Team
Andreas Sannemann
CEO
Andreas is one of the leading imaging specialists with 10 years of experience in imaging CHR Radio. He was the youngest Director for On-Air Promotion and Production in a major station in Germany to date. His network includes partners in Germany, Austria, England, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and the United States. His unique branding style and his ability to recognize upcoming trends sets him apart from the pack. Imaging for the 21st century and beyond – that’s his mission!
Dave “Chachi” Denes
President
David “Chachi” Denes began his radio career in 1996 at Star 100.7/KFMB in San Diego, under the tutelage of Tracy Johnson. He earned great acclaim as producer and side kick for Michael Steele (1996-1998) and later as producer for Jagger and Kristi (1998-2000). After graduating from the University of San Diego with a degree in Communications, Denes came to Los Angeles at the invitation of Roy Laughlin, and spent a year as Rick Dees’ assistant producer at KIIS-FM.
In 2001, Denes was afforded the opportunity to follow his dream and transitioned to programming, working under Jhani Kaye. Denes spent two years as Operations Manager for KBIG and KOST-FM, serving as Kaye’s right hand man until Craig Rossi and Michael Martin appointed him the Program Director for KBIG/MYfm in Los Angeles. When he was named to the position in 2004, he was just 28 years old, making him the youngest PD in LA. During his 5-year tenure he grew the station from 17th-rated to 5th-rated among English language stations adults 25-54.
In 2008, Denes co-founded Benztown Branding and the Benztown Voice-Over Group, which now has over 200 affiliations around the globe. In July 2010 Denes formed Benztown Radio Networks (BRN) a wholly owned subsidiary of Hollywood Radio Networks, Inc. BRN is an International Syndication Company that represents 7 different shows and products. He currently serves as the President of Benztown Branding USA, LLC and Hollywood Radio Networks, Inc.
Oli “The Captain” Klenk
Head of Production & Composition
Oliver is a beat mixing legend. In 15 years he branded almost 500 songs for CHR, Rock and AC Radio stations. His incredible jingle solutions are famous for their customized character and outstanding acoustic IDs. His work can be heard on stations from Bangkok to L.A. As a consultant for imaging and sound design various radio stations and big industry brands rely on his outstanding skills. His love for Radio is been able to hear in every element he creates for Benztown Branding.
Wade Denes
Executive Producer of Flashback & Tony Horton’s “Bring It Minute”
Wade Denes spent 4 years working in Los Angeles for some of the biggest names and stations in radio. He spent nearly two years co-imaging KBIG 104.3 and KOST 103.5 while voicing for local commercials. His imaging and voice became well known in the market and during that time Wade also became well known as a producer working with notable talents like Jhani Kaye and Gary Spears.
In early 2006, Wade left Clearchannel when Jhani Kaye took over as Program Director for K-Earth 101 and brought Wade over to help program and produce. Wade dubbed over 300 songs for K-Earth and helped become responsible for what is considered the cleanest sounding Oldies station ever. His mixes became recognized by other Oldies stations and CBS soon began using his mixes on their other affiliates.
Wade eventually left CBS and has since worked for Dial Global and in 2007 he launched his own imaging company, Athos Audio, before finally joining the Benz Town Branding team.
Masa Patterson
Director of Affiliate Relations/Operations Manager
Masa Patterson began his radio career in 2006, writing and editing sports updates for KNX 1070 News Radio in Los Angeles. He moved to Premiere Radio Networks in 2007 where after a short stint in Network Operations he was invited to join the affiliate relations team where he developed a thorough understanding of the network radio business and grew Premiere’s affiliates through various production and imaging services and jingle packages. In January 2009, Masa was one of 1850 Clear Channel employees effected by realignment. Shortly thereafter, Masa connected with Dave “Chachi” Denes and they began working to grow Benztown’s footprint, eventually securing a national syndication and distribution deal for their innovative combinations of production, voice over, and imaging services. He currently oversees general operations for Benztown and affiliate relations efforts for all of Benztown’s offerings, including 9 production & imaging libraries, voice over services, The Melissa Etheridge Show, The Bring it Minute with Tony Horton, The Todd N Tyler Radio Empire, Ace & TJ, Slow Jams with R-Dub! Hot Mix, and others. He has captained the growth of the Benztown affiliate roster to over 1000 stations in just a few years and continues to expand Benztown’s reach.
Jason Griffin
Executive Producer of the Melissa Etheridge Radio Show
Benztown is pleased to announce the newest addition to their team, Jason Griffin. Jason is appointed the Director of Programming. Along with heading up the programming team, Jason will produce the nationally syndicated, Melissa Etheridge Radio Show. Most recently, Jason was Programming Coordinator at ClearChannel Los Angeles. It is pure coincidence that Chachi and Jason spearheaded the launch of 104.3 MyFM Los Angeles, exactly 3 years ago. It truly excites all of us at Benztown, that this dynamic duo is back together and ready to rock the new world of radio.
Heather Case
Director of Content Development
Public Relations and Social Media
Heather Case is quickly garnering attention as one of the “ones to watch” in the business of television and radio. As a result of over 15 years experience and contacts, Heather’s background as a producer, talent executive, has earned her reputation as having a unique and creative approach to everything she does.
Heather first got her taste in talent in 1998, when she joined Clear Channel Communications. During her ten-year tenure with Clear Channel, Heather worked on a variety show shows including: “Jamie and Danny”, “Ryan Seacrest for the Ride Home” and “Valentine in the Morning”. In 2004, Heather was tapped as executive producer for radio legend, Charlie Tuna, where she was an instrumental part of the “Charlie Tuna in the Morning Show, “ for 4 years. Heather most recently served as the executive producer for “The Billy Bush Show” and helped create and launch Benztown’s own, “Melissa Etheridge Radio Show.”
Harry Legg
News/Talk Imaging Director
YES… Harry Legg IS his real name. What were his parents thinking? Of course, the name works well for the entertainment business – you can’t forget it!
Harry fell in love with broadcasting in grade school and landed his first on-air gig at the age of 14. Harry’s career has taken him to radio stations, recording studios, ad agencies and even a record label. He moved from his hometown of Cleveland to work in over half a dozen cities including the top 3 markets of Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City. Besides voiceovers, Harry is an accomplished air talent having worked on-air at stations such as KIIS-FM Los Angeles and Kiss in Chicago. His awards include the NYC A.I.R. Creative Services Director of the Year Award for his work at WKTU and a nomination for Billboard’s Rhythmic APD/ Music Director of the year while at Energy in Chicago.
Harry currently works out of his studio in NYC. He can be heard on radio and TV stations throughout the US and abroad including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Cyprus, Malta and the UK.
Fabian (Fabi) Brosi
Rock Imaging Director
Fabi started working for Benztown as an intern last summer while attending school at Technische Oberschule Stuttgart.
We’re happy to say after he graduated and received his diploma he’s still working with us! His parents are not so happy… As Assistant Producer he’s in charge of two essential Benztown categories: Music Hooks and Ramploops. His passion is music, and he’s an accomplished drum player. When Fabi is not in the studio, he loves to skateboard and play handball!
Adam Schneider
Classic Hits Imaging Director
Hip. Young. Contemporary. That, in a nutshell, is Adam Schneider. A true rockstar at heart, he began his obsession with sound at the age of 10 when he bought his first guitar. Adam was soon producing and recording his own music as well as the music of many of his friends. The jump to audio production was next and Adam began producing, voicing, and writing promos and commercials for radio stations and select clients around the country. He has imaged formats such as Classic Hits, Rock, CHR, Country, Jack, Talk, and Adult Standards in such markets as Miami, Atlanta, Boston, and Columbus, OH. After much prodding from colleagues, clients, and friends, Adam made the full fledged jump over to the other side of the microphone. Adam now does commercial voiceover and is the Creative Production Director at the Marconi Award winning Majic 102.7 radio in Miami, FL. Now Adam is that sound rocking your speakers.
Justin Case
Rhythmic Imaging Director
Since the mid 90’s, Justin Case has immersed himself in everything radio. He made his Albuquerque debut at the young age of 14. Doing what he could with an unbelievably high pitched voice and no experience, Justin worked from weekend shifts and fill in, to now an afternoon jock, mix show coordinator and imaging director, as well as the National Urban Imaging Director and voiceover artist for Benztown Radio Networks. Knowing that this was his passion, Justin received his Master’s certificate in music production & technology from the Berklee School of Music in 2008. Justin is also highly recognized in the Albuquerque nightlife culture and arguably one of the best DJs in the Southwest. The TW!X M!X which airs nightly with Justin’s parent station, KDLW – 97-7 OMG Radio/Albuquerque, is now heard in New York City. Justin has acquired critical acclaim through multiple media outlets and has achieved a variety of accomplishments; he has truly become a jack-of-all-trades.
Kevin Horton
Imaging & Production Director – JACK FM & Melissa Etheridge Show
Kevin started his radio career as an intern for Hot92 Jamz and Star 98.7 while attending Long Beach State. He was hired on full time as a production and programming assistant for Star and later a mixing engineer for the Clear Channel performance lounge. That lead him to Westwood One as the editor and mix engineer of the Billy Bush Show and imaging director on various specials. Kevin is passionate about music (listening and playing) and food (cooking and eating) and enjoying the two with friends and family.
Mike Santos
Hot AC Imaging Director
“Cutting edge ear candy” is the only way to describe Mike’s imaging thumbprint. After spending 4 years in Denver, CO as the imaging director for Alice 105.9, 99.5 The Mountain and KOSI 101.1, Mike has become a respected producer around the world. Mike’s sound is clean, makes an impact, and doesn’t interrupt the music — because it IS the music. In addition to being a member of Benztown’s Imaging and Voiceover roster, Mike has produced in markets from coast to coast including San Francisco, Portland and Hartford.
In early 2012, Mike relocated to Los Angeles where he proudly supports his San Francisco Giants and can be found on the golf course, at the jiu jitsu academy, or trying to figure out what that button over there does.”
Rob Jenner
Sports Imaging Director
Rob Jenners – or just “Jenners” as he is known on Miami and Atlanta airways – got his start in radio as bit writer and audio producer for Miami’s “Paul & Young Ron Show”; a heritage South Florida morning show now entering it’s 20th year on the air. After doing five years of production, street bits and imaging, he moved on to Atlanta’s legendary 99X to helm the morning show. “The New Morning X” ran through 2008, when Jenners made the jump over to do production and imaging for Atlanta’s biggest sports station, 680 The Fan. In his time at 680, Jenners has taken over the production and imaging duties for the Atlanta Braves Radio Network (the largest network in all of pro sports) and the Atlanta Hawks. Jenners is happily married to his wife Shannon and has three pretty awesome stepsons – none of whom think he’s cool. Sports have been his passion for most of his life, and he’s proud to be a part of the incredible team at Benztown.
Randall Wright
Country Imaging Director
Great imaging that shows the true attitude and expresses the feel for a station can make the difference between an O.K. frequency to something listeners can’t turn away from.
For 12 years Randall Wright has gone by this creed while working for the Marconi award winning, original “Wolf” Country station in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.
Born and raised in west Fort Worth, Texas and now living in Dallas, Randall does the imaging for KPLX, the number one Country station in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas and the imaging for WSM-FM the number one Country station in Nashville, Tennessee. Randall also has done Country imaging for stations in Cincinnati, Harrisburg/York, and the list increases to grow when more stations see the overall results in ratings. Not to mention the imaging help he has given for sister stations that have been of the Classic Rock, Hot AC, and Political Talk formats respectively.
Shane Drasin
Composer
Shane Drasin is a multi-instrumentalist with strengths in Pop/Rock, Dance/Electronica. Hip Hop and R&B. Formally partners and student of the late Oji Pierce (Montell Jordan, Coolio), Shane has honed and perfected his craft while working with some of the most respected songwriters today.
David Landau
Writer and Producer, Flashback
Prior to his radio career, Landau was a professional guitarist who toured and recorded with a wide range of artists including Jackson Browne, Warren Zevon, Clarence Clemmons, and Pheobe Snow.
After getting off the tour bus, he began his radio career at MJI Broadcasting in New York, writing and producing the nationally syndicated Classic Rock program, “Classic Cuts,” hosted by New York rock radio legend, Dave Herman. For the show, Landau interviewed everyone from Ozzy Osbourne, Jack Bruce, Ray Manzarek, and Mark Farner of Grand Funk to former Rolling Stone Mick Taylor, Byrds founder Roger McGuinn and the late great Motown legend, Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops. While at Radio Today/ABC/Disney he wrote a wide variety of syndicated shows for such notable on air talents as ‘Cousin’ Bruce Morrow, Norman Rose, Jim Brickman, Valerie Smaldone and on occasion Dick Cavett. For over sixteen years he was the exclusive writer of Flashback – one of the longest running nationally syndicated Rock shows in radio history, formerly hosted by voice over great Bill St. James. Landau is thrilled to be working with Flashback again with the show’s new host, “Mr. Rock And Roll Encyclopedia” himself – Matt Pinfield – and the dynamic Benztown team!
Alexander Greim
Developer and System Architect
Alexander programs and maintains the the backend of benztownbranding.com which he wrote in the Ruby Programing Language utilizing “Ruby on Rails” (RoR). RoR is also used by cutting edge web based companies such as Twitter and Hulu. Alexander has been a leading RoR developer for over 3 years now and is currently writing code for Benztown Branding version 2.0.
Andre Loehle
Assistant Producer
Born in the small city of Nordhausen, Andre Loehle responded the call of duty and rendered his civilian service in Hamburg at the age of 20. Andre developed a deep love for music and production in his younger years. He took out a loan, bought some turntables and a couple vinyls, immersed himself in the world of “playing with audio,” and began pursuing a career in professional imaging and producing. We met Andre, now living near Stuttgart, when he entered one of our production contests at benztownbranding.wordpress.com. Blown away by his extraordinary work ethic and his drive to always learn and improve, we gave him a chance to play with the big boys, and become part of the Benztown Family. He did not disappoint, and is now a sitting assistant producer for Benztown.
Barb Lovenguth
Business Manager
Barb’s introduction to radio came 13 years ago when she began working with Reg Johns, first at Fairwest Direct, then later at Mass 2 One (M2O) as he developed the Loyalty Program for radio. Barb has been responsible for both the operation and support areas of developing and maintaining listener databases, working closely with stations as they implemented their loyalty programs. Barb has a BS in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting, a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA), and is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Chris Johansing
Office Manager
Chris graduated from Cal State University, Northridge in 2008, with a degree in Music Industry Studies. He spent the first couple years of his career in the Music Publishing & Copyright Administration business, and then made his big move to Radio. His greatest passion is Music, his greatest love is his wonderful LARGE family, and he’s found that the greatest satisfaction in life (so far) comes from good old-fashioned hard work. Much of his spare time is spent tickling the ivory with his Blues/Classic Rock band “The SoundsGoods.”
Levon Tchayelian
Executive Assistant
Assistant Producer of the Melissa Etheridge Radio Show
Levon started in the radio industry in 2005 when he became board operator for Star 98.7 in Los Angeles, CA. His many projects as associate at Star included “On the Couch“ with Dr. Jenn and the nationally syndicated “Radio With a Twist“. In 2008, he became an associate producer for the ever popular, After Midnite with Blair Garner; where he was introduced to country music. In his spare time, he keeps busy with political pundit work, (when he can actually book something) with appearances on Free Speech TV and ComedyNation.com. During his radio career, he simultaneously had a ’regular’ job as an insurance adjuster. This pseudo career came to a close, due to the failing economy. He crossed paths with Benztown in August 2011 and was hired as an associate producer for the Melissa Etheridge Radio Show and the ’everything else’ guy.
Sonny Kennelly
Assistant Producer
Sonny was introduced to the Benztown team as an intern in the beginning of 2011. He is a Music Industry major and is ecstatic to gain experience working in the world of radio. After a few short months of interning and doing some “dirty work”, he became an assistant producer for Benztown Radio Networks. He considers himself very lucky to be involved with the production and distribution of radio content while still in college. Sonny desires to master the art of sound production, and is keeping his options open for the future. His dream is to somehow move people through the medium of music.
