May 2020 Featured Team Member: Rich Showalter

The featured Media Creek, Inc. team member for the month of May is Rich Showalter, one of our fantastic Product Consultants! Media Creek, Inc. is comprised of Live365, EmpireStreaming, and Abovecast.

Rich's passion for radio started when he was 7 or 8 when his dad took him to visit a radio station. Seeing the DJ, equipment, records, and how it all worked was fascinating to him. All of this bloomed into an obsession with his mini studio in his bedroom that his dad helped him setup.

When he was old enough, he finally tested for and received his FCC 3rd Class Operators License, and off he went looking for a job. He eventually landed his first job at a rock station in the early '70s. Then, life happened, marriage, and the need to make REAL money to take care of a growing family.

Years later, he found the original Live365 and started his first station. And other than a 1.5 year break when the original Live365 stopped operations, he has been doing it ever since.

Hey Rich! So tell us, what all do you do for Media Creek?

My official title is "Product Consultant" and my main responsibility is on-boarding new broadcasters, providing them the answers to their broadcasting, streaming, and platform questions. I enjoy the energy and enthusiasm that new broadcasters bring to the conversation - the excitement about their new adventure and getting to be a part of that. The importance of being their first impression and interaction with the company is something that I take very seriously.

I also work on special projects as needed. The last one I was involved with was drafting and updating articles within our knowledgebase. This is an important part of our support process that affords broadcasters a wealth of knowledge 24/7. Articles include everything from common FAQs to LiveDJ Tutorials and everything in between.

In addition to my consulting and special project duties, I also help to moderate our forum and Facebook group. I enjoy interacting and offering assistance to our very diverse group of broadcasters. The vast knowledge of our members and passion to help their fellow broadcasters is inspiring. It's also a way to put a face with the person that I assisted in getting started on their broadcasting journey. I encourage all of our broadcasters to join our group.

In your opinion, what's the best part about working for Media Creek?

This one is easy, the people. I get the opportunity to work alongside some of the best in the business, whether it is our Solutions, Sales, Engineering, or Management teams. We have some brilliant minds moving the company forward with a goal of excellence in product development and customer service. It's an honor to work here and learn from the best of the best in our industry. As I tell everyone, this is my ultimate retirement job that I am thankful to wake up to every day.

I know it's a tough question, but if you had to pick just ONE music genre to listen to for the rest of your life, what would that be?

This may be hard for some people, but not for me, it's HARD ROCK & METAL! Ok, that's two, but related. Surprised? Many are to find that someone my age is a metal-head. I've always been drawn to the harder side of the music world. It includes a group of related styles that are intense, virtuosic, and powerful. It all started in the late '60s and my passion for the music is just as strong today.

Who is your all-time favorite band/artist then?

Even though I knew I was going to be asked this question, this one took me the longest to decide on. There are so many artists that have had an impression on me in my 68 years that the answer is almost impossible to answer. Since this question holds my feet to the fire, I'll choose Rush. Ever since the release of their self-titled debut album in 1974, Rush has been at the forefront of artistic creativity and exploration with a unique and ever-evolving progressive hard rock sound. Few could argue the incredible virtuosity that this trio of Canadian musicians possesses. From the ferocious bass playing of frontman Geddy Lee to the sizzling and profoundly deep guitar work of Alex Lifeson to the mind-blowing drumming genius of Neil Peart, Rush has established themselves as one of rock's most talented groups. It was a very sad day to learn of the recent passing of drummer Neil Peart.

What's your favorite song by Rush?

Again, my feet are to the fire here, so I guess I'll choose the very fitting Rush song, "The Spirit of Radio." I could write paragraphs on this song alone, but the bottom line is it just makes me feel good and isn't that what we all want from our music? To move and inspire you, to make you think and feel outside the box? But, for me, the opening verse says it all:
"Begin the day
With a friendly voice
A companion, unobtrusive
Plays the song that’s so elusive
And the magic music makes your morning mood"

So, with all that passion for radio as well as hard rock and metal, I'm assuming you definitely still have your own Live365 station, right?

Yes, I surely do, actually two! 97.3 The ARC, "The Active Rock and Metal Channel," and The Choice, "80s Hair and 80s hits."

What's your favorite station on Live365 [other than your own of course]?

When I'm not listening to mine, I like to tune into Philly Rock Radio. They spin hard rock, heavy metal, and classic rock from the late ’60s through today. So, I get to hear the classics I grew up on and the currents I still crank to 11.

Learn more about Media Creek, Inc. and its brands here. Have questions? Email us at hello@mediacreek.net.

_{Article image: ktphotography via Pixabay.}