Our people: Happiest behind the mic

Rick Keefer is a fixture in Clovis, though many people wouldn't know him by his face. Keefer, general manager of Zia Broadcasting in Clovis, has been on the air for decades at various stations. Though he spends much of his time behind the desk, he's happiest behind the microphone or on a motorcycle.

Tell us about yourself in a few sentences:

I've been a broadcaster my whole life. I was an Iowa farmer, and today love to inform and entertain listeners. My wife Margaret and I have no children, but we have three cats and a dog. They are the children.

Tell us about your pets:

I've got three cats that have been with us for years. I have one that absolutely is the most spoiled cat ever. Has to sleep on the pillow with me, doesn't want to sleep four inches from me. The rest of the day? Hides out, waits for me to come home. The two others play and have a great time, and one attacks my dog constantly. They're great fun. I've got the big hound and the big cat. They wrestle all the time - they don't hurt each other - and htey have a good time.

How did you meet your spouse?

I met her at a small university in northeast Iowa called Upper Iowa University. She was a student there along with myself. In fact, I was the manager of a college radio station when we met.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a radio announcer my whole life. When I was a little kid I took Tinker Toys, took the round piece and the stick and stuck it in the round piece and talked into it. I saw that on TV and thought I'd wanted to talk into a microphone. To this day, it's still like Tinker Toys.

Tell us about your favorite hobby:

I love to ride motorcycles, that's my No. 1 thing. I love to tour. I used to tour 30,000 miles a year. I try to get in about 10,000 to 15,000. I love to ride my motorcycle and fish.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

A perfect day would be to get up in the morning and entertain folks, provide them the information they need and then be able have some time to enjoy the beauty of this part of the country. Get on the motorcycle and get some fresh air. Somehow, that perspective is always good.

What is your most prized possession?

All of my albums. I've been a collector of music for 45 years. I used to be a director of music at many stations, and I have a vast collection of older music from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s and used to own a solid gold station that played those records. So I'm a huge record collector. I must have 25 of some of them. Let's say the song by ABBA, "Waterloo." You'd have the reissue, which would be a double gold single. Then you'd have the original and the greatest hits album. You might have four or five copies of one song, and you record the best one for radio station use.

Who would play you if someone made a movie about your life?

I think it would be John Wayne, but when he was very young. He was an Iowan, I was an Iowan, and I think he would play the role well. I think it's because he sauntered. That would suit me well.

- Compiled by Editor Kevin Wilson