Episode 9—Ross
When I first started preparing for COVID Stories, I went online, to LinkedIn, and started searching hashtags, looking for people who had been laid off due to COVID. This was back in June and July of 2020, and it wasn’t hard.
Every time I searched terms like laid off, unemployed, or furloughed, I found the site was full of people sharing their stories. Emotionally raw posts about being laid off had hundreds of reactions and empathetic comments.
I met most of the strangers I spoke with for this podcast on LinkedIn, or was introduced to them by someone I met on LinkedIn. The platform has experienced a surge in usage during the pandemic, with so many people looking for jobs, and so many others looking to make a positive impact.
Ross is one of the people I met through LinkedIn. In what I would come to learn was a true representation of his positive outlook on life, when he was laid off, for the first time in his life, Ross recorded a political campaign style video, announcing his availability for employment. When I saw it, I just had to check it out, and after my conversation with Ross, I couldn’t wait to share his story of being laid off, of the approach he took to finding a new job, and how, for him, being employed meant much more than a paycheck, it meant a steady source of affordable health insurance.
If you haven’t had a chance yet, I hope you’ll take a moment, find a seat, and listen to Ross’s story.
Ross’s relentlessly positive attitude paid off, and in Fall 2020 he started a new job, as a front-line fundraiser for KBEM Jazz 88, the Twin Cities’ source for jazz and roots music, and one of the highest rated full-time jazz stations in the nation. Like many public radio stations, Jazz 88 relies on the support of its listeners to remain on air. If you enjoyed Ross’s story, consider making a gift in his honor today.
And of course, you’ve got to check out Ross’s campaign-style announcement video, produced by his brother-in-law. It’s awesome, and in the spirit of this podcast check out their website if you want to learn more about Cold Coast Production.
Once you watch the video, be sure to check out what Ross has to say about what his goals were when he made it, and how that hard work has been paying off ever since.
IF YOU MISSED IT: I am officially launching my candidacy to be hired in 2020! Please "like" and "retweet" this video for everybody to see. Together as a candidate and a company we can accomplish great things! Thank you for your kindness and support. Let's do this! #HireRoss2020 pic.twitter.com/Hfx8DCUeZY
— The Ross Brendel (@BrendelRoss) June 22, 2020
About Ross:
Ross Brendel is a Minnesota native, who currently serves as a Development Specialist for KBEM-Jazz88, a 501c3 radio station in north Minneapolis.
Ross has more than a decade of broadcasting and media experience, mostly in and around the Twin Cities. Prior to joining Jazz88, Ross served as the Promotions Manager for Hubbard Broadcasting’s, SKOR North, an all-sports media platform in the Twin Cities. While at SKOR North, he led the way in promoting SKOR North’s multi-platformed approach to coverage of Minnesota sports.
When he is not at work, you will likely find him checking out one of his favorite teams in town. Ross is a Gopher football season ticket holder and can often be seen on campus supporting the maroon and gold. When he is not watching sports or at the game, you will likely find him out for a walk, listening to music, golfing, reading, or catching up on Netflix. Ross is a regular American Red Cross blood donor, bell ringer for The Salvation Army, and volunteer speaker at Children’s Minnesota Hospital — St. Paul.
In June of 2020, Ross launched his own podcast, Minnesota Sports Chat, which is available on Apple, Spotify and iHeart Radio.
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