Dave West: Keeping Radio Alive

As Chief Operating Officer of the Mountain Radio Group in Colorado Springs, Dave West has found his perfect intersection of passion and purpose. His journey from radio enthusiast to station owner represents more than just a career progression – it embodies the preservation of local broadcasting in an era of increasing automation and national syndication.

Early Life and Career Path
Dave's connection to radio began in his earliest years, with a natural inclination toward broadcasting that manifested before he could even walk. While his childhood dreams included becoming a fighter pilot, his father observed early signs of his future career as young Dave would sit and mimic radio personalities. The path to station ownership wasn't immediate. Dave spent years working in various aspects of radio, developing a comprehensive understanding of the industry. "I was very interested in all aspects of radio," he reflects. "I always kind of considered myself as an air personality, but I always thought that was just a part of what I love about radio."

The Entrepreneurial Leap
The decision to transition from employee to owner came after years of family discussions about station ownership. In 2016, Dave and his family reached a crucial turning point: they needed to either stop talking about owning a station or take action. The decision to move forward was influenced by Dave's experience running a non-profit station with volunteer cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy, which gave him confidence in his ability to manage a commercial operation. "I remember thinking, well, if I can run this whole station with volunteer cadets, then I can run a commercial station," Dave recalls. However, he quickly discovered that the commercial aspect would present new challenges: "It turns out that sales part is a huge key."

Challenges and Growth
One of Dave's most memorable challenges came during a morning drive time slot – traditionally radio's most crucial broadcasting period. Breaking his own rule about not making technical adjustments before a big show, he attempted what seemed like a simple fix. The result was catastrophic: the station went off the air. "I worked and worked and worked on it, to the point where I remember sitting there, on the floor in the studio, and I just started crying," Dave shares. "I started to walk out. And then I realized, well, wait, I'm the boss. I can't quit. I can't fire myself either." This moment exemplifies the unique pressure of being an entrepreneur – there's no walking away when you own the business. The incident became a powerful lesson in following established protocols and managing crisis situations.

Leadership Philosophy
Dave's leadership style has evolved significantly over the years. One of his most important lessons has been learning to let go and trust his team. "My team that I have around me now are amazing," he says. The ability to delegate has transformed his daily routine – where he once needed to be at the station before dawn, he can now arrive later, confident in his team's capabilities. This transition wasn't easy. Like many entrepreneurs, Dave struggled with relinquishing control. "When you build them up, you've got to let them go," he acknowledges. This philosophy has not only improved his quality of life but has also strengthened his business by empowering his staff.

Community Impact and Vision
The Mountain Radio Group stands out in the Colorado Springs market for its commitment to live, local programming. While many stations rely on national programming, Dave believes strongly in maintaining a local presence. "We have the most live people on any station. Pretty sure there are people 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.," he states proudly. This commitment to local programming reflects Dave's broader vision for community impact. The station serves as a modern town square, highlighting local events, supporting veterans' initiatives, and promoting community activities. This local focus has built strong relationships with advertisers and listeners alike.

Personal Growth and Success
Dave's definition of success has evolved significantly since his younger days. Rather than focusing on financial metrics, he now measures success through experiences and impact. His pride in his high school-aged children and the station's role in the community represents a more meaningful measure of achievement than monetary gains. The station's success is built on trust and relationship-building. One of Dave's proudest moments came with his first major advertising contract. "I still remember quite well selling my first year contract," he recalls. "I had to build a great radio station because there would be more people writing checks to me for a reason, and I wanted to make sure they got every dollar's worth."

Lessons and Advice
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Dave emphasizes several key principles: 1. "It's a marathon, not a sprint." Success takes time and patience. 2. "Don't let your business run you; you should run your business." While this is easier said than done, maintaining this perspective is crucial. 3. Visualization is powerful. Drawing from his mountain climbing experience, Dave believes in the importance of seeing yourself achieving your goals before you reach them. 4. Let go of grudges and negative experiences. Focus energy on moving forward rather than dwelling on past difficulties.

Future Vision
Looking ahead, Dave remains committed to maintaining the human element in radio broadcasting. In an age of increasing automation and national syndication, the Mountain Radio Group continues to emphasize local connection and community engagement. This approach not only differentiates the station but also fulfills Dave's original passion for radio as a medium for human connection. The journey from radio enthusiast to station owner has taught Dave valuable lessons about patience, persistence, and the importance of building strong teams.

His story demonstrates that success in entrepreneurship isn't just about business acumen – it's about staying true to your vision while being willing to adapt and grow. As Dave continues to "climb mountains" both literally and figuratively, his experience offers a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs: focus on building something meaningful, maintain your integrity, and never lose sight of the community you serve. In doing so, you create not just a successful business, but a lasting legacy.