We might be a little biased, but we have an AMAZING crew here at KFI. They are the hardest working people in radio.
Now, you might know that from what you hear on-air, but what you don't know is that there's a lot of people working behind the scenes to help bring that awesome product to air. Most of these people you don't get to hear from much because they're not on-air talent, but their work is invaluable and without them, KFI wouldn't be KFI! Even more important, so many of these people are the most essential of essential workers, and have been here, in house, at the station from Day 1 of the pandemic because there was no way for them to do their job from home.
So each month, we like to present one of these employees with the KFI Employee of The Month honor to recognize these amazing people and to give you a little more insight into those that bring you the KFI you love each day, and the best part is that these winners are chosen by their peers.
Each Employee of the Month receives a few fun prizes, a certificate, an official award, will be featured in an on-air promo and their name will be enshrined on a perpetual plaque that will be located in our building (once Neil Saavedra gets it done!).
So we'd like to introduce you to KFI's Employee of the Month for March ---- The Guac King of KFI.... Armando "Mondo" Hernandez!
Mondo started with KFI back in 2003 and from the beginning, his skills as a board op / engineer were legendary. Most recently he was the Technical Engineer and Assistant Producer for The Tim Conway Jr Show as well as the Producer for The Fork Report. Today, he officially started as the NEW producer for The Gary & Shannon Show! He also just received his first Covid vaccine dose, so he has lots to celebrate this month!
So many of you know that Mondo has struggled for the last several years with medical issues, but thankfully, almost a year ago, Mondo received a new heart and kidney, and we are forever thankful for your prayers and support for him!
And, wait....we can NOT forget about the fact that he has THREE...count them THREE blue ribbons from the LA County Fair for his guacamole! (Seriously, his guac is AMAZING!)
Here's what some of Mondo's co-workers had to say about him:
- "Simply put, he's a cool guy!"
- "Our most loyal, hard-working, creative, lovable, smart, funny, cuddly employee!"
- "Duh...."
- "Because he, his new heart & kidney are awesome!"
- "He’s been a steady performer for a long time."
- "He's the best employee"
- "A great guy, a hard worker and has come through a hard few years with an incredible, always positive attitude."
- "He’s a hard worker, dedicated, lovable and he has a great heart- a new one in fact"
We asked Mondo a few questions so you can get to know him better! Follow Mondo on Instagram and Twitter @TheMonduce
What made you decide on a career in “radio?"
"I knew I wanted to be in radio when I was a kid and I heard a DJ singing along with the song Tainted Love and I was like, 'That sounds fun. I want to do that.' "
What's do you like most about your job?
"I like the creative aspect and that no two days are the same.:"
Any pet peeves?
"Static on the radio."
Favorite hobbies
"Road trips, going to the movies, and Practicing bass."
Favorite food / drink? ?
"Thai food (khao soi), nachos, and wings. Arnold Palmer or an ice cold Coke."
What does the perfect 'day off' for you consist of?
"Start the day at the track, drive somewhere touristy, try a new restaurant, and end it with a concert. I like an action packed day off."
What's the one thing that people don't know about you?
"My favorite show is Cheers and I have Sam and Diane salt and pepper shakers."
Any advice for anyone just starting in the radio business?
"Anything is possible. Believe in your creativity."