I direct and produce live broadcasts of “Marketplace Morning Report.” That means I deal with people and sound, and come game time, I make sure the show airs on time.

What was your first job?

My very first job was as a carhop at a Sonic Drive-Thru in Cedar Hill, Texas. I wore skates and everything.

What do you think is the hardest part of your job that no one knows?

From my experience, some people think that the “Morning Report” is recorded. It is NOT. As such, I am up at 1 a.m. to get the first American broadcast on air at 3:51 a.m. PST.

What advice do you wish someone had given you before you started this career?

Don't worry about attaining a fancy degree. Having passion and principles can take you far. (BTW, neither of my degrees are fancy).

Fill in the blank: Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you ______.

Breathing room. Whether you have millions in the bank or just enough to get by if a serious life event happens, money can give you such psychological peace.