Coming Home Again – Justin’s WOBM Story [50 Memories in 50 Days]

It's day 20 of our series, "50 Memories in 50 Days" as we count down to WOBM's big birthday on March 1st. I decided that now is as good a time as any to tell my personal WOBM story.

This past weekend, someone asked me where I'm originally from. I said, "Well, I'm kind of from all over the place, but New Jersey is home".

That was the best way that I could think to put it, as I was born in Wisconsin, moved to NJ when I was 5, spent my summers in the Poconos, went to college in CT, had my first full-time job in MA, went to Central PA for my next job, and then came back around to New Jersey.

So, yeah, I'm "from" all sorts of places, but Jersey will always be home.

In 2007 I got the opportunity, after over 10 years away from New Jersey between college and work, to return back home to The Garden State when I was offered a job at our sister station 94.3 The Point.

I worked at The Point for two years when I got the opportunity to join WOBM.

I quickly learned the vitally important role that WOBM plays in the Ocean County community, and how seriously we take our responsibility to this community.

I can genuinely say that this is the best job that I've ever had.

I've had some incredible opportunities in my nearly 9 years here.

I've been honored to meet the amazing men and women who keep Ocean County safe, I got to present the Mascot Madness award in front of hundreds of local students, I've had the privilege of being one of the hosts of one of the biggest Halloween parades in the country, and best of all - I've gotten to have my mother along with me for the fun heading into every single Mother's Day weekend.

It would be impossible for me to list all of the amazing listeners, business owners, volunteers, and the outstanding men and women who keep Ocean County running, but I can say that it's been the biggest honor of my life to be a part of this community, especially as a part of Ocean County's first radio station!

If you'd like to read more recollections from WOBM staffers, you can check out more personal stories at the links here:

• Kevin Williams looks back on his nearly 40 years at WOBM.
• WOBM overnight/weekend DJ Mark Anthony remembers being hired as a teenager.
• Morning show host Shawn Michaels remembers how his relationship with WOBM started with rigatoni.
• Newsman Vin Ebenau looks back at going from a young listener to morning news anchor.
• Midday host Lisa Leonard remembers what it was like to be on the air on 9/11.
• Longtime weekend DJ George W. Forman remembers the day we left our original Bayville home.
• Fill-in DJ and Regional Continuity Director here at our Townsquare Media offices Ray Taylor recalls his quest to find a Bob Levy bobblehead (and getting it signed by the man himself!).

We'll certainly have more personal recollections from our staff as we continue to look back on half a century of WOBM's history. If you have anything that you'd like us to include, just fill out the form below!