Meet Ronald Allen Gordon S.

We recently connected with Ronald Allen Gordon S. and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Ronald Allen with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I come from a family of nine, where my parents worked tirelessly to provide for us. Growing up, they often worked long hours and were not always home, but they were always there for us when it mattered most. As a child, I didn’t fully understand the reason behind their relentless hard work. I just wanted to play and have fun, oblivious to the sacrifices they were making.
As I got older, I started to develop desires and needs, asking my parents for things that were sometimes beyond their means. Observing their dedication, I eventually realized the value of their efforts. My mother even returned to school to get her master’s degree, setting an example of perseverance and lifelong learning. It was from them that I inherited my work ethic, although I was a late bloomer in recognizing its importance.
In my youth, I was more focused on enjoying life, spending time with friends, and partying. It wasn’t until I moved from the Chicago area to Texas that the reality of self-reliance hit me. Without my parents to back me up, I had to fend for myself. This experience highlighted the significance of education, prompting me to return to school. I attended Southwest Texas State University, followed by a trade school where I earned my Microsoft certifications. This education in computers led me to start my own business.
Reflecting on my parents’ struggles, I realized that while it might have seemed like I wasn’t listening to their advice, it was more about not being ready to understand it. Once I was on my own, everything they had taught me became clear. Their emphasis on getting a job and working hard finally made sense.
The birth of my son marked a turning point for me. I understood the gravity of my responsibilities and the need to take life seriously. The work ethic I learned from my parents became deeply ingrained in me, and I now strive to pass it on to my children. I discuss the importance of work ethic daily, emphasizing it, especially within the Black community. We must develop strong work ethics, be prepared for the challenges that come our way, and demonstrate resilience in all our endeavors.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Hello everyone, I am Ronald Gordon, the owner of WSAN Radio in San Antonio, TX, which I started 10 years ago. What makes me so happy about getting up in the morning and doing my radio show. The routine I follow. I’m up at 5:00 AM every morning, reading the latest news and preparing for my show. I host “The Morning Show with Ron G” from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Monday through Friday, where I play all types of old-school R&B to help everyone wake up and start their day.
At 10:00 AM, I host a segment featuring a variety of guests, including pharmacists, lawyers, doctors, and everyday people from different walks of life. This platform is designed for them to share their stories and insights. We cover a wide range of topics, from mental health to the impact of social media, and even have healthcare professionals like nurse practitioners who provide valuable information about our bodies and minds. This diversity makes the show exciting and informative for our listeners.

At WSAN Radio, we are continually developing new shows and concepts to connect with our audience. For instance, on the first Friday of each month, we host a roundtable discussion with community members to discuss local issues and strategies for driving positive change. Our commitment to the community is evident through our regular contributions and partnerships.

One such partnership is with Ball Hoogs Barbecue, a restaurant built and run by the youth in San Antonio. On the first Saturday of each month, we host a karaoke event there, attracting people from all over to enjoy great food and fun. Additionally, during Thanksgiving, we distributed over 2,500 turkeys to those in need last year. Our Christmas toy drive is another significant initiative, with nearly $300,000 worth of toys distributed to the community.

We also support small businesses by providing assistance with air conditioning work, video production, and photography. During Black History Month, our internet-based radio station plays music and shares messages to celebrate and uplift the local African American community. The entire broadcasting operation, self-financed by owner Ronald Gordon, was featured on KSAT News.

These efforts ensure that the community is informed, supported, and connected. My passion for community involvement brings me immense joy, much like a kid in a candy store when it comes to these initiatives and making a positive impact.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Growing up, music was a constant presence in my life. My sister played the piano, and my dad loved his jazz, which influenced my love for jazz. I remember when I got my first small reel-to-reel recorder. I would sit and record off the radio, picking up Chicago (WVON) and Milwaukee (WNOV) stations. Living right on the state line allowed me to catch both AM stations, and I would record their broadcasts to playback and pretend I was on the mic.
This early fascination with radio set the stage for my future in the industry, even though I didn’t realize it at the time. I started DJing at an early age and gradually moved up the ranks. When I moved to Texas, I participated in DJ battles. I remember a significant moment when my speakers blew out during a battle. A fellow DJ from Bastrop commented that I was moving up to the big leagues. Determined, I went to Austin, bought some subwoofers, and repaired them myself. At the next battle, I won first place, proving my resilience and ingenuity.

While DJing, I got involved with a local radio station in Lockhart, TX. I hosted an afternoon show, creatively manipulating the pre-programmed tapes to create an upbeat mix. My boss noticed the difference in my music selection but couldn’t figure out how I did it. Eventually, the station went under, and I moved on.
Ten years ago, I was listening to a local hip-hop radio station in San Antonio and noticed they played the same song four times in one hour. I felt there had to be better music than that, so I decided to start my station. Initially, it was a hobby called Lounge 59, named after my age at the time. It allowed me to play the music I loved and share it with others. One day at the park, someone heard my station and encouraged me to take it further. Eventually, I rebranded it to WSAN Radio, which was a pivotal move.

My involvement in the community deepened after my mother passed away. She was always engaged in community work, and it felt like the torch was passed to me. I began organizing community events like Turkey drives and Christmas toy distributions. The community now often calls on me for help with sound systems and other needs. My philosophy is to give, give, give, rather than always expecting something in return.

I would say the journey will not be easy for anyone looking to start a business or nonprofit. You must be determined and serious about your goals. It’s essential to develop your skills, be prepared for challenges, and most importantly, have a passion for what you do. Passion fuels resilience, allowing you to overcome obstacles and succeed. Before starting, look deep within yourself to ensure this is what you truly want to pursue.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

There are always challenges, and I have faced quite a few, especially after the pandemic. It has been a real struggle for anyone starting their own business. When the pandemic first hit, there were grants available, but large companies, with their legal teams, quickly absorbed most of the funds. As a small entrepreneur with a Black-owned business, I found there was very little left for people like me. As a result, I had to self-finance my entire radio station.
One of the biggest challenges for me has been finding reliable grant writers, who often charge exorbitant fees with no guarantee of securing funds. This issue is not unique to me but affects many small business owners. Another significant challenge is relying on people who promise support but fail to deliver when needed. This has led me to handle many aspects of the business myself because I know I can rely on my efforts.

Recently, I moved into a new studio, which I love, but now I face the challenge of generating enough revenue to stop financing everything myself. Some have suggested making the station listener-funded, encouraging listeners to donate to support our community work. Another recommendation was to leverage my YouTube channel, where I have nearly 275 interviews with important community figures. Despite this extensive content, my channel has barely over 110 subscribers. I need to learn how to promote myself better. Please make sure to visit my YouTube page and subscribe to my channel, WSAN Radio SA. Your support can help us continue our efforts to inform, support, and connect the community.

Being a one-man show, it’s difficult to focus on everything. My main focus has been keeping the station financially stable and on the air. I need to learn how to delegate and get volunteers on board. I have reached out to a few colleges and received positive feedback about getting interns to help. Part of my challenge is overcoming my tendency to do everything myself and learning to trust others again after being undermined in the past.
One of my biggest challenges is learning how to trust people to help run the station so that I can focus on other important aspects. I want WSAN Radio to thrive and be a go-to station not just for music but for its talk shows and community involvement. I’m particularly excited about starting a kids’ show on Saturday mornings for children aged 10-12. Kids often have insightful and honest perspectives that adults can learn from.
I am thankful for God’s guidance through my journey, and I trust that He will help ensure my success.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Dr. Veronica M. Brooks, Martha Rice, Mykisha Jordan-McKay, Lakeisha Howard, and AJ and Angelique Monterio & Project BIG

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