Today's guest is Hall of Famer Larry "Rocket" Ross, from the Class of 1992. He was at the station when WJPZ-FM was really coming into his own, but we start today by hearing about the one air shift he'll never forget. He explains how Z89 was the only media outlet, at one point in time, that had the list of Syracuse University students killed aboard Pan Am 103. As a freshman covering a midday slot just before Christmas break, he had to field phone calls of terrified friends and family members, asking if their loved ones were "on the list." Some were. Some weren't.
After the break, we return to talk about Rocket's career at WJPZ, starting out in the research department, and working up to chief announcer and VP of Ops. Toward the end of the episode, we hear the hilarious story of Rocket's first break on the air...or was it?
During his senior year, Rocket worked for Y94 in Syracuse, then he actually commuted to Watertown for his first job after graduation. One winter of that drive up Interstate 81, however, was enough. Eventually he moved to Rochester, parlaying his radio career into roles at an entertainment venue, and eventually, the restaurant industry.
Rocket now works for Sodexo Live, formerly Centerplate, overseeing field marketing for all of the stadiums and arenas, conventions and conference centers, museum zoos, aquariums, amphitheater's, amusement parks, auditoriums, ski resorts and more that they operate throughout North America. We briefly get into the science and psychology of menu design. Why is Panera's "You Pick Two" so successful? Today's guest can explain.
Following up on our previous episode with Harry and Dena, we revisit the receivership era of the radio station in the late 90's. Rocket served on both the receivership committee, and then as the alumni rep on the newly redesigned WJPZ Board of Directors. He was thrilled to give back to the station, and come full circle, years after graduation.
Join Us in Syracuse for Banquet on March 4th: https://bit.ly/WJPZ50BanquetTickets
The WJPZ at 50 Podcast is produced by Jon Gay '02 and JAG in Detroit Podcasts
Want to be on the show? Email JAG at jag@jagpodcastproductions.com
Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/
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