Hey there, I’m DJ – and yes, that’s actually my name! My mom named me that, so it’s not just a nickname or a play on words. Ironic, right? I remember listening to the DJs on the air and thought they were real celebrity’s and had body guards and road around in limos LOL! From the moment on, I’ve been addicted to radio. It’s in my blood, and I live and breathe everything about it.
My radio journey started at a small, low-power station in Harrison, Michigan. One day, as fate would have it, an executive from CBS Radio was passing through and heard me on the air. That executive was Dom Theodore. I was shocked when Dom reached out via the email I gave out on air. At first, I thought it was a prank, but it turned out to be very real. We met at a station he was building in Cadillac, Michigan – 107.9 CDY – and that’s where I got my start. I began by doing weekend shifts for free, paid only in pizza, and I drove 45 minutes each way just for the chance to be on the air. Over time, Dom became more than just a mentor; he was like a radio dad to me. When he was finally able to pay me to do evenings, I was thrilled – a real paycheck from a real radio station! I worked evenings there for a few years while also holding down a job at 9 & 10 News in Cadillac.
Eventually, I sent my demo out to stations across the country and landed a morning show and production gig in Montrose, Colorado. The team was great, except for a program director who wasn’t much of a team player, so I started looking for new opportunities.
Dom once again came through, telling me about an afternoon and production position in Eastern North Carolina. I packed up and moved, loving every moment in North Carolina until Colorado came calling again.
This time, they wanted me to lead their team, so I returned as Program Director for two stations. In that time my team and I achieved Radio Station of the year along with other accolades from the Colorado Association of Broadcasters! It was an amazing experience.
During the pandemic, I was offered the chance to become Program Director at a legendary station in San Angelo, Texas, and I jumped at it.
After some time in Texas, I realized I needed to be closer to family, so I moved back to Northern Michigan and started doing radio imaging consulting. A couple of years later, my old friend Rich Spicer, whom I worked with at 107.9 CDY, reached out. He asked if I’d be interested in an Operations Manager position in Mt. Pleasant.
I wasn’t sure, but I’m always up for a conversation about radio. That conversation was with Bob Peters, the owner of Latitude Media and My 104.3. Bob and I hit it off instantly. I’m one of those people who loves visiting radio stations whenever I’m on vacation, so naturally, I wanted to see My 104.3. The moment I walked through the doors on East Wing Road, I knew this was where I needed to be.
Now, I’m thrilled to be on the air in the area where I grew up and oversee operations at Latitude Media. I can’t wait to meet new people and create lasting memories right here in Central Michigan. I’m also passionate about working with nonprofits, so if you have a cause or an event you’d like to share on the morning show, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at dj@wczy.net. Thanks for waking up with me weekday mornings from 6:00 to 10:00 on Central Michigan’s Best Variety, the new My 104.3. I can’t wait to connect with you!
