5 Business Lessons from Radio Disney

After 25 years, Radio Disney has officially shut down. Between my 2 years at Radio Disney, and my wife Carrie Kerpen’s 4 years spent working there, we are so grateful for our time there and the people we met along the way.

I learned valuable lessons that I'd like to share with you:

1. If you can’t beat them, join them:

I was the number one salesperson in the company during my time at Radio Disney until Carrie Kerpen began her career there and quickly dropped me to number two. At that moment, I knew I had to marry Carrie and go into business with her one day. Both of these visions came true a few years down the road, and I am forever grateful to Radio Disney for introducing us.

2. Find a great mentor, and never stop listening:

Peggy Iafrate, our Station Manager, quickly became a mentor to both Carrie and me, and she taught me so much. She never failed to own a room. She taught us the importance of having presence, but also the importance of listening. Peggy was an incredible, creative talker but an even better listener. She taught me that when you listen for pain points, you can solve them and sell anyone anything. Peggy showed me the true value of mentorship, and the importance of finding someone you want to emulate.

3. Be persistent and authentic:

As a salesperson for Radio Disney, I had to be persistent on a daily basis, but I did not know the true meaning of persistence until I was faced with landing Burger King. I called Brenda Fuentes, the marketing manager for Burger King, everyday and left her one voicemail per week consisting of me singing to a Radio Disney top song tune. It was not until the 37th call and the 7th week of attempting calls that Brenda finally picked up. A couple of weeks later, I had a deal with Burger King and a big commission check. This experience taught me the importance of authentic persistence as my determination, creativity, and unique approach absolutely landed me the deal. 

4. Create a big vision, and execute it:

A music station on AM with only a very weak 50,000 watt signal, Radio Disney had trouble reaching listeners. As a salesperson trying to sell this weak signal, I had to build a larger-than-life vision of "Disney Magic" and figure out one way to execute it or another. I learned how to create innovative ways to sell, and began selling the magic of Disney rather than simply the signal, and capitalized on my vision by delivering it seamlessly -even if I had to be "Dancin' Dave K" in every Dunkin' Donuts parking lot in New England.

5. Every connection matters:

I met one of my best friends and now the Godfather to my son, Andy Kaufmann, during my time at Radio Disney. I also met so many amazing others. While Radio Disney may be no longer, the relationships formed there will last a lifetime. I am eternally grateful to everyone who impacted me at Radio Disney and taught me the importance of connecting with others because life is long and the world is truly small..  

While the chapter of Radio Disney is closing, I will never forget my time spent there, the amazing people I have met, and the incredible lessons I have learned that will remain with me throughout my current and future endeavors.

If you want to hear more about our experience, check out this video of Carrie and me reminiscing on our old times working there. 

What lessons have YOU learned from previous jobs and companies you've worked for?