On October 16th, Bob Nowicki—former manager of WNDU-FM South Bend and creator of U-93 passed into his reward. Bob gave me my post-college fulltime “break” in radio, and he became a “second Father”. Interesting story: Tom Hamilton [then WNDU Stations Manager] told Bob that he needed to hire “a colored lady” for his 1490 AM sales staff [for obvious reasons]. After interviewing [and liking] me, Bob hired the “minority quotient” to fulfill the EOE-driven management—WNDU ALWAYS played by the rules! ... ‘Problem was—she DIDN’T show up at the WNDU building on Notre Dame’s campus on her first day, so Bob defaulted to Uncle Hippo. Well... I went on to fully-reward him for his “risk-taking”.
Bob was A CLASS INGREDIENT—in EVERY RESPECT... There was NO BETTER! In this day of the oxymoron known as “radio sales”—Bob was a historical exception! HE REALLY understood and appreciated the fine art of “SALES”! He was an AWESOME man—and should be an inspiration to those that aspire to follow. Like many departed—he, unfortunately, was not replaced. Sad that AMP has assumed that “porcelain convenience”—now masquerading as modern-day “U-93”.
Please allow me to recall the entry of Fretter Appliance into the South Bend market... All the “cattle” were called to the downtown Marriot for a good ‘ole session of “rate adjustment”. It was “on my list” BUT Father Bob was compelled to go along for the ride. Even with dominating ARBs, they requested A DOLLAR REDUCTION from the published U-93 rate card. Wagging 70k before our nose, Bob asked for a Diet Coke [strange—given his penchant for “adult beverages”], then said: "I sell on the rate card... The Bucher family pays it—SO WILL YOU!" He [we] got our 70k buy—ON THE CARD – NO-ONE else in South Bend can factually claim the same.
BOB... If you reading on a flat-screen in heaven—YOU ARE LOVED and MISSED! THANK-YOU for the great radio, opportunities, and memories of your wonderful companionship!
Bob was A CLASS INGREDIENT—in EVERY RESPECT... There was NO BETTER! In this day of the oxymoron known as “radio sales”—Bob was a historical exception! HE REALLY understood and appreciated the fine art of “SALES”! He was an AWESOME man—and should be an inspiration to those that aspire to follow. Like many departed—he, unfortunately, was not replaced. Sad that AMP has assumed that “porcelain convenience”—now masquerading as modern-day “U-93”.
Please allow me to recall the entry of Fretter Appliance into the South Bend market... All the “cattle” were called to the downtown Marriot for a good ‘ole session of “rate adjustment”. It was “on my list” BUT Father Bob was compelled to go along for the ride. Even with dominating ARBs, they requested A DOLLAR REDUCTION from the published U-93 rate card. Wagging 70k before our nose, Bob asked for a Diet Coke [strange—given his penchant for “adult beverages”], then said: "I sell on the rate card... The Bucher family pays it—SO WILL YOU!" He [we] got our 70k buy—ON THE CARD – NO-ONE else in South Bend can factually claim the same.
BOB... If you reading on a flat-screen in heaven—YOU ARE LOVED and MISSED! THANK-YOU for the great radio, opportunities, and memories of your wonderful companionship!