River City Six – Jack Swanda
Meet Jack Swanda, on air talent for Boomer Radio (www.myboomerradio.com).
Tell us a little about your business.
I am sort of a dual businessperson. I am the voice of Boomer Radio’s The Drive Home show, which happens daily from 3 to 6 p.m., and I am also a financial advisor with Wealth Partners, an advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial.
How did you get started in the business?
I’ve known that I wanted to be on the air since I was a sophomore in high school. I have always loved broadcasting. In the past, I worked supplying programming to stations around the country. I also had a pretty popular show called Out of Bed with Jack and Fred for 13+ years.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
When you do something that you love and that you’re gifted by God to do, there really are no challenges. We have a great audience at Boomer Radio—the show allows us to put aside our differences and remember the good times and great music that happened in the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Being able to have longevity in the industry. It can be difficult to keep up as a broadcaster over time. Formats change, the business model changes and you have to learn to adapt.
Tell us a little about your family.
I actually just celebrated my 42nd anniversary with my wife Karen. We have three daughters who are all married and have given us seven grandkids.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Growing in my faith is really important to me and the time in my life when that became very real to me was a big turning point. Becoming a father was also huge. Children save us from ourselves.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Watching Husker football or major golf tournaments!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
My “double-life”/dual-career. My financial clients are surprised to know I am a radio personality and vice versa.
Who inspires you?
Anyone who has made a sacrifice for others.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Give thanks in ALL circumstances.” -1 Thessalonians 5:18.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
To always have ice cream in the freezer.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Between both of my jobs, I utilize a variety of talents, but I would say I am one talented channel surfer.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
Metro Area Youth Foundation. They work to provide financial and other support to families of children diagnosed and receiving treatment for cancer. We also support Assure Women’s Center.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand.
What is your favorite TV show?
Monk.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Tom Osborne.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Email: jswanda@walnutradio.com; Website: www.myboomerradio.com / JackSwandaAdvice.com.