Program Director for as well.

1) Is radio unique?

Radio is like a personal relationship. Many people can go into detail about their favorite radio personalities from 20 years ago or a promotion where they may have won concert tickets or an opportunity to meet a celebrity. Continuing to create relationships with the listener is what's going to carry radio into the future.

2) How important are your annual events?

We have partnerships that I'm proud to have the radio stations involved with X102.3 WMBX holds an annual Summer Pool Party. The station partnered with the Children's Service Council of Palm Beach County to bring awareness to drowning prevention. The agency offers free summertime swimming lessons to the community, as well as a free pool party to celebrate the end of the program. Families received free pool entry into two local swimming pools in Belle Glade (western Palm Beach County) and West Palm Beach. In 2017, Florida lost more children to drowning than any other state. We are educating the community and saving lives at the same time. These events usually attract 850-1000 families.

Susan G Komen - Race for the Cure -This is another partnership that we have. Through this event and the airwaves, we bring awareness on the importance of early screening and detection of breast cancer. In addition, it provides hope to those who have fought the disease and is an opportunity to recognize Forever Fighters (those living with metastatic or incurable breast cancer). We have employees and their families that are affected by breast cancer, so it makes it even more personal for us.

X 102.3 Turkey Giveaway - This is another event that I look forward to. Every year, we team up with the Urban League of Palm Beach Country to provide turkeys with all the fixings to the community. People need this and expect it from us, and we are happy to provide this service. Every year, on average, an estimated 850 families will have a Thanksgiving Day meal that normally wouldn't have one.

3) Have you ever been interested in any other profession other than radio?

I didn't have a backup plan. Radio is all that I wanted to do, and I was determined to get through the door. I knew that I didn't have the face for TV but I knew I had the perfect face for radio. My parents wanted to be a preacher and I declined. I also recall my parents telling me that I need to learn a trade because radio wouldn't last for me. Well, it's been 22 years and counting since I got into radio and it has been an incredible career. I totally understand that my parents only wanted the best for me, but I knew at a very young age that I wanted to work in radio. I used to work in a warehouse when I was 17 with former criminals and people over 40. I was making good money, but I wasn't happy. That inspired me to move faster on my radio journey.

4) You worked your way up through the radio ranks, didn't you?

I've been a board operator, a program director, and almost everything in between. I understand a lot about what it takes to make a life for yourself in this business on almost every level. I was never content just mastering one part of the business. I can produce commercials, do a 4th of July mix, and program day parts for urban AC. I was never intimidated by learning something new.

5) Would you share the names of some air personalities you grew up listening to?

There were several people that I grew up listening to. Kevy Kev was the night jock on KMJM Majic 108 when I was a teen and he brought an enthusiasm to radio with features like Pump it or Dump it which was a battle between 2 songs, and people would call the radio station and vote. Chaz Saunders was the Midday jock and she has a voice that's a gift from heaven. When she speaks on-air, you were just naturally drawn to the radio. Doc Wynter was the host of the Quiet Storm on KMJM and the thing I learned from him, was to cater to the women. You get the ladies on your side; your show will be #1. There are so many to mention but other great jocks include Marc Clarke, Tony Scott, Deneen Busby, Déjà vu, Dwight Stone, DJ Kut, Chuck Atkins, Eric Mychaels, Brian Wallace, BJ the DJ, Guy Black, Leo Baldwin, Deon Livingston, Elizabeth Hamma, Kiki the First Lady, Toss N Ted, Doc Luv, DJ Vodu and DJ Kaos.

5) Do you think radio will eventually go by the wayside?

Streaming is a big deal and it will continue to be, but traditional radio's best days are still in front of it. There is an element of community engagement, especially in urban radio that just can't be duplicated or emulated by online music services.

7) Who have been some of your mentors?

Elliot Simpson was my high school radio teacher and he taught me the basics of radio. I learned everything from splicing tape, how to produce a newscast, how to run a mixing board etc.

DJ Kut taught me how to be smart while working in radio. He showed me how to run a business and make real money. Although radio didn't pay a lot of money, he taught me the importance of branding myself and using radio as the vehicle. He also taught me that it is not all fun and games and even the people who work with you may not have your best interest at heart.

8) Care to share your career goals?

I literally started at the bottom as an intern. I did that for years before I was even able to even crack the mic. My goals in this business have evolved every time I've been able to accomplish something else. This is a business where you can never rest on your laurels and say, "I made it." I'm very happy about making the stations I've programmed #1 in it's demographic, but I see no reason why we can't be #1 overall. I also have a passion for developing a strong team and sharing the knowledge I have acquired over the past two decades in this business. I wake up every morning and ask myself, "how will I inspire others and help them reach their goals?"

9) What do you think radio needs to work on?

Radio programmers across all formats should get back into the mode of setting trends instead of always following them. YouTube and streaming services have created a climate where a lot of times by the time a song gets played on traditional radio, we're already late. Radio still had the power to break records, we just can't be so apprehensive about doing it.

10) If you had a choice for measurement, would it be PPM or diaries?

They are both great systems that have their advantages, but I like PPM a little better because I get the information faster.