TOMAHAWK, Wis. (WSAW) – There’s nothing better than getting in your car and hearing a familiar voice on the radio, always there for you on that drive. Gregg Albert’s gamble four decades ago has paid off for him and Tomahawk.
Inside a small building sits a giant in the Northwoods.
WJJQ as you know it today wasn’t built overnight, but over 41 years, thanks to owner Gregg Albert.
“We took my wife’s pension that she had from the Brown County Library and what little bit of money that I had. Went in debt up to our necks, but yeah, very frightening that day,” he shared.
Then AM-only, they added an FM license and were off and running.
“Our accountant told us when we bought the station to give it five to seven years. Don’t be too nervous,” Gregg said.
The small staff of seven includes his son, Tim who joined the family business in 1999.
“He’s taught me well,” Tim said. “So, I came in on a Saturday morning when he was here and I said, ‘What do you think?’ He said, ‘I don’t know.’ I’m like, ‘Seriously?’”
Gregg adds, “I’m very blessed he made that decision.”
In the 26 years since, Tim’s watched, listened and learned.
“Just being a good person and being an integral part in the community,” he said.
Gregg built the foundation of WJJQ’s success not on, but with the people of Tomahawk.
“He continuously reaches out to us and gives back in different ways,” , Executive Director Charis Lau said.
“I think it’s very important to give back to your community,” Gregg said. “They have supported us all these years.”
“The community takes care of us and we want to take care of them as the radio station,” Tim added.
It’ll be Tim who turns that dial going forward. Just don’t use the “R” word around Gregg.
“You know, you do something for 40-plus years, it’s pretty hard to give it up 100% because it’s what you love to do,” Gregg said. “Yeah, so, it’s been difficult to step back.”
In December, he’ll celebrate 55 years with his wife, Margie. Travel and grandkids will occupy their bandwidth.
“I think what he’s done has been amazing and it’s been a pleasure to be on that ride with him the past 20-some odd years,” Tim shared.
When he signs off, he leaves WJJQ in a better place than when he signed on.
“All worked out in the end,” he said. “And here we are, almost 42 years later.”
Gregg is still around the office three or four hours a week. He says he doesn’t necessarily have to be involved, saying he can vacuum and empty garbage cans as he did the first 40 years.
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