CINspirational People: Tim Timmerman

CINspirational People is a feature of Good Things Going Around profiling diverse people of Greater Cincinnati, what inspires them, and what is inspiring about them. You can read more profiles by clicking on the link at the top of the blog. Do you know someone to suggest? Please reach out. Thanks!

Today, let’s go behind-the-scenes with radio personality Tim Timmerman, currently a co-host with the very popular Jeff & Jenn Morning Show on Q102 (WKRQ) in Cincinnati. I have known Tim for many years and recently ran into him again at an event downtown. Tim came up to me and wanted to know how I was doing, and if there was anything he could do to help. That meant so much to me. It is who Tim is, an all around generous person who enjoys learning about and helping others. I’m glad to have this opportunity to share a little more about him.

Lisa: How did you get started in radio?
Tim: I grew up in Detroit and my dad worked for Pontiac. I remember him taking me with him on a Take Your Kids To Work Day, and thinking, ‘that looked really boring.’ I thought, ‘I’ve got to do something really fun with my life.’ I’ve been in radio now for about 18 years.  After high school, I got a job at a station and have been in the business ever since.

Lisa: What do you enjoy the most about your profession?
Tim: I like that there really are not two days the same and I get to meet so many different people. What I also get a lot of fulfillment from is how we get to help people tell their story whether it is a charity event or a caller wanting to share part of a day. I use my job to do some really cool things for people.

Lisa: Can you give us some examples?
Tim: Sure. One time a listener called in to share a story of his coach who needed a kidney. By our talking about it on air, other people started calling in and we found a kidney donor. That was really a neat moment. I never thought when I came in to work that day, that something like that was about to happen.

And one year, after the Flying Pig Marathon, a man called in to share his story. He was making good time until at the very last mile his ankle snapped. A young woman who was also in the race carried him to the finish line, and once they crossed the line, she made sure he got help before leaving without giving him her name. He wanted to find out who she was. One of her friends heard the story, reached out to her, and we did a conference call for the two of them to meet. We then coordinated with the Marathon organizers to re-

Cincinnati radio personality Tim Timmerman worked with the Flying Pig Marathon to help this runner finish the race

create his finish. We went to the exact spot, had the finish line up and when he crossed the line, gave him a medal. That woman was there too. That was really neat.

Lisa: Who is someone who has been an influence on you?
Tim: There have been a few folks who have taken me under their wing like Jim Scott and Patty Marshall, who is my current boss.

Lisa: What are some things that they taught you?
Tim: They really encouraged me to think outside of the box and push myself into areas I was afraid to go. Getting a real estate license is something that I have been wanting to do for a long time, and with their encouragement, I signed up at Honduras College, studied and did it. I’ve had my license since April and I have sold six homes since then.

Lisa: Do you have a motto that you try to follow?
Tim: Well, one thing is that it is better to beg for forgivessness than ask for permission. The more I am on air the more I believe that. If you ask for permission, you may knit pick why you shouldn’t do something and then you may not do it and you may regret it. If you just say, ‘I’m not worried about being stupid, making mistakes or falling down. I’m just going to do it,’ then you will do great things.

You need to make things happen yourself. I taught radio at the Ohio Center for Broadcasting and Ie always told the students, ‘no one will hold your hand and make things happen. You’ve just got to hustle and make stuff happen.’

Lisa: What are some of your simple pleasures in life?
Tim: I enjoy being with friends whether we are just hanging out or going to the University of Cincinnati football game or cooking. I love making a meal for people and watching them enjoy it; and talking about the day and life and people in their world. I have a group of friends with whom we have dinner together each week. I also like to take my dog, Steve, for walks.

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