Thursday, July 26, 2007

World Record set in Home Purchase.

I buy things quickly. Don't get me wrong. I think things through, but when my minds made up - I can purchase almost anything faster than you.

I once bought a car on the phone. I hadn't even seen it. I had a friend drive by and look at it. He liked it, and told me I should buy it - and I did. The papers were signed before I even sat behind the wheel.

I bought a rider mower on a whim. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.

I bought a computer on-line. Took about 3 minutes.

I can complete any grocery shopping trip in 20% of the time the average American takes.

It should come as no surprise I bought a house in two days.

My Illinois house sold so quickly, the truck with my belongings needed a Wichita address, or I'd face a huge storage fee. I bought a house in two days. I got pre-approval from a local bank. I contacted a Realtor, and asked if it was possible to close in as little as 10 days. They said, "It is possible." I arrived on a Sunday, looked at houses Monday and half a day Tuesday - then made an offer. The offer was accepted, the financing squared away & my furniture will arrive about 5 hours after I get the keys this Saturday.

I must be a "dream client" for a Realtor. Actually, the Internet made the quick decision possible, as we looked at over 500 houses online before we arrived. The commission paid on my deal will amount to several hundred dollars an hour. I imagine for every customer like me, a Realtor gets twenty that drag the process out - wasting everybody's time.

I expect a plaque will be placed in my Realtors office with my picture, detailing the "World Record Time" on our sale. I also expect a Christmas Card and a bottle of Dom Perignon on the kitchen counter.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Wichita rolls out red carpet for Brian & Kellie

Actually, the speed limit was 35 along the Kellogg frontage road - as I zipped along at 47.

The Wichita Police Department, apparently thrilled at the news Brian & Kellie were in town, decided to wave us to the side of the road. The Police didn't use their flashing lights. They must have recognized us, as they flailed their arms as we approached. "Wow", I thought. Maybe they want to give us the key to the city! We met a very nice officer who immediately began writing what I assumed was an autograph request. As it turned out, he wanted my autograph, and a small donation to the city of Wichita. How honored I was to be considered a Wichita resident so quickly. I have a special number I have to call. I imagine this is a special Big Time radio host number. I can't wait to make the call. To be welcomed this way by these hard working men in uniform is flattering. If each day in Wichita is as personally satisfying as this day, I'm gonna love this place.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Brian and Kellie Farewell Tour Final Round

We got the send-off today in the same studio where it all began back in the seventies.

This is WFMB-AM 1450, formerly WCVS "The Big 14" at 3055 S. 4th.

That's Sam Madonia & Jeff Hoffman with Brian & Kellie. I was the night jock in the seventies, and Kell was the mid-day girl in the early 80's. This is truly the room where it all began for me. If you've ever driven by the studios, this is the old main round studio at the center of the round building. Sam gave us 90 minutes and took calls from listeners, and even advertisers who we worked with over the years. Thanks to Bob Ridings for the kind words, and George Haven, my SHS math teacher for calling in. It seems appropriate to leave this town from the same room where I spoke my first real commercial radio words a long time ago.

Thanks to Sam, Paul & GM Kevin O'Dea for the opportunity. Off now to Wichita. The next post from there.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Brian and Kellie Farewell Tour Round One

What a pleasure it was to join Max & Liz this morniing on 100.5 WYMG. We got 30 minutes of prime time to say thanks to the city that supported us all those years. We competed with WYMG everyday, and it was gracious of this Saga station to extend the invitation. While there we received calls from former listeners who now wake up with WYMG. It was fun sitting in front of a microphone again after the long hiatus.




Immediately afterward, we ventured down the hall to join our old friend Bob Murray at sister station, 1240 WTAX. We both worked with Bob for a long time and hadn't been heard together in about 10 years. We could have done 4 hours with Bob, but the old radio stories would have become tiring to the audience.


All the best to these radio pros. By the way, I officially endorsed Bob's show as the one to listen to for all the displaced Brian & Kellie fans.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Brian and Kellie Farewell Tour

We didn't get to do a "last show." We will get to say goodbye to Springfield - thanks to our competitors all those years.

As of now, we'll appear on WYMG with Max & Liz at 7am Wednesday July 11. About 7:40 that same day, we'll appear with Bob Murray on WTAX.

The next day, Thursday July 12, we'll appear with Sam Madonia on WFMB-AM in the 7am hour. I'm led to believe we'll take calls on that show.

I sincerely thank my fellow broadcasters for the opportunity.

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Brian and Kellie back on the air.

Brian and Kellie will be back on the radio beginning Monday, July 30th. For Springfield listeners, you will need a computer to hear us.

We are excited to announce we have accepted the position of morning show personalities on Journal Broadcast Group's KFDI-FM (kfdi.com) Wichita, Kansas. Journal Broadcast Group, headquartered in Milwaukee WI, owns and operates 36 radio stations and nine television stations in 12 states.

It was a tough decision to move away from our family and friends here in Springfield. We explored all the radio options here and even opportunities outside of broadcasting in our quest to stay local. Our phone rang with offers all across the country. Frankly, we turned down many because the fit wasn't quite right. When Wichita called, we visited the city, and found a perfect fit.

We want to express thanks to the hundreds of you who e-mailed us. Thanks to those of you who introduced yourselves as we were out and about. Literally each time we left the house, we were recognized and people expressed their support. We were stopped in the grocery store, at restaurants, the mall, gas stations and the dry cleaner. We were approached at the hardware store and at the movies. We tried to explain what was going on to the mailman, people inside drive-up windows and the FedEx lady at our front door. It makes us feel good to know we touched your lives. 15 years waking up a city is quite a feat, but we're not quite finished. We only hope that Wichita opens it's arms to us the way you have all these years.