.bodytext {float: left; } .floatimg-left-hort { float:left; margin-top:10px; margin-right: 10px; width:300px; clear:left;} .floatimg-left-caption-hort { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:300px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatimg-left-vert { float:left; margin-top:10px; margin-right:15px; width:200px;} .floatimg-left-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; font-size: 10px; width:200px;} .floatimg-right-hort { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px;} .floatimg-right-caption-hort { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px; font-size: 10px; } .floatimg-right-vert { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px;} .floatimg-right-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; font-size: 10px; } .floatimgright-sidebar { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; border-top-style: double; border-top-color: black; border-bottom-style: double; border-bottom-color: black;} .floatimgright-sidebar p { line-height: 115%; text-indent: 10px; } .floatimgright-sidebar h4 { font-variant:small-caps; } .pullquote { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 150px; background: url(http://www.dmbusinessdaily.com/DAILY/editorial/extras/closequote.gif) no-repeat bottom right !important ; line-height: 150%; font-size: 125%; border-top: 1px solid; border-bottom: 1px solid;} .floatvidleft { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatvidright { float:right; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} After working his way through college at an Atlantic, Iowa-based radio station and recently moving on from his position as a retail advertising sales manager at The Des Moines Register, Todd Behrends has returned to radio. Behrends joined Iowa Public Radio as its membership manager. With support from his family and wife, Vickie, of 21 years, Behrends contributes to the Greater Des Moines community in a variety of volunteer roles.

Have you always lived in Iowa?

Yes. I grew up in Atlantic.

What brought you to your new position at Iowa Public Radio?

The chance to get back into radio. The chance to help radio grow and to help this new organization, to help the two grow as one.

How were you involved with radio before?

I was a disc jockey at age 16. There has been a lot of time between, but it is funny how life comes full circle. For one of my first jobs I was a radio announcer, or a radio personality, at a station in Atlantic. I often joke that most kids got the keys to the car at 16; well, I also got the keys to the front door of the radio station. I was the weekend guy. I spent seven years working my way through college on air.

What interested you in radio?

I was working at Hy-Vee in Atlantic at the time and I was tired of carrying out groceries. A family friend worked (at the radio station and said there were openings). A couple days later, I got dressed in a brown corduroy suit and set up an appointment with the station owner. I walked in, (introduced myself and) said, “I believe you have an opening, and I would like to fill it.” We started negotiations and I went forward. On Sept. 3, 1978, I got placed on the air.

What did you play?

It was like any other rural station with farm markets for an hour or two in the morning. I even played polkas. But my shift on Saturday evenings was country music … Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, Loretta Lynn, the Oak Ridge Boys and more. I am embarrassed to say I played Barry Manilow. It was a variety of music, and I got to choose what I wanted to play. They said, “Here is the format,” and the wall of records stood before me. You are talking thousands of 45s and LPs to choose from.

What do you like about your position as membership manager?

To join Iowa Public Radio is a chance to come and help them grow the organization and to increase the membership. That is what the funding for public radio relies on, people who support public radio and the membership. Making a donation to public radio helps pay for the programming and the operation. But more importantly it adds value to people’s lives. … It enhances your life and the community. That is why I came to Iowa Public Radio, to make a difference in the organization and help them to move their mission forward.

What are some differences between The Des Moines Register and IPR?

Financially, (Register parent company) Gannett Co. (Inc.) is a stock company; at Iowa Public Radio, we rely on donations for support. The biggest difference is one is for-profit and the other is a not-for-profit organization. Every dollar counts. Both organizations are passionate about what they do and take pride in what they are delivering to the customer.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have refereed high school volleyball for 18 years. I teach part time at the college level as an adjunct in the areas of business, public relations and marketing (at Simpson College and Iowa Central Community College). I volunteer at my church. My wife and I are co-den leaders for a Webelos II (Boy Scout) group. She does the programs, and I do the camping. My family is very important to me. I am in my second term as a commissioner on the Iowa Commission for Volunteer Service. I try to read. I cook. … I am just a guy that tries to fit in and volunteer wherever needed. I spend time with my family. I have an 11-year-old and 5-year-old. Most importantly, I am a dad.