Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacey Harting.
Hi Stacey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started working for BL Broadcasting back in 1997. I worked as the receptionist/copywriter, but I only worked at the position for a year. Fast forward to 2015 and I again, was the receptionist at BL Broadcasting. 3 months in, Hubbard Broadcasting purchased BL Broadcasting, and all of a sudden, we were part of this HUGE corporation! It was amazing to be part of a company that was so wonderful to its employees and all the technology that was afforded to our stations in Brainerd. While working as the receptionist, I learned more and more about the inner workings of the radio industry. Co-hosted a podcast with my co-worker Eric Grant, got to be on the morning show with Eric when he was filling in. Voiced commercials for our platform BBay. I became “Stacey from BBay'”! I learned the traffic side of the business…how the commercials made it on the air, the way the music was merged with the logs. It was so exciting to be a part of something that brought music, news and personalities to the Brainerd Lakes area! In the spring of 2022, a sales position opened up. I had hit the farthest I could go in my current position. I was intrigued by the sales staff and their interaction with clients. As I pondered, I put my head down and prayed to God for a sign. A sign to let me know if I should pursue this other avenue of the radio business. About an hour later, a client came in to record a spot and it was also an acquaintance of mine. I asked her how she was, and she told me she had moved into the Sales position, and how she loved getting out and meeting people, meeting her goals and striving to excel in her position. After she left, I said to myself…I like meeting people, I like goals and I like to strive in my position. I immediately took it as my sign and applied for the sales position.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to where I am at now was not exactly smooth, but it was not riddled with potholes either. After being a receptionist pretty much my whole life, I struggled with imposter syndrome. Was I really able to “sell” air to my clients, would they take me seriously when I advised them on marketing strategies? But my co-workers were amazing with helping me to learn, to grow and to be ok making mistakes. The Sales team at Hubbard Radio Brainerd truly are a family who help each other.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Hubbard Radio Brainerd, most known for WJJY 106.7, B93.3, and the Power Loon has been a mainstay in the radio industry in the Brainerd Lakes area for years. It’s where people go to find out the weather, the local news and the latest music or classic hits. Most notably, is the fact that every employee is associated with some type of non-profit. Whether it’s the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the Walk out of Darkness to prevent suicide, Smiles for Jake, Jacob’s Voice, American Legion, the Elks, Brainerd Jaycees, or the Radiothon to end Child Abuse, just to name a few, we as a whole get involved in our community. We have won 5 Crystal Awards from the National Broadcasters Association, which is based on community involvement. We have also been awarded the Heritage Award which means we have won 5 Crystal awards. Only 13 radio station in the entire country have received the Crystal award, and 3 of the stations are located in Minnesota and are owned by Hubbard Broadcasting. We don’t just do radio and sell commercials, we truly help our clients and our community.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
To listen. No, I mean really listen to people when they talk. Everyone says you need to listen to understand, listen to learn and listen to help. But it’s the listening to learn the journey of the person you are talking to that’s the most important. Asking the right questions, then listening to the answers.
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