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Nick Trigony had
moved to Atlanta to take over as the chief of Cox Radio. I
knew of his reputation from his previous job in Houston.
Very fair, but very tough. He was very successful in
Houston, and I did believe that the Cox job was the right
fit for him and the company.
I had lived in
Atlanta for a couple of decades, and had a good feel of the
city. I called Nick and volunteered information on personal
essentials such as doctors, dentists, and auto repair guys.
He was appreciative, and I made an appointment with him to
introduce myself since we had not met.
Some weeks later
I was sitting in his office on Lake Hearn Drive. He was
very courteous as we talked radio shop, but I knew he was
busy. Just as I was about to leave a young looking fella’
in jeans, or it could have been khakis, walked in the door.
Nick said “Have
you ever met Bob Neil?”. I knew Bob’s programming
reputation was very good but, like Nick, I had never met
him. As we shook hands Nick and Bob started in a discussion
about a Cox station in Tampa.
It seemed that
Bob was going to be packing his bags and heading for Tampa
for a move other than just a programming position. After
five minutes or so, I stood up and excused myself stating
that I should get back to our consulting office. Nick
walked me to the elevator.
He did not have
to tell me to keep my mouth shut about Bob’s move south or
other specific points in their conversation (I carry a lot
of secrets with me). As the elevator door opened Nick said,
“He’s the best programmer I’ve ever known”.
By the time I
got to my car I was thinking, “I know a lot of good
programmers. That is some major statement by Nick”.
Indeed, Bob went to Tampa as Station Manager (if I
correctly recall his title) and did a great job. Then he
returned to Atlanta to eventually become General Manager of
WSB, etc.
When Nick
retired not that long ago, Bob replaced him as the big radio
man on the Cox campus. Nick certainly knew what he was
talking about!!!! Bob had/has a programming agenda that is
second to none.
Even though he
is involved with the usual Presidential duties, the Cox
stations sound like Bob keeps his hand in programming as
well. Bob hired or inherited great people to make his
programming “agenda” fly.
Over lunch one
day Bob and I talked about the small “programmer to
president” group to which we belong. We think there should
be more. On that subject I remember this Bob Neil comment:
“I just wanted somebody to give me the opportunity to do the
job”. Nick did.
Yep, I WAS THERE
in Nick’s office to hear Nick’s plan for Bob, and then watch
Bob move forward to be a successful manager. Congratulations
to both for a great job done!!!
Next week: the
Kaye-Smith organization…a great trip.
e-mail Kent
kent@kentburkhart.com
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