Growing up...I was born, raised (and probably conceived) in Eau Claire. It came down to a coin toss what my major would be at UW-Eau Claire. Heads, telecommunications (a.k.a. radio). Tails, math education. Tails won. I should have used a two-headed coin.
My life in radio...started in college. My introduction to commercial radio was as a promotions intern at WAXX 104.5 and quickly moved to on-air work on weekends. I stayed with country music and worked weekends and vacation fill-in at WMIL in Milwaukee for three years. We followed my wife's job and lived near Moline, IL for four years while I did evenings at a classic rock station in the Quad Cities. After nearly nine years away, we followed Karen's job (and really, our hearts) and settled for good in the Chippewa Valley.
Family...My wife, Karen, our three kids (Leah, Jack, and Fletcher), and our killer teacup poodle, Max, live just south of Eau Claire.
Favorite WAXX 104.5 artists...I love the traditional sound and humor of Brad Paisley (he's one of the few artists that I have every one of his CD's) and Darryl Worley. I could sing all day long (although not very well) the harmonies of Blackhawk and Diamond Rio. Sawyer Brown and Montgomery Gentry top the list as well.
Something most people don't know about me...One of two things, if not both. 1) I'm addicted to the Soap Opera "All My Children." 2) While studying in Scotland during college I wore a kilt in the traditional Scottish way--if you know what I mean.
If I wasn't in radio...I'd be doing exactly the same thing I do now when not doing the radio thing--a stay-at-home dad. I've been doing that (with some radio thrown in, too) since our oldest was two months old and I absolutely love it! Any job that you can stay in your pajamas until 5:00 in the afternoon is a good one!
Favorite vacation place...The British Isles. I fell in love with Edinburgh, Scotland while studying there but London is a close second. I'm amazed each time we go back just how friendly the people are, how rich their history is and how good the beer is.
Coffee, anyone...Right after Karen and I got married I schlepped coffee for two years for Starbucks Coffee in Chicago while she finished school. Free coffee and Frappuccinos everywhere! Even now it could be the middle of a blizzard and I still need the sweet elixir of a mocha Frappuccino. Mmmm...mocha Frappuccino.
What drives me...more times than not it's a Honda Odyssey. As far as inspiration goes it's my family. They make me want to do that something extra that brings a little more happiness into their lives, the lives of others and, therefore, the world.
Four things to live by...Vote, lead by example, give blood, and keep your promises.
Favorite food...Generally speaking anything from the Italian line of food is a safe bet. Specifically, it's a deep-dish pepperoni pizza fresh out of the oven from Gino's East in Chicago. There's also something about a bowl of freshly-opened Cheerios.
Best movie of all-time...It's a tie between "Animal House" (Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?!) and "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (It's just a flesh wound).
Fun fact My wife and I met while working at the same summer camp and were never closer than 5 ½ hours apart for more than a couple of days while dating.
