Most folks around KAXE think John Bauer was born with a golf club in one hand, a vacuum cleaner in the other, and an opinion burbling from his lips. JB denies it. "The golf came later. After I could walk."

Although most people believe John Bauer is KAXE's General Manager, he is actually KAXE’s Development Director. The job puts him directly into the thick of KAXE concerts and events and into the spotlight to hob-nob with business owners and community leaders. The only native of Grand Rapids to work at the station, JB loves all of it: "Now that Sarah Staley's taken over the underwriting, I've started working full-time on the KAXE endowment. It's really fun to get out and meet all the volunteers who are part of the endowment team.  So many people are helping us.  It's phenomenal.  After almost five years here, I'm still amazed at how important KAXE is in people's lives and how far they'll go to help the station succeed."

While John’s penchant for cleanliness makes him an unlikely employee of Northern Community Radio, other aspects of the job make up for it. "I love my job," says John in a serious moment. "I've never worked at any job this long in my life. If I could give advice to any young person, it’s to find something you love to do for your life’s work; money is definitely secondary." Other advice? "Take care of your liver. Don’t take life too seriously. Dog hair doesn’t stick to velvet."

One reason John Bauer loves his job is that besides being the best Development Director in the history of the station, he’s also a natural on the air. His enthusiasm and candor (translate loud mouth--but not as loud as Sarah Staley!) play well on the Sports Page or the golf show. "I really like co-hosting the Morning Show with Scott Hall. He’d be my biggest radio influence. Scott’s taught me a lot."

JB's 46th threw him into a tailspin of mid-life crisis. There’s a smoking subscription to Danni’s Hard Drive on his desk, he’s planning a nude golf tournament, and UPS drivers swear they’ve delivered at least a dozen sleek, late-model vacuum cleaners to his house. He almost pierced an ear.

"I didn’t really think I’d enjoy working at KAXE that much," John admits. "I thought you had to own a VW micro bus and go out with hairy-legged women or something. But it’s been okay. People need to get over that stuff. KAXE brings northern Minnesota to the people. It’s great radio." We love you too John.