Resume
Non-smoker/non-drinker/non-drug user, clean driving record, format versatile, community involved, easy to work/get along with, and long hours are not a problem! As a success oriented professional, I have well-developed user liaison skills, a proven ability to work within tight schedules, and am self-motivated as evidenced by success in the broadcasting industry.
Geting To Know Justin Kaiser
Let me take just a moment to introduce myself. My name is Justin Kaiser. In addition to the New Media Consulting efforts I provide through Creative Identity Group, I am also the Director of Operations and Morning Show leader at WGFA AM-FM in Watseka, IL serving 19 counties and over 800,000 potential listeners. WGFA is a highly local and community oriented station. In fact, it is hard to walk down the street without someone saying hi, or waving. I love having that kind of a touch on my listeners lives.
I have worked in several different states, and prior to moving to Watseka have worked and programmed in Lafayette and South Bend, IN and consulted the companies other stations in Bloomington and Fort Wayne, spent some time in Minneapolis/St. Paul radio and was almost a Canadian (no joke, I spent 3 years just 4 miles off the Canadian border!). I love to my listeners smile. And every morning, I make sure that thousands of people are. I honestly enjoy what I’m doing, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my craft. I love to spread enthusiasm!
I have been spreading enthusiasm far and wide since 1992. People always ask me how I think the Breakfast Club impacts my listeners. The way I look at it, with all the stress and strife surrounding us, I like to make the program a bit of an oasis where listeners can enjoy some favorite songs, catch their breath, then take us along so that we can help them cope with the hassle. I’m a real believer in the music, it’s always changing. They lyrics always reflect a slice of life, and I’m excited that more and more people have made the discovery. And as they do, we’ll be right there, to help them smile.
Having my listeners address me a first-name basis. As a morning show host, I feel that my engaging style and friendly nature combined with that personal touch is sure to brighten the home, office or workplace each and every weekday. That, combined with an intense schedule of personal appearances, has made me the most recognized and approachable air personality in East Central Illinois and West Central Indiana.
Our fresh approach to local feel, and our highly interactive style with plenty of timely news, trivia, contests, and humor doesn’t do justice to such a fun career. We don’t just broadcast to our listeners, we communicate with them in a way they richly enjoy. That unique ability to identify with the listener rounds out a programming force that is nothing short of dominant.
Justin Kaiser’s Resume For Radio and New Media
Having been on-air since 1992, and a strong focus on broadcast communications management since 1995, I am motivated by working in a winning environment that is forward thinking, encourages team building, success through hard work, and is dedicated to growth.
Iroquois County Broadcasting
Director of Operations/Engineering, Watseka, IL, WGFA AM/FM, Champaign TSA, 06/93-Present
- Re-focused radio station on profitability and community involvement. Tightened on-air presence.
- Updated all marketing materials and presentations to better reflect stations successes.
- Developed PROFITABLE promotions that increased market visibility based on updated image.
- Involved in community organizations (Toastmasters, Kiwanis, Reading at Library to youngsters)
Justin Kaiser and Associates/Creative Identity Group
New Media Strategist - Technology Consultant, Sheldon, IL, 07/95-Present
- Worked on 1099 with well respected “Radio Research” firm via telecommuting to update corporate Intra/Internet, disseminate research data, online survey development, music popularity tracking, and online focus groups.
- Experience With Intra/Internet Development, Marketing, Web Architecture, Requirements Analysis, System Architecture, GUI Design, Network Management, Project Management, Computer-Based Training, Digital Multi-Track Multimedia Production including Voiceovers, Industrials, Imaging, Technical Support. Several satisfied clients.
Artistic Media Partners
Program Director/Morning Team Leader, WLFF (Country), Lafayette, IN, Market 235, 07/02-7/03
- #1 F25-34, #2 F18-34, #2 F18+, #3 F12+, #3 F25-54. Upward trend & HIGHEST 6a-Mid ratings ever.
- P12+ Share + 2.6-8.6. Cume + 7100-16500. TSL + 3:30-4:45
- P18-34 Share + 3.8-9.6. Cume + 7300-14600. TSL + 3:00-4:45
- P25-54 Share + 1.8-11.8. Cume + 1400-9000. TSL + 1:45-4:15
- W18-34 Share + 3.3-18.8. Cume + 3200-6100. TSL + :45-2:45
- W25-54 Share + 3.4-12.7. Cume + 1400-4700. TSL + 4:15-5:00
- Re-Imaged as “Lafayette’s 20 In A Row Station”, major increase in Cume/Share in less than 1 book!
- Presented promotional ideas to marketing. Station had positive cash flow for 1st time since 1998.
- Designed high traffic web-site with sales/listener friendly promotions and e-mail database of 700+.
Air Talent, WSHP (Classic Rock), Lafayette, IN, Market 235, 07/02-Present
- #1 M25-54, P25-49 Share + 13.6-14.3. Cume + 2500-3300, P35-64 Share + 5.3-12
- M18-34 Cume + 1500-2800, M18-49 Share + 15.4-17.4. Cume + 2000-3400
- M25-54 Share + 13.3-16.7, M36-54 Share + 10.0-21.4, W25-54 Cume + 600-1400.
Asst Program Director/Morning Team Leader, WZOW (Classic Rock), South Bend, Market 167, 04/02-08/02
- #1 Metro 12+, #1 Cume M25-54, Significant jump in Cume. Audience is shifting in right direction.
- P18-34 Share + 1.7-3.5 & more than doubled Cume, M18-49 Cume + 3300-4100.
- M18-34 Share + 3.5-5.1. Cume + 600-2700. 450% Increase.
- Developed and implemented music intensive morning show that doubled Cume in many demos.
- Designed high traffic web-site with sales/listener friendly promotions and e-mail database of 1,000+.
- Presented marketing ideas on a daily basis to the Local Sales Manager to help increase revenue.
Border Broadcasting LLP
Program Director/Morning Team Leader/Local IT Manager, KKWQ (Country), Warroad, MN, 04/99-04/02
- #1 across the board. Grew loyal listener base. Designed sellable promotions. Resolved problems.
- Maintained all computers, VPN, PHP Intra/Internet, LanTastic Network Administration, training.
Assistant Program Director/Local IT Manager, KRWB (Classic Rock), Roseau, MN, 05/00-04/02
- #2 in all day parts/demo’s. Successfully transformed a Dark Talker into Hot Rocker.
- Ground up revamp dark to live in 20 Days. Provided advisory services to Program Director.
Bauer Broadcasting Inc.
Program Director/Morning Team Leader/Local IT Manager, KVAY (Country), Lamar, CO, 04/98-04/99
- #1 across the board. CBA Best Morning Show Small Market, Highly respected by local civic leaders.
Chancellor Media Minneapolis
Swing Talent, KEEY/KXBR/KFAN/KQQL/WRQC, Minneapolis, MN, Market 14, 03/97-04/98
- Headed “Radio Research” team, swing announcer, Selector, library management, promotions.
Meredith Cable
Developed/Produced Community Programming, BB Play By Play, Minneapolis, MN, 08/96-04/98
Flambeau Broadcasting Inc.
Morning Swing Team Leader, WLDY/WJBL (MOR/Oldies), Ladysmith, WI, 04/96-04/97
Koser Radio Group
Air Personality, WJMC-FM/WJMC-AM/WRLS (Various Formats), Rice Lake, WI, 08/92-06/96
Tech Skills and References
- Knowledge In Many Software SuitesH
- Hardware - Mainframe to PC Desktop/Laptop and Peripherals. Internal and External Hardware, LAN/WAN and VPN, Routers, Switchers, Build and Troubleshoot PC Systems and Networks.
- Internet Development/Imaging - Principal Designer Specializing In Web-sites for Individuals and Small Businesses. Various Design Tasks Including Search Engines, E-commerce, Live Streaming, HTML, SHTML, PHP, Java and CGI Script Integration, Adobe Photoshop, Image Ready, Paint Shop Pro, Macromedia Flash MX, Animation Shop, MS Image Composer, Active Screensaver Builder, CorelDraw, AutoCAD, MS Front Page 2000, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Ultradev 4, Fireworks 4, ColdFusion 4.5, CF Server, Homesite (Hand Editing HTML, CGI, JavaScript), FTP, MySQL,.
- Broadcast Technology - Selector, Wavestation, Scott Studios, RCS/DCS On-Air Master Control, Saw Plus, Cool Edit Pro, Audio Vault, AP News Desk, Phantom Lite, Darts, Arbitron PD Advantage.
- Other Software - LanTastic, DOS, MS Windows 3.1 - XP and Vista, Windows NT, Linux, MS Office 95 - XP, WordPerfect for Windows 5.1 - 8.0, Star Office, MS Office, IE, Netscape Communicator, MS Access.
Justin Kaiser’s Education and Community Involvement
- 2008-Present - Advisor - University of Illinois Ford/Iroquois Extension Ag in the Classroom Advisory Board
- 2007-2008 - Member - Kankakee Regional Chamber of Commerce Core Council and Young Professionals
- 1992-Present - FCC Licensee - Restricted Radiotelephone Operator License and Technician Ham Operator License (KC9GNH)
- 2006-Present - Public Information Officer - Iroquois County ESDA (Emergency Services Disaster Agency)
- 2007-Present - Webmaster - Cameron High School Alumni Website
- 1995-1996 - Brown College Graduate - Certificate in Mass Communications/Broadcasting 3.95 GPA
- 2004-Present - Toastmasters International - Former President, Vice President and Mentor
- 2003-Present - Advisor - Win! Win! Radio Advisory Board
- 2003 - Organizer - Wisconclave Broadcast Education Conference
- 2003-Present - Member - Conclave Executive Internet and Scholarship Committee
- 2003-Present - Member - Iroquois County American Red Cross Communications Committee
- 2004-Present - Chair - American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Iroquois County Team Organizer
- Promotions Consortium with radio stations all over Country
- 2003-Present - Member - Society of Broadcast Engineers
- 1999-2001 - Director - Warroad Summer Theater - Board Member and Co-Chair of the Production Selection Committee
- 2004-Present - PR Chair, Webmaster, Weather Spotter - Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club
- 2001-Present - Graduate - Microsoft Partner University Network Infrastructure and OEM/Hardware Competency Program
- 2001-Present - Certified Parter - Microsoft Certified Partner Program
- 2003-Present - Attendee - Symantec Internet Security Corporate Training
- 2003-Present - Attendee - Watchguard Internet Security Training
- 2003-Present - Attendee - Panda Internet Security Training
- 2001-Present - Partner - Microsoft Partner Program Microsoft Partner
- 2003-Present - Advisor - ComputerRepair.com Member Provider Advisory Council• SKYWarn Weather Spotter
- 2004-2008 - Public Information Officer - Iroquois County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency
- 2006-Present - Director - 3 Year Term Elected - Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman of Membership Committee - Co-Chair Seminar Committee
- 2004-2006 - Advisor - ShockeyMonkey.com Development Team
- 2004-2007 - Dell Certified Systems Expert on Latitude/Inspiron/Desktop/Server
Awards and Recognitions
- 2008 - Staff Achievement Award presented by the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce - “Iroquois County Broadcasting AC WGFA/Watseka, IL Dir./Operations Justin Kaiser was honored at the Watseka Area Chamber Of Commerce’s annual awards dinner for acts far above and beyond the call of duty during the historic flooding. According to WGFA owner Maggie Martin, who spoke at the event, Kaiser risked his own safety as floodwaters came within six inches of spilling into the station’s studios. Nevertheless, outside of a short catnap, he stayed on the air for 51 hours straight, providing information every half-hour. When the building lost its heat and electricity, Kaiser relied on a generator and a few space heaters to keep warm.”
- 2006 - Illinois Broadcasters Association Silver Dome Award for Best Promotional Materials
- 2005 - Toastmasters Area 11 Outstanding Club President Award• IQ Cty Mergency Public Information Officer
Justin Kaiser’s Programming Philosophy
My programming philosophy is based on ‘instant gratification. Listen like a listener. Live up to the VALUES and lifestyle of the target audience, talk about ‘real’ things listeners care about, making them feel more secure, and SOUND ALIVE!
Mornings – Marry the market, community involvement, own a local charity, think like presidential candidates, get the morning show names in front of the public. Don’t wait for the audience to come but go to them!
Music - Find out what people want to hear, find out what the hits are in that format, and play’em!
Staff - Personalities should enhance the music! Take care of your personalities…..People are your Lifeline!
Marketing - Explain who and what you are, and live up to those expectations! Always tell your name and address!
Sales - While primarily handling programming, always be prepared to help sales generate business!
My Duty - Take seemingly complex things, make them simple, and make them work!
In Summary - Too many program directors have lost sight of what makes a radio station successful. The most successful stations are not necessarily the ones with the best talent, most industry recognition, or even the highest ratings. The most successful radio stations are the ones who, when all is said and done, are the most PROFITABLE.
That is my mission with any company I am with. To create the best radio stations possible and still maintain the highest level of profitability. Obviously, you must have the best programming, promotions, and people to do that, but all too often, the incorrect assumption is made that in order to achieve that, you must spend the most money. In some markets this is true, but in others, it is not. I have always believed that one must utilize the tools given to make the best sounding product available, which will in turn give our clients the results they expect, and that will yield the station the revenue it needs to be profitable.
I believe that in building a successful radio station, one must always have an open mind. It is a fatal mistake to go into a situation with a predetermined agenda as to what the radio station should sound like. It is the audience that must determine that. And with the feedback of that audience, you can tailor the programming to be the best available.
No matter the format, it is imperative that any radio station win on the streets to be successful. Radio is no longer a simple audio medium. To be successful, radio must become a product that listeners can touch, feel, and relate to. That is done by proper marketing, and promotion of the station. A station must become endeared to the community. A rule to live by is that “no one would think of doing anything in the community without having WXXX as a partner”.
People are also important. You must tailor your air-staff to the format and presentation you need to win. But a common factor that must be in your staff, regardless of format, must be a belief in the station, and a commitment to win. A staff of “clock punchers” will never be the foundation of a winning station.
These are the fundamentals by which I continue to build my career. These are just the basics, but should hopefully give you a picture of what I am about. In Success!
