Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick McNeely.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a radio personality for the Fishbowl Radio Network. I’ve been in broadcast for over 8 years. During my live shows, I highlight fun facts.
I talk to my audience about fun holidays (National Donut Day, National Soda Day, National Chili Dog Day, etc.) because every day there is a celebration of some kind. I found out that you can own holidays as well.
I have the owner of over 20 holidays. My biggest ones are National Selfie Day June 21, National BBQ Day May 16, and National Video Game Day July 8. I am known as the ” Holiday Guy’ since no one owns as many as I do. I’ve created all of my holidays at the studio in Arlington, TX.
National Selfie Day is so popular that people set a world record (1449 selfies on one hour). We are trying to break the record in Texas next year.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No. It’s difficult because you have to promote it weekly until the actual date. Most people don’t know how to own a celebration and make a living with it. Sponsorship is needed but hard to find… until it goes viral.
Having a ” holiday festival” takes funding, locations, and lots of volunteers. A good PR person is definitely needed on your team. Online and mainstream press is a benefit as well.
You have to have all of the above and a big social media presence!!! Every platform has a benefit, so explore those avenues and use them carefully.
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?
I am a radio DJ. My passion is local music and bands. FM radio doesn’t have opportunities like internet radio, so we are proud that we give local entertainers the opportunity to share their craft to a global audience. Texas music always has a home on our station.
I am known for community outreach and Texas pop culture. I participate in feeding the homeless, veteran’s affairs and raising money for cancer prevention. I lost my mother and girlfriend to cancer. I am big on bringing talent on air in studio. I won a radio award for best radio interview (2014) for promoting DFW business owners and performers…
I am very proud of an idea I introduced to area community colleges to feed students. I visit college institutions to collect food donations for the holidays. At Tarrant County College, we discovered there was a need to feed students as well as the homeless population. One year later, the TCC food pantry was formed and it’s still active today! For over eight years, people are receiving meals thru the donations of students.
What sets me apart from others is that I get involved with the community on a personal level. I dedicate one to two days a week to chat with area leaders and listen to their concerns. I bring it to my weekly platform, and we chat about it on air. Anything I can do to help the improvement of the metroplex.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Be patient. Listen to the advice of those that have experience, ask questions, and do your research.
Knowledge is power. Embrace teamwork. You can’t do it all by yourself.
I wish I knew more about the business side of promotion. That’s the key.
Contact Info:
- Website: djrickholidays.com
- Instagram: rickshotz66
- Facebook: rick.mcneely1
Image Credits
Sara Brooks
