We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlie Huero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I took a chance in the beginning of my career moving from Milwaukee to San Diego for just a part time job. It all played out in the end and has been the start of my 38-year career in radio. Having the work ethic needed to move forward in an industry that paid attention to people who went the extra mile to grow themselves was in my favor. Something I learned at a young age from my father. “If you want something, you gotta go get it. You gonna work hard for it too, but you gotta keep your head down and work.” It’s hard to adhere to such a commitment to a career, but it’s what got me to some of the greatest jobs I have ever had including where I am today! I am extremely lucky.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career started in La Crosse, Wisconsin on WLSU which was the college radio station. While I was working there, I worked for a mobile DJ company called American Entertainment. One of the TOP 40 stations in the market WLXR Hit 105 wanted to use our company to book dances for their radio station DJ’s. I kept bugging the PD, Pat Paxton for a shot on the radio. He gave it to me. I eventually became part time swing and then headed back to Milwaukee. I was hired by Rick Thomas in the Giant Boom Box at a Russ Darrow car remote he was doing, and that’s the beginning of a huge working relationship. Many hours of work, and many opportunities later- we end up in Phoenix in 1998. I have done speaking engagements at ASU and other places in the Valley and what I tell them all is to build your relationships. This business is really about who you know. Build your bridges and you never know what can happen. What brings me joy is knowing that I, in some way, have made someone smile along the way. I am so blessed to actually have a career that I LOVE to do! So many people go to work every day. It’s a job. They clock in, and they clock out. Many of them are not happy with that and I understand that you have to do things to survive. I have had the pleasure to be able to go to work, turn on the mic, and entertain.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so much to do in the Valley! If there is a sporting event going on, that would be one thing for us to do. Phoenix has become its own little “foodie” town with so many places to choose for different types of dining of drinks. Also, depending on what time of year they come out (hopefully not Summertime) there are so many seasonal things to do and places to visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many “shout out” I could give to people who were instrumental in my career growth. First my parents for letting me grow and supported me in my career path. To the many Program Directors who gave me the chance to do what I love. Rick Thomas, Rick Cummings, Michelle Mercer, Bruce St. James, Dave Shakes, Tim Richards, Rick Gillette, Kris Abrams, Chris Hernandez…there are so many more people who were a part of my journey.

Website: hot975hot1039.com

Instagram: charliehuero

Twitter: @charlieonair1

Facebook: charlie huero

Image Credits
ALL FROM MY CAMERA

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