Paco in Phoenix, circa 1988

Can you walk us through your journey in the radio industry and how you transitioned between different roles?

A: I began DJing parties when I was 15 or so. From there I got into club DJing, then into radio. I’ve worked in many cities, including New York, Washington DC, Houston, Miami, Phoenix, Tampa, Las Vegas and here in Orlando. I’ve been a morning DJ, done the midday show, afternoons and nights. I’ve been a music director, program director and overseen multiple stations in Tampa.

What inspired you to pursue a career in radio, and how did you get your start?

A: I used to pretend I was a DJ as a little kid. I’d record songs off the radio onto my cassette player and later pretend I was a DJ. I used to go to promotions at local radio stations and one day one of the DJs asked, “who are you, and why are you always here?” I told him, “I want to be a DJ one day!” (I may have been 16 years old at the time.) I stayed in touch with him and THAT man later called me one day a few years later. He ran an organization that helped minorities get radio and TV jobs and send me on a couple of interviews. I graduated from High School on a Friday, and began my radio and TV career the following Monday.

As someone who has worn many hats in the industry, which role did you find the most challenging, and why?

A: The most challenging position is always managing people. We’re all different and have different issues, concerns, personalities, skill levels and need to be treated a little differently. There’s no “standard” answer for how to treat people. I’ve always thought as a manager that if you treat people with respect, pay them a fair wage and give them an opportunity for growth…those employees will never want to leave. Also, I always tried to lead by example and challenge employees to work as hard as me. I think you can get more out of people if you motivate rather than intimidate.

What are some key lessons you’ve learned throughout your career that have helped you succeed in different roles?

A: Decades ago Martial Artist/Actor Bruce Lee said, “Be like water.” In other words, take the shape of your surroundings. Adapt and adjust to the environment around you like a chameleon and you’ll always fit in. On the air, I’ve always tried talking TO people…and AT people. One on One. Make a connection with the listener. Be real and authentic.

Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your time working in radio?

A: During the beginning of the Pandemic, a friend of mine introduced me to Pastor Donnie McClurkin. I asked him if he could do a prayer for Las Vegas that I could run on the air the following Friday at noon. He agreed. The prayer never came because he got tied up in other affairs. I reached him and asked him if I could get it for the following Monday, to run at 5pm. He recorded it and I ran it that next Monday at 5.

A lady called the station right after the prayer aired (from her car) and said that she’d lost her dad a month ago and her job a week ago, and she was ready to end it all and go “home…” but when she heard the prayer, she felt that God spoke to her and gave her hope, and belief that she’d be ok. So she decided to NOT go through with her plans. I KNEW that was God’s hand in that the prayer never came on Friday, rather it ran on Monday…for HER to hear it…and completely change the course of HER life and those around her.

What advice would you give to aspiring radio professionals who are looking to navigate a diverse career path in the industry?

A: Radio is a challenging career. It’s filled with hard work, long hours, (in the beginning) not very good pay. If you’re looking to become “rich and famous” – rich will probably NOT happen, and famous is relative. Famous with your friends and family, in your home town, nationally, etc. If you pursue that (or really any) career path. Don’t let anyone take your dream away from you. Many will say you won’t make it. Some will try to convince you it’s not worth it. Some will be jealous. But, the truth is that if you work hard and (hopefully want to serve others) never give up, you can and will make it. How high you climb will be up to you, your work ethic and how bad you really want it.

What are your future aspirations or goals within the radio industry, and how do you plan to achieve them?

A: I hope to continue to work at the Z family of radio stations in our effort to spread the word of God and expand our stations’ footprint in Central Florida. I’m not so much worried, concerned or focused on what I plan to achieve as much as I’m focused now on serving God, spreading the Gospel as His vehicle, and being of service to our local community.