John. I can tell you have a soft spot for small business entrepreneurs. So do I. I spent decades with Safeway, left and bought a Grocery Outlet store that I own. Couldn't be happier. Keep supporting small businesses. They are your neighbors and friends.
Sometimes, you’re dealt a bullshit hand, unexpectedly. I spend a lot of time, when I’m not working, tending to the needs of my elderly bio dad (who I’m not technically even related to anymore, because of adoption by my step dad as a kid), a few days a week, because he has no one else. It can be challenging at times . But also rewarding. You can take a leap of faith, because no one else will help you. John, you did it. Puck will be doing it. The PAC-12 teams who defected are smart enough to see the writing on the wall, to protect their interests. And I hope the Pac2 finds their way to some success. There’s no time for a “wait and see” approach. Being prudent may be the wrong move. Do it now. We all should cheer one another on, and be proud. 👍
5 years ago I left a terrible job when my wife was a stay at home mom and we had a 1 year old, 3 year old, and 5 year old to start my own business. It put us over $100k in debt quick. At 42 I had never owned my own home nor ever thought I would.
5 years later I have 115 employees and live in a golf course that hosts major PGA events
John, another great human interest piece. All of us who subscribe to your Substack love sports. These pieces are really what makes sports awesome (well, most of the time). Thanks for sharing their story.
On the business side, this quote stood out, "This week, Puckett and Moore have been inundated with encouragement from listeners, colleagues, and sponsors.". This is a strong harbinger for Puck to have much success in his new venture. There was no reason of any of them to reach out unless they truly meant it.
A heartwarming article about a man who demonstrated loyalty to his good friend and coworker, instead of thinking of himself. You painted a portrait of a man many of us would want as a friend. Thank you for sharing.
John - I spend a lot of money that simply seems unjustifiable. That’s why I am moving to Mexico. Your site is worth every American cent.
I am retired so I spend less time in the car listening to sports radio - like I did since it began in 1990? I know Jason Puckett and he is the greatest smart ass to have at your tailgate. A good dude.
I was texting my ex-wife (best friend) this morning about how corporate America damages people/families. As a shareholder I want high expectations but seeing loyal employees run off is nothing less than disgusting.
The salvation of local journalism lies with people like you John, and now Puck. We have already sacrificed the local ownership of everything from grocery stores to hair salons. The larger the company the farther they become from their customers. Thanks for your stories that help keep us all connected locally.
As a fellow reluctant entrepreneur, I love to hear and have a deep respect for anyone taking the leap of faith, betting on themselves, and going into business. Whether they succeed or fail, they had the courage to take a risk. It's not common, and way easier to root for than someone taking a better paying job at a more prestigious university.
John, God I love your columns!!! They bring us back to earth and reality.
People being laid off 9 months before their retirement is corporate greed at its worth. OMG. My heart goes out to him and his family.
What Puck did was tough, but the right thing. I admire him for doing so. It is sad to say, but many people would not have done that. I will look up his podcast and join it. Us Beaver and Cougar fans must stand together in these days, and I will support Puck in his new endeavors.
But I will never leave you! Thank you for everything you do for us. Information, guidance, facts and amazing human interest stories!
Fantastic column, John. I grew up reading Jim Moore in the PI, and even this die-hard Husky fan had to laugh at his columns. I was a regular KJR listener until a recent move to Florida, so I enjoyed Puck and Jim there as well. I know radio is a cruel business, but laying a guy off 9 months before retirement is next level stuff. I have a hard time supporting a business that would do that (although I realize it was an iHeart decision, not necessarily a KJR decision).
Wonderful to learn about the guy behind the mike, and this courageous and admirable decision. Nice job, Puck. It takes a lot of guts to do what you did with two kids and a mortgage. Good luck to you! And thanks again, John--columns like these are the reason I'm happy to be a paying subscriber to your publication.
(PS: I hope you will cover the craziness that's been happening in the UW and WSU athletic departments the last couple weeks in a column soon!)
Hope he succeeds like you did leaving the sure thing. These corporations can always find backfills but they keep losing their audience. They know it as they are trying to hang on, but the more talent who jump continues to legitimize the alternative. We are getting used to living with pundits talking at 1.5 speed and avoiding on-line commercials. It's getting easier everyday to operate "on demand".
Great story, John!! I have a lot of respect for Jason to go with his heart and quit vs. staying and feeling miserable. It's encouraging that many people are supporting him for his decision. Networking is a huge element when you're looking for new career opportunities and I pray that Jason uses that to his advantage and receives the best one for him and his family! We salute you, Jason!!!
John. I can tell you have a soft spot for small business entrepreneurs. So do I. I spent decades with Safeway, left and bought a Grocery Outlet store that I own. Couldn't be happier. Keep supporting small businesses. They are your neighbors and friends.
Sometimes, you’re dealt a bullshit hand, unexpectedly. I spend a lot of time, when I’m not working, tending to the needs of my elderly bio dad (who I’m not technically even related to anymore, because of adoption by my step dad as a kid), a few days a week, because he has no one else. It can be challenging at times . But also rewarding. You can take a leap of faith, because no one else will help you. John, you did it. Puck will be doing it. The PAC-12 teams who defected are smart enough to see the writing on the wall, to protect their interests. And I hope the Pac2 finds their way to some success. There’s no time for a “wait and see” approach. Being prudent may be the wrong move. Do it now. We all should cheer one another on, and be proud. 👍
5 years ago I left a terrible job when my wife was a stay at home mom and we had a 1 year old, 3 year old, and 5 year old to start my own business. It put us over $100k in debt quick. At 42 I had never owned my own home nor ever thought I would.
5 years later I have 115 employees and live in a golf course that hosts major PGA events
God is good.
And go freaking Cougs and Go Puck
Love it all John. Thank you for your hard work
John, another great human interest piece. All of us who subscribe to your Substack love sports. These pieces are really what makes sports awesome (well, most of the time). Thanks for sharing their story.
On the business side, this quote stood out, "This week, Puckett and Moore have been inundated with encouragement from listeners, colleagues, and sponsors.". This is a strong harbinger for Puck to have much success in his new venture. There was no reason of any of them to reach out unless they truly meant it.
A heartwarming article about a man who demonstrated loyalty to his good friend and coworker, instead of thinking of himself. You painted a portrait of a man many of us would want as a friend. Thank you for sharing.
IHeartradio and the whole Clear Channel effect are the worst things to happen to radio. Radio stations should be locally owned and run. Period.
John - I spend a lot of money that simply seems unjustifiable. That’s why I am moving to Mexico. Your site is worth every American cent.
I am retired so I spend less time in the car listening to sports radio - like I did since it began in 1990? I know Jason Puckett and he is the greatest smart ass to have at your tailgate. A good dude.
I was texting my ex-wife (best friend) this morning about how corporate America damages people/families. As a shareholder I want high expectations but seeing loyal employees run off is nothing less than disgusting.
Amen
The salvation of local journalism lies with people like you John, and now Puck. We have already sacrificed the local ownership of everything from grocery stores to hair salons. The larger the company the farther they become from their customers. Thanks for your stories that help keep us all connected locally.
As a fellow reluctant entrepreneur, I love to hear and have a deep respect for anyone taking the leap of faith, betting on themselves, and going into business. Whether they succeed or fail, they had the courage to take a risk. It's not common, and way easier to root for than someone taking a better paying job at a more prestigious university.
Wonderful story!
Thanks for this.
John, God I love your columns!!! They bring us back to earth and reality.
People being laid off 9 months before their retirement is corporate greed at its worth. OMG. My heart goes out to him and his family.
What Puck did was tough, but the right thing. I admire him for doing so. It is sad to say, but many people would not have done that. I will look up his podcast and join it. Us Beaver and Cougar fans must stand together in these days, and I will support Puck in his new endeavors.
But I will never leave you! Thank you for everything you do for us. Information, guidance, facts and amazing human interest stories!
Fantastic column, John. I grew up reading Jim Moore in the PI, and even this die-hard Husky fan had to laugh at his columns. I was a regular KJR listener until a recent move to Florida, so I enjoyed Puck and Jim there as well. I know radio is a cruel business, but laying a guy off 9 months before retirement is next level stuff. I have a hard time supporting a business that would do that (although I realize it was an iHeart decision, not necessarily a KJR decision).
Wonderful to learn about the guy behind the mike, and this courageous and admirable decision. Nice job, Puck. It takes a lot of guts to do what you did with two kids and a mortgage. Good luck to you! And thanks again, John--columns like these are the reason I'm happy to be a paying subscriber to your publication.
(PS: I hope you will cover the craziness that's been happening in the UW and WSU athletic departments the last couple weeks in a column soon!)
Hope he succeeds like you did leaving the sure thing. These corporations can always find backfills but they keep losing their audience. They know it as they are trying to hang on, but the more talent who jump continues to legitimize the alternative. We are getting used to living with pundits talking at 1.5 speed and avoiding on-line commercials. It's getting easier everyday to operate "on demand".
Great story, John!! I have a lot of respect for Jason to go with his heart and quit vs. staying and feeling miserable. It's encouraging that many people are supporting him for his decision. Networking is a huge element when you're looking for new career opportunities and I pray that Jason uses that to his advantage and receives the best one for him and his family! We salute you, Jason!!!
Commercial radio is circling the drain, due mostly to self-inflicted wounds. Puckett will do well with or without a corporate overlord.