May 27, 2022

What unreachable goal have you accomplished in your life (personally and/or professionally) you thought you never would?

Nick Wize, WFLZ: I worked in New York City and never thought that would happen. 92.3 NOW had its ups and downs (RIP) and overall it never achieved to its full potential, but it gave me a lifetime of memories and experiences not just in radio, but life itself. 

Buster Satterfield, WIOQ: Becoming successful without a degree. 

Jana Sutter, WXXL: Hosting on the BottleRock Napa stage! 

Bartel. WKTU: Being here in New York City, and my dream job at KTU! 

Rich Davis, KDWB: I’m not sure whether I thought it was unreachable or whether I hadn’t even considered it, but I’m pretty proud of getting ready to celebrate 25 years at iHeartMedia this year! 

Drew Heyman, WHYI: Being Music Director and having the #1 afternoon show in the market. 

R Dub, Z90/Magic 92.5: My life’s passion (Sunday Night Slow Jams) on 200+ radio stations across America including NYC. WOW! So thankful! 

Jagger, KCHZ: Proudest of making it to NYC and working there for a long time. That was a big goal of mine. I spent well over a decade there which was great. 

Dom Theodore, Radio Animal Media Strategies: Early on I never thought I would actually own radio stations, much less several of them, but it happened, and before age 40. Who would have guessed? 

Guy Zapoleon, Zapoleon Consulting: My radio journey itself: from winning a car on 93KHJ, to getting my Top 1000 in Rolling Stone Magazine at 21, to working with all the great radio stations I was privileged to work with. It would never have happened without the right people in my life. From the GMs, to PDs, to my teammates at the stations I worked, there were people who believed in me and shared a mutual love for radio. And of course, God’s hand was all over it making my dreams come true. 

Jonathan Shuford, WRVW: I don’t believe any goal is unachievable. There might be obstacles in the way regarding your timetable, but I think you can do anything you want as long as you go about it the right way. 

Adam Rivers, WKCI: Being actually decent at golf. 

Frankie V, KSSX / KHTS: When my brother Mikey V followed in my footsteps and began a career in radio, we always dreamed about doing a show together. It seemed unreachable at times. But we stuck with it. Now we get to be on the air together in Boston on KISS 108 weeks days from 5p-7p! It’s a dream come true. 

Josh Wolff, WAEB: Syracuse University was my reach school, and I was surprised and delighted when I was accepted. 

Elise, WPLW: I never thought I’d be on the air. Personally, I’m a big space nerd and I won the opportunity to go “behind clearance” and see a launch less than two miles away from the launchpad.  One of my most epic moments in life! 

Brian Mack, iHeartMedia: It’s been amazing to me, but there hasn’t been anything I’ve ever set out to do that hasn’t become reality. I learned at an early age what I was capable of when I put MASSIVE action behind my goals when it came to ice hockey and my grades. I continue to apply those lessons. However, I am learning to take credit. For a long time, I truly believed my luck would just run out. That’s a good way for one to get consumed with anxiety. 

Jeremy Rice, WXXL: Running three NYC Marathons was pretty cool. And of course, having triplets: Winston, Victoria, and Cecilia. 

Buzz Knight, Buzz Knight Media: Never thought I would have recorded and released over 30 podcasts for my Takin A Walk Series. 

Lee Abrams mediavisions: Becoming a serious and accomplished pilot.

Mike O’Donnell, WKRZ: Personally, my mission’s trip to Haiti. It was never on my radar, but I’m so glad I did it. Professionally, being able to keep a huge brand like KRZ #1 for fifteen years. 

Joey Brooks, WKSS: Getting to try out for Team U.S.A. for hockey when I was 16 and 17 years old. I made it to the final tryouts twice. Didn’t make the team, but I was close. 

Heather Deluca, WSJO: I never thought I’d have the chance as an on-air talent to be heard in multiple markets, and I can be now. So, that’s a recent professional accomplishment for me. A personal one, very appropriate for the release of the Top Gun sequel, is that I was able to fly in an F-16 fighter jet a few years back and it was THE MOST terrifying, exhilarating experiences of my life. 

Valentine, WBHT: The opportunity to work in Miami as APD/night jock at Y100. As much as I was pushing to get it, I never thought it would be a reality. Living in Miami, doing a night show, being an APD…they were exciting times. I learned a lot. 

Fish, WKRZ: Personally, building a house in the country. Professionally, I never thought I would get to be a decisive factor in programming when I broke into the business. 

Jon Zellner, iHeartMedia: Starting in radio at a very early age, my goal was always to be a Program Director, which happened much earlier than expected. And I always wanted to marry an intelligent, beautiful woman who was also my best friend…definitely hit the jackpot there. 

Big Rob, KKPL/KMAX: Figuring out my worth and betting on me. It took me 10 years too long but I’m happy I did it. Huge goal for me! 

Next Week’s Question Of The Week:
Summer is quickly arriving, what have been some of your fondest memorable summertime moments (business and/or pleasure)?
e-Mail your responses to: jodorisio@deanemediasolutions.com or bburke@deanemediasolutions.com