Today we’d like to introduce you to Freddy Cruz.
Hi Freddy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My career in broadcasting began with a desire to be a sports anchor. Which stems from a locker room talk a coach gave the junior high football team. It was something to the effect of, “Most of you won’t play in the NFL, let alone in college. So do good in school.” So broadcasting was a way for me to be near sports without playing, since that was definitely in the cards for me.
For many, radio is a stepping stone for TV. So that’s how I got into radio. But once in it, I got hooked and the desire to be on TV went away. After a twenty-six-year career (twenty-one with the same station), I left the party while it was still fun.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing worth having comes without struggle.
Downsizing and job creep are not unique to the media landscape. Companies of all sizes and in all industries expect more output with less resources and a smaller paycheck.
But as individuals in a world of abundance, we can choose our own paths. It isn’t easy. But at the end of the day, you never have to settle for being a pawn in someone else’s game of chess.
Once you learn to embrace struggle, life gets easier. And each obstacle gets us closer to a win.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My career has been built on sound. What I’m best known for in the radio industry is production, commonly known in the business as “imaging,” which listeners know as the pieces of sound between songs that aren’t traditional ads. But I’ve also served as an ambassador for big brands like YMCA, Walmart, and a host of others.
As the founder of Freddy Cruz Creative Works, I’m broadening my horizons beyond the scope of traditional broadcasting. From copywriting and audio production to voiceover and brand consulting, I’m a quadruple threat.
But wait, there’s more!
This year, I launched “Freddy’s Huge ASK Podcast,” a show which spotlights high achievers like CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors, screenwriters, and journalists. It launched this year and I’ve already hosted the likes of former Navy SEAL Jack Carr and Ruta Sepetys. I book, prep, interview, and produce all of my interviews from the comfort of my home studio.
One of my most underrated/unappreciated skills of the past ten years is that of interviewing people. So it lights me up when guests tell me how much they enjoyed speaking with me. And it gets even better when I get a “thank you for asking that,” or “nobody’s ever asked me that.”
On top of that, I’ve written and published two novels, When America Fell Silent (2019) and They Canceled the DJ (2021). I’m set to publish another novel later this year and will make my nonfiction debut soon after.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
My work and my career do not define me. No more than my family and friends. I define me. Career success comes and goes faster than a flash of lightning in the night sky. And yes, a successful career is satisfying. But open yourself to a world of possibilities and you’ll see that life beyond the current thing can and will be even better than the old thing. This is how we grow as humans. I wish I learned this lesson earlier in life, but I’m glad I did.
Contact Info:
- Email: itsfreddycruz@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.thefreddycruz.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thefreddycruz
